The Fountain Hills Democratic Club’s last meeting before summer hiatus was standing room only.

The event May 9 featured presentations by a number of candidates and officials.

Steven Slugocki, chair of the Maricopa County Democratic Party, was keynote speaker. Slugocki recapped the 2018 election successes in which Democrats won the U.S. Senate seat, as well as statewide offices for secretaries of state and education. He said these victories followed on the 2016 election achievements in which Democrats won six out of nine countywide elections including sheriff and auditor. He said high voter turnout in LD23, which includes Fountain Hills, helped achieve the wins.

The chair presented strategies for the 2020 elections. He said while the national election is of utmost importance, equally vital is winning seats in local elections. He said local elections are how significant change happens.

Slugocki concluded with the plans in place for 2020, which include registering voters, providing a bench of qualified candidates for all positions and raising money. He said LD23 is a key component of a winning strategy and precinct committee persons and volunteers will be the foundation for future efforts.

Fountain Hills Mayor Ginny Dickey presented a brief summary of the accomplishments so far of the Town Council under her leadership. She said she is especially pleased that the council members are working well together as a team and as colleagues whose diverse views are respected.

She also emphasized the commitment to transparency that had been a part of her platform. She said every council meeting is now on tape and the retreat is on video. School safety is an ongoing concern, and Dickey has been working closely with MCSO and FHUSD to that end. Road improvements are taking place, and pedestrian safety is being examined.

Two Sanitary District candidates, Jerry Butler and Bob Thompson spoke about their desire to serve the town and their qualifications for the district.

Eric Kurland, a retired teacher and former candidate for state representative, announced that he is running again for this seat in LD23. Kurland's focus continues to be on ensuring that Arizona has a sound educational system and that teachers are treated fairly. He explained that there is funding available to improve state schools. It is a matter of priority on how the funds are used.

He is also concerned about the current privatization of prisons and their purpose to make a profit. He said there should be no place for profit in the public sector. Kurland lost the election in 2018 by only three points.

The Fountain Hills Democratic Club will host happy hours on June 13, July 11 and August 8. Regular meetings resume in September. All are welcome at the club’s events.

Long introduced the board of directors and announced that the club now has 200 members.