Gene Slechta is right (Times IndependentLetter to the Editor, 10/9/24) in his assessment of how Gerry Friedel seems to view local residents' contributions to our community. When considering the long list of bipartisan current and former citizens who support Mayor Dickey's reelection, Friedel posted that his supporters "have accomplished more on their pinky" compared to Mayor Dickey's supporters. That's not only disrespectful, but it’s revealing!
Dickey's local supporters are diverse. The list includes town and school district elected leaders, various administrators, those appointed to commissions or committees, volunteers and community benefactors, representing both parties and those not-party-affiliated – more than 70 listed. Only about half of those on Dickey’s list are Democrats. By the way, Dickey’s list includes 10 current regional mayors; more than half who are Republican! Friedel, not even one municipal mayor.
Not only has Friedel offended the many local residents who have contributed to our community, but it tells another story, too. I’ll paraphrase a famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." In this case, those on Friedel’s list have eliminated the rental tax, costing Fountain Hills more than $750,000 every single year; they are currently threatening to take over $5M in State Shared Revenue from the town; and they opposed allowing voters to decide whether to extend the regional freeway tax. It's not what they've done "for" Fountain Hills, it is what they're doing "to" Fountain Hills.
It's the small company that Gerry Friedel keeps. It’s a warning to Fountain Hills residents; he’s not about working with everyone to find the solutions that our town seeks.
Thanks, Mr. Slechta, for pointing all of this out. Friedel is just plain wrong for Fountain Hills.
Re-elect Ginny Dickey.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
