Councilmember Friedel lacks the skills to serve effectively as the mayor of Fountain Hills. Friedel has been a weak and ineffectual councilmember and would be a terrible mayor. 

Friedel lacks interest. Friedel has shown little interest in obtaining an understanding of the issues brought before the council and appears incapable of making informed decisions. Friedel stumbles through discussions of critical issues, occasionally directing questions to town staff, demonstrating his lack of interest.

Friedel lacks courage. After acknowledging that he disagrees with Councilmember Skillicorn’s tactics, Friedel did not vote in favor of sanctions because he was concerned he would be sued. To placate a few angry residents, Friedel voted in favor of a 5G moratorium that had no legal effect. Friedel refused to publicly support the school bond or support the new administration. Friedel voted against the Four Peaks development after Reclaim Our Town (ROT) voiced its opposition. Friedel voted in favor of the resolution not to defend the referendum litigation. Friedel claimed that by voting “yes” he was not throwing anyone under the bus, even though a default judgment would result in an admission by the town and the town clerk that they had acted illegally.

Friedel lacks vision. During his weekly video performances Friedel has not presented a single innovative idea for addressing local issues or articulated a vision for the town’s future.  

In contrast to Friedel, Mayor Dickey is prepared to make decisions, prioritizes projects and allocates resources because she does her homework. Mayor Dickey’s decisions are not influenced by the risk of retaliation or litigation. Mayor Dickey has an articulated vision and a talent for working collaboratively to achieve that vision: a unified and even more vibrant Fountain Hills.

Mayor Dickey is the leader we need. Gerry Friedel is not.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.