Mr. Yates, enough already!

Many residents of Fountain Hills have understandably voiced displeasure at the excessive signage, self-serving Facebook postings and ubiquitous, unseemly flesh-pressing being conducted by Mr. Yates and his campaign.

No opportunity is missed to trumpet his name in an unapologetic attempt to overwhelm with name recognition in hopes that such behavior will translate into votes. At the debate, he ended many comments with a loud “vote Cecil,” uttered like an expletive, while his opponent, Ginny Dickey, instead maintained her dignity.

He has plastered the town with signs, while she intentionally saved most of hers for the private property of residents who had actually requested one. He placed himself at the entry door of the recent council candidates’ debate to shake the hand of every attendee, though it was the council candidates’ event, not his. Ginny was also in attendance, but maintained a low-key presence, talking quietly with those who wished to speak with her.

On Facebook, “Cecil Yates” was the prominent element in his post whose ostensible purpose was his heretofore unseen praise of local businesses. He next posted an incomprehensible, hypothetical market projections chart which he uses for campaign purposes after having ordered it at public expense as a council member. It is on Town letterhead, citing him as requester; he then claimed it somehow affirmed his nebulous position that development is the universal solution to all problems.

Mr. Yates’ conduct as a candidate, versus that of his opponent, defines the differences between them. One must not get away with pretending to simply be a nice guy when there is a premeditated motive to seek political advantage behind every personal appearance, the excessive signage, and the self-serving postings masquerading as otherwise in print and social media. Enough is enough!