Sometimes, things are just done because “that’s the way we’ve done things around here.” Sometimes, things aren’t subjected to needed questions because “that’s the way we’ve done things around here.” Sometimes, poor decisions are repeated because “that’s the way we’ve done things around here.”

Sometimes, voters realize that they will no longer accept that explanation. In recent history, this can be applied to the proposed lagoon project in Fountain Park, the proposed primary property tax, the wayfinding sign study and the proposed assisted living project near Saguaro and Shea.

In the Aug. 28 election for town council, are we going to make the necessary changes and elect candidates who are willing to take a fresh look at the issues facing the town? Are we going to elect three candidates who are willing to take a fresh look for reasonable, practical and financially responsible solutions? Are we going to elect three candidates who believe in government transparency and respect your role in that government? Are we going to elect three candidates who have specific expertise in finance and budget, government accounting and law enforcement? Will we elect three candidates who understand the need to listen to the residents of Fountain Hills?

I trust that your answer to these questions is yes. I urge you to vote for Gerry Friedel, David Spelich and Marcus Bulow von Dennewitz for town council. To learn more about Gerry, David and Marcus, please visit listeningtoyou.us.