In her recent State of the Town address, Mayor Ginny Dickey highlighted exciting progress, achievements and accolades, as well as challenges facing Fountain Hills and the Town Council in 2024 and beyond.  

For instance, some of the priorities on which she noted progress made in 2023, but where momentum should continue included:

• Building on our significant economic development momentum to complete a thriving downtown;
• Continued use of the citizen informed and approved General and Strategic Plans while addressing economic development and tourism;
• Ensuring financial security by continuing to observe conservative budgeting policies;
• Emphasis on safety by finalizing a new MCSO contract, and transitioning to a municipal fire department;
• Implementing important departmental plans;
• Investing in the community by preparing for and addressing the needs of our town's 50-year-old infrastructure, including underground, lake liner, and streets;
• Actively Nurturing our existing valuable partnerships and strategic representation;
• Continuing to support and exploit the International Dark Sky Discovery Center to attract national and international attention;
• Revising existing ordinances to support economic development and public safety, and humanely address social issues.

Mayor Dickey said, “As we enter the calendar year 2024, I do indeed believe our town is at a crossroads: we must address significant needs and at the same time press forward on important quality of life goals, seeking professional expertise, reasoned debate, public input, and a level of balanced, mature decision-making…We owe all our citizens, businesses and visitors our best efforts and respect – representing them with equal consideration and seriousness.”

Note the many action words and inclusivity in these statements. Mayor Dickey is a visionary leader who recognizes important needs and takes responsible, thoughtful action to address them. She is a servant leader and has earned our support through decades of service to the town. Our town needs her brand of leadership.

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