Though running unopposed, Mayor Linda Kavanagh was given a moment to address the audience attending the candidate forum hosted out of the District Learning Center Tuesday evening, June 21.

Kavanagh used part of her time to show support to incumbents Cecil Yates and Dennis Brown, as well as Town Council hopeful Art Tolis. Those three are joined by Mike Archambault and Tim Rawlings in vying for three seats in the upcoming August election.

Mayor Kavanagh’s endorsements can be read in a column she submitted this week on page 6A.

The rest of Kavangh’s talk revolved around where Fountain Hills has been these past two years of her term, as well as where she hopes to see it go in the coming two years.

“[I feel] so incredibly special to be a part of this town’s government,” Kavanagh began. “By now, most of you know where I stand on issues and that my primary concerns are maintaining limited government, keeping taxes low and maintaining a great hometown.”

Kavanagh said that Fountain Hills has enjoyed much success these past few years with “more improvement to our town than we’ve seen in a long time.”

Kavanagh said that she has received the message that Fountain Hills residents want to be proud to live here and bring their friends and family to the area.

“You didn’t want to live in a dying, shabby town with broken roads and peeling buildings,” she continued. “You didn’t want to live in a town with higher taxes and no services. I heard you…And we took action to fix up your roads, spruce up the parks, fund public safety, fund infrastructure and so much more.”

Kavanagh reiterated all of that was achieved without the need of raising taxes.

“This town must face the fact that economic development is paramount to our survival as a vibrant town,” Kavanagh continued, before offering her support to Brown, Yates and Tolis.

“This is a tough decision that you will have to make. I urge you to continue to be the great detectives you have always proved yourself to be to examine each candidate closely.”