Before the election and since, Mayor Ginny Dickey spent a lot of time talking with the citizens of Fountain Hills and she doesn’t plan to stop now that she has been sworn in.

“I want to continue to engage with people who are able to help with solutions,” Dickey said. “There is a lot of desire by those who want to pitch in.”

Dickey was sworn in on Dec. 4 as the eighth mayor of Fountain Hills since incorporation in 1989. While Dickey herself served eight years previously on the Town Council she is joined by three others who are new to service – a rare four-seat turnover at one election. One incumbent, Councilman Alan Magazine, was re-elected.

New Council members Mike Scharnow and David Spelich joined Dickey in taking the oath of office on Dec. 4. They were led by an earlier newcomer, Councilwoman Sherry Leckrone, who was sworn in October 16 to fill a vacant seat.

Dickey said she has spent a lot of time since Election Day meeting with the new council members and getting to know them. She is looking forward to working well with the group. She said she has also been spending time with residents who want to provide input and discuss issues.

“Starbucks is becoming a favorite hangout,” she said. “I’m meeting people with a lot of different experiences and concerns.”

Dickey said residents have a lot of expertise that she hopes the town can leverage to work on solving problems and getting things done.

“There are people with a lot of experience in town, and they want to be part of the solutions,” Dickey said. She sees citizens participating in ad-hoc discussions and working groups.

Dickey’s priorities are consistent with what have been council-stated priorities for a number of years, including public safety and preserving community assets, particularly streets and other infrastructure.

She also wants to enhance efforts to work on economic objectives in healthcare, administration and education.

Dickey said she has also met with officials from the utilities serving the community. The Sanitary District is a separate municipal entity from the town and EPCOR Water is a private company providing water service. She said they are eager to work with the town in any way necessary.

Dickey said she wants to involve council members to serve as liaisons with other entities. This would go beyond maintaining current relationships with MAG and GPEC. She wants someone on the council to work closely with the two adjoining Native American communities, Fort McDowell and Salt River, as well as the Fountain Hills Unified School District.

“We are all serving the same people and need to communicate to address common issues,” Dickey said. “The school district is our largest employer in town. We need to give them support and spread the word about their story.”

Going forward, Dickey said she is all about partnerships between town government, the citizens and businesses.

“Everyone needs to be part of what is going on,” Dickey said. “All working together.”