Our family has lived in Fountain Hills for the past 20-plus years. Our two Fountain Hills grandchildren have had the privilege to attend the Fountain Hills public schools (Fountain Hills Unified School District) for the past four years.

In addition, our daughter-in-law, Amy Nichols, has served as a Fountain Hills Middle School seventh grade English teacher for almost five years. I, Wally, had the privilege of serving as mayor of this great town from 2003- 2008.

We understand the desire, and absolute need, for the tax override for our schools that will be voted on by the Fountain Hills taxpayers on Nov. 4. We’ve reviewed this tax override and realize it is in the best interests of our FHUSD students, teachers and administrators.

It is also in the best interests of our residents as it will increase property values. We are encouraged and supportive in that it will result in no tax increases to the voters. It is merely a continuation of an override that has been supported by Fountain Hills voters for the past 15 years.

It is important to emphasize how quickly technology changes and evolves. This tax override is mostly for “technology,” and it’s imperative that our students and teachers remain close to the cutting edge of technology to maximize individual performance in learning.

As a former mayor, it is important that we continue the legacy of having outstanding schools for the benefit of our students, teachers, administrators and parents.

Our citizens have never let the School District down in the past 15 years. We’re confident they will be supportive again. That’s the nature and spirit of our Fountain Hills residents...the town that resides as a “shining light on a tremendous hill!”

With extreme thankfulness to our very thoughtful, considerate and loving Fountain Hills citizens.

Let’s continue the tradition!