In the upcoming mayoral race, let me help make the choice clear. If ever there was a longstanding pillar of the community, it is Ginny Dickey.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Ginny for 34 years, shortly after she moved here, a member of a founding and multi-talented family of Fountain Hills, that of top surgeon Dr. Vincent Russo.

This apple didn’t fall far from the tree, with Ginny’s Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Tufts University. With a well-rounded love for cultural enrichment as well, Ginny hit the ground running, getting involved in helping establish the quality of character of this unique town as a beautiful environment to live, but also of quality schools and businesses.

Her website, ginnydickey4mayor.com, has details on her vast experience and community awards, from twice local school board president to cultural, business and environmental board positions, both at the local and state agency levels.

Now about the person. The first thing you notice about Ginny is her authentic smile, which never leaves her face, even when she talks. It is an expression of her incredibly effervescent, positive attitude toward everything she does, and that will be an invaluable asset as mayor, combined with her ability and priority to listen and evaluate all perspectives and concerns.

I know her to be a non-partisan, issue-driven decision maker, which would be a welcome change from the too often alienating and negative atmosphere with leadership of the current town council. With her education, experience and character noted above, she would be a trustworthy arbiter of tax expenditures on much-needed improvements and maximum quality of life in Fountain Hills.