I have lived in Fountain Hills for just over 25 years and have seen many mayors and town councils come and go. I have seen many great things accomplished and some not so much! I have seen the good times of a burgeoning housing market and the bad times of what we call the real estate crunch, but we are stuck with that now and it is up to those of us who value their home and lifestyle to solve our existing financial conundrum.

I grew up with a saying: “If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we would all have a wonderful Christmas.” Well ifs and buts are not going to solve our revenue problem. Getting the facts and acting will.

I attended an information session about the need for the Environmental Fee and the hows and whys for its implementation. I was stunned to learn the extent of the problem and that the staff cuts and deferred street maintenance were not solving it. The Vision Fountain Hills team analyzed the situation and took their facts to a significant cross section of citizens, who spent a day discussing the options for solving the town’s need for revenue. The result was that over 90 percent believe a primary property tax is the best and most economical means.

I was a participant and can tell you that the process was a solid one. The result has been that the mayor and council voted unanimously to put the proposition to the people. The town government and staff are really behind this effort. The Chamber of Commerce and the Save Our Town Committee are busting their britches to get the information to all voters, so they can make the right choice for Fountain Hills on May 15.