It’s inevitable – anything that could cost some money immediately gets pounced upon, eaten up and vomited out. And this is before the idea is even fully digested.

If McCulloch had listened to the boo-birds back in the late 1960s, the development of Fountain Hills would not exist today.

If the voters had followed along with naysayers in 1989, we would still be begging for things from Maricopa County or the City of Scottsdale. Incorporation would have never happened!

If leaders had gone along with NIMBY comments the past 25 years, virtually every housing development, plaza, neighborhood, second-story home and re-zoning effort would not be in existence.

If the CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) folks had gotten their way the past four decades, the CAVEs of today would not be enjoying their upscale homes in the Hills amid the peace and quiet – where they sit behind closed garage doors penning negative Nellie letters to the editor.

Fountain Hills was never intended to be a retirement or a bedroom community – and it never should be.

We don’t need more hyperbole and attacks – we need a realistic look at the town’s revenues and the facts. We need to invest in our town – not find ways to skate by or think others should pay.

We need to serve the citizens who are already here (of all ages) and, yes, encourage a few more folks to move in. This town needs to continue to grow, progress and improve. That’s not going to happen by doing nothing.

A majority of those who participated in the Vision Fountain Hills workshop and survey saw the facts – and the light. It’s time to look ahead and face the music – not turn around and stare into the corner, hoping the music dies along with our aging population.