It’s interesting the spins that competition puts on Mayor Dickey’s tenure as mayor and, even more, how they see our town’s future.
Arpaio was telling everyone how Dickey and Friedel were the same, while he (Arpaio) was different. In most ways, I could easily agree – because Arpaio has no local leader track record, so absent him explaining what he’d do in the same situations as Dickey and Friedel, nothing is material. Not surprised?
But to say that Dickey and Friedel are the same is far from the facts. When it comes to streets, staffing, studies and salaries, there are major differences between what those two advocate for.
Dickey wants investment strategies that are shovel ready, enabling future grant and partnering opportunities. That requires planning, homework and pre-engineering – which can be applied to future options to construct streets, parks, sidewalks and other.
Dickey believes that competitive salaries (with our neighbors) allows us to keep the best people working for the town. Meanwhile, Friedel has damaged staff relations, where we have seen people leave for jobs in other towns/cities. He even wanted the town to not defend the town clerk in a lawsuit. She has since resigned and is moving on. Who’s next?
Stop to think of it, it seems when you listen to Friedel, you hear about the things that he doesn’t like; not so much about what he likes. His proclaimed acumen in finance has yet to surface during his years on council. He’s voted “yes” for every town budget, including capital investments.
Friedel seemingly wants to stop progress. Dickey wants our town to grow and advance. And let’s be clear, Dickey doesn’t want Fountain Hills to turn into Scottsdale, despite the allegations.
Guess who I’m voting for on Nov. 5? Mayor Ginny Dickey.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
