Slechta: We can’t let Friedel tarnish our town’s image

Gerry Friedel needs anger management.  If he has had it, he needs a refresher. We can’t let him tarnish our town’s image by insulting the accomplishments of our residents and Valley=wide leaders.

This week he insulted many of Mayor Dickey’s endorsements. Mr. Friedel, on social media, replied to my acknowledgement of two Verde River Hall of Fame recipients endorsing Mayor Dickey. He said a few of his endorsers “have accomplished more on their pinky than any of her (Mayor Dickey) endorsements.”

Friedel included Schweikert and Kolodin, ethics violators, in his list with special pinkies.

Jackie Miles and Jean Linzer, Verde River Hall of Fame inductees and decades of town service, endorsed Mayor Dickey. And several other Hall of Fame inductees have endorsed Mayor Dickey. And 10 mayors across the Valley, Democrat and Republican, have endorsed Mayor Dickey. And eight current and former councilmembers have endorsed Mayor Dickey. Several school officials have endorsed Mayor Dickey. And virtually all our major service providers endorsed Mayor Dickey. Republic Services, SRP and Cox are just a few.

Friedel must recognize his comments were embarrassing since it appears he attempted to delete them. Yes, and this behavior has been a pattern documented by others as well. He does not have the temperament to lead our town.

And for those reading this, just remember that Mayor Dickey has been endorsed by many “accomplished” people in our town as well as officials throughout Maricopa County. They recognize the accomplishments, the integrity, the bipartisanship and the vision that defines Mayor Dickey. We must re-elect Mayor Dickey and keep our town beautiful and the envy of the Valley.

Multiple screenshots of the comments noted above were provided for verification. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.