I would like to thank the mayor and council members for their thoughtful consideration on the proposed Fountain Hills senior living project.

The denial of this project has the potential to be a turning point for the restoration of the citizen's trust in our town government.

Trust was mentioned at every turn during the lead up to the resounding property tax defeat as the main reason for not wanting to fund the town by means of an assessed tax. This project was surely controversial and contentious. It took nearly six months out of the lives of some of the citizens of Fountain Hills who opposed this project. I don't mean to insinuate that this was a waste of that time, but in my opinion, time is one’s most valuable commodity.

Did I mention the time our government officials took to read the mountain of paper from both the developer and the citizens to come to their careful decision? The mayor pointed out the fact that they had read every last word in consideration. All council members had thoughtful comments, but Mr. Magazine summed up the situation in Fountain Hills best when he called on the "voted on" General Plan to be followed, or why have one?

He went on to say zoning changes, waivers and variances are too often granted and citizens rely on this plan. Which brings me to ask the question, how on earth could the staff of Planning and Zoning recommend this project for approval? Especially after our Planning and Zoning Commissioners recommended denial. Trust is not limited to elected officials. Trust is something needed at the staff level as well. This was a good start. Now let's spend our time on more productive endeavors, like funding the needs of our town in a proper manner.