I was saddened to bring public the threat made to me and my family by Alan Magazine. I am thankful to our Mayor, Council, Town Manager, Town staff and Town Attorney for assisting in a resolution.

On June 19, 2015, Alan somehow obtained my private cellphone number. On the second attempt, he willfully threatened me and ordered me not to “challenge” him on making good on his threat.

He did so because I dared to question and determine which member of Council threatened Extended Hands Food Bank with defunding and forcing them out of town.

On November 27, 2015, the Judge sustained as violations four provisions of the Town Code of Ethics. A portion of what the Judge stated about Alan:

1. Was cryptic, harsh and offensive.

2. His abrupt manner did not ensure that government was conducted openly, efficiently, equitably and honorably in a manner permitting citizens to become fully informed and to allow town officials to be held accountable for their actions.

3. The letter, spirit and intentions incorporated in the Code of Ethics, which all elected officials must sign, was missing throughout his conduct in this matter.

4. He was rude and harsh.

5. He exercised poor judgement.

6. The harshness of his threatening words evoked specters of malice, vindictiveness and retribution.

Transparent government is heralded. Politics has become a nasty and vicious business. As a community we can demand higher standards from our leaders. Sadly, our community has a history of elected officials with deplorable behavior leading up to and including Magazine’s.

We must never allow rogue elected officials to be above the law and our code of decency. Without accountability, chaos will ensue. With some minor changes to our Code of Ethics, Fountain Hills can be a leader in this regard.