When a politician says “Trust me,” hide your wallet.

Fountain Hills has financial problems. The most equitable solution is a primary property tax that would load a large amount of revenue into a general fund for the politicians to spend without restrictions by the voters. We have to trust the politicians and the people they hire to spend the funds wisely.

History has shown that voters in this town do not trust our politicians, and with good reason. During the recent election campaign the Mayor and several Town Council candidates repeatedly told voters that Fountain Hills will solve its financial problems with growth alone, with no new fees or taxes. They got elected.

These same officials will soon be coming to voters claiming that the town cannot get by on its existing revenues. Growth won’t save us. New taxes or new fees are needed.

Much of our town infrastructure is deteriorating due to a lack of available funds. The Community Center is scheduled for over $81,000 in needed repairs. Town officials recently waived the Community Center fees for the tribute to Sheriff Arpaio based on a promise that any profits will go to charity. However worthy the tribute, our officials gave up substantial fees for the use of that town asset.

Trust also comes from applying rules consistently for all citizens. In August 2016 Town Council refused to waive fees for use of the Community Center by a Farm-2-Table group. That group also pledged to donate all proceeds to the “Community Garden, veterans causes and local charities,” yet the Council refused to waive their fees.

The next time our politicians bemoan the town’s financial problems and ask us to trust them to find a solution, hide your wallet. Trust is earned by actions, not words. The voters are watching.