In an unprecedented attempt to influence a Fountain Hills election, Richard Rutkowski contacted Americans for Prosperity for support to oppose the upcoming primary property tax election. Singlehandedly, he literally changed the landscape of politics in Fountain Hills forever. Now we get to look just like Scottsdale during campaign season.

It is legal to solicit outside money to support your political agenda. But what vested interest does AFP have in Fountain Hills’ roads, parks, public safety, services and infrastructure? Absolutely none. AFP is so out of touch with our issue they have an incorrect Election Day of April 25.

So why would Rutkowski reach out to the Koch brothers for funding? Not enough local dollars to oppose the much needed property tax or did nobody want to formally file a Political Action Committee to keep other donors secret? Save Our Town is a registered PAC and all donations are local and disclosed.

Furthermore, using public right of way is not illegal (unless it’s in the median) but it clearly flies in the face of a long-standing tradition that has governed political signs in Fountain Hills. It’s hard for me to imagine the efficacy of six ‘no’ signs within a short distance by the high school and past Golden Eagle Park. Does that tactic sway someone who hasn’t already decided how they’re voting? That would be crazy. But it certainly adds to the blight of an area much like the bed sheet banner nearby.

Obviously, there are some who oppose the primary property tax for a variety of reasons. And I support people’s right to place signs in their own yard. But let’s reject the influence of outside national political organizations and the clutter in our public right of ways.