In 2006 the Strategic Plan was created — emphasizing key points, including dedication to environmental stewardship; reliance on our residents to address challenges; economic sustainability and cooperative partnerships presenting a welcoming, civic-minded hometown. The Strategic Plan Advisory Commission was established to champion these values.

The 2016 effort, VisionFH, is an ongoing project, with focus groups prepared to dive in and implement these and other community-driven values determined by the workshop and extensive survey.

The three volunteer focus groups being formed are: 1. Economic development; 2. Attract families and working professionals, along with sustaining our schools; 3. Town infrastructure and financial stability.

Each group will be expected to dig into details…and come up with some meaningful action items. In addition to the three focus groups, SPAC is busy analyzing the results of the VisionFH program and creating the next Strategic Plan for the Town.

Small town charm, safety, outdoor lifestyle, views, quality of life and education overlapped as the top responses to the questions, “What Can Fountain Hills be the best at?” and “What is your deepest passion in Fountain Hills?” That is very significant.

Yet the current mayor and some Council are largely dismissing this important work by FHCCA in favor of tourism and development at all costs. How do three retirement complexes in the downtown area (complete with ambulance calls), and four-story buildings (blocking views) fit in with the vision?

They also seem to have abandoned previous collaborative relationships with the School District, Ft. McDowell and others, leaving some feeling disenfranchised.

The direction has veered away from the original emphasis of serving the residents who already chose to be here. We need leadership who will embrace VisionFH and honor the citizen-driven goals so clearly defined.

Write in Ginny Dickey for Mayor and connect the arrow.