Primary Property Tax: Yes, but then again, no.

I, like many residents, realize that Fountain Hills needs a primary property tax. Utilities, upkeep, repairs, and salaries will continue to rise. This is a fact that can’t be wished away.

I want to vote yes on a primary property tax, but there are many issues which make a yes vote unlikely. It boils down to I don’t trust town council and the mayor with an additional $7 million a year.

The lagoon and the lagoon study immediately come to mind. Then there’s the runway lights around the Fountain Park. (Sorry, walking path lights) When presented with a petition to tone down the lights, you turned it down. At early hearings concerning the Park Place development, you turned a deaf ear to your constituents who asked that the structure be limited to three floors and with an architectural style more in tune with Fountain Hills.

Finally, there's $453,000 in development fees for the Park Place complex. Last thing I read in the Times was that the town was informally negotiating with Bart Shea. Really?

Personally I, along with the other two registered voters in my home, will be voting no on the property tax until the town collects the full amount of the Park Place development fees; not some renegotiated lower amount. I will also encourage my friends and relatives in town to do the same.

Additionally, an accurate accounting of how the property tax revenues would be spent is a must.

As for the upcoming election for mayor and some council seats, I urge people not to re-elect council members who aren’t concerned with the best interests of our town and to not support any of their bids for higher elective office.