While serving with Ginny on the council for six-and-a-half years, we sometimes disagreed but it was always evident that she came to the meetings prepared and open to discuss the issue at hand. She was inclusive, readily “reached across the aisle” and never hesitated to share credit with others.
Being part of town government since 1989, I’ve watched partisan politics and divisiveness slowly permeate the council and Town Hall. More recently, some councilmembers have appeared disenfranchised, staff has ended up in compromising situations while trying to do their jobs, public input has fallen on deaf ears and the Vision Plan has lost its focus.
As mayor, Ginny would not lose focus on the core values that residents treasure in Fountain Hills and consistently identify as a reason for moving here; the small town feeling that reminds them of home. They value vistas not blocked by four-story urban dwellings inconsistent with the downtown and Vision Plan. They value attending council meetings where their voices matter and respect reigns.
“If we build it, they will come” works great in the movies. But Ginny realizes that maintaining and focusing on what we have creates the quality people seek and appreciate.
Fountain Hills is unique and cannot be put into a box or model. We need multifaceted solutions that address the challenges that growth brings while maintaining the natural gifts that Fountain Hills offers through its history, location, views and people. Embracing our past with our future is the best possible outcome and I believe Ginny can make that happen.
Life is balance. Building and maintaining a successful community is balance. Single focus creates tunnel vision and misses the big picture, especially when the candidate is the constant focus. When it comes to the future of Fountain Hills, Ginny gets the big picture.
