Even though Yates constantly interrupted Ginny at the debate (until he was shouted down by the crowd, since the moderator didn’t stop him), it was obvious that Ginny is better informed on the issues and not running to expand her business interests.
Mr. Yates made numerous questionable statements, but the one that got the most raised eyebrows from the crowd was when he insisted multiple times that the average cost of a home in Fountain Hills is over $500,000. Anyone who looks at the weekly home sales in The Times knows that simply isn’t true. Usually the average is between $350,000-$375,000.
A google search of Trulia indicates the past six months with a median (what most real estate people use) of $375,000, Zillow says $388,800, with 619 homes currently for sale in the 85268 zip code (hardly a shortage).
Yates seems to be trying to use scare tactics to encourage more development. Most people did not move to Fountain Hills for an overbuilt community of ugly “box” condos or apartments. Park Place, which Yates so actively promoted as a councilman, is an example of the type of development most people don’t want. It has completely ruined the ambience and views downtown.
Raging development might be good for Yates’ business portfolio and his employer, but it is not in the best interests of the town. Yates actually has a testimonial on the website of the developer that sued the town.
Ginny, on the other hand, will get citizen input for the type of growth we want. She was on the council when the State Trust Land was annexed and understands what is involved in having it as an asset to the town. She understands that we will need to consider a variety of ways to meet our budget.
