Since 2008 our Town has experienced some stressful financial times, which begs a question: In the past eight years, has the Town addressed the community’s future or has it just simply maintained existing amenities?

The answer is neither. In reality, with the exception of voter-approved bonds to replace Saguaro, the Town is not able to maintain what it has and it should be no surprise that it’s facing some mushrooming problems.

On two previous occasions voters rejected a primary property tax using the argument that new developments will be the community’s financial salvation. Unfortunately, this old adage has recently surfaced again on our Town Council.

Think about it; once-upon-a-time every development in Fountain Hills was “new” and if new developments are really “the solution,” then why is the Town facing a financial shortfall? What is true is new developments do make investments in the community at the onset, but those are just one-time revenues. It’s been proven for many years that new developments do not sustain a community; a community must sustain itself.

Now that we are into a New Year and Town financial problems are looming, will this be the year that the community finds common grounds to sustain itself? If the answer is yes, then hopefully the dialogue will happen early in the year and focus on realities, not wishful thinking.

In successful businesses, the board of directors is the group that establishes direction, and once a direction is agreed to, the board joins together and promotes the decision. Will 2017 be the year that the Town Council (our board of directors) comes to an agreement on the best direction for our community, and then actively promote its decision?