I’ve written three letters – never sent, hoping this was in the past – but it was resurrected in a mean-spirited ad against Ginny Dickey. Their version of the 2013 event is seriously flawed.

Media circus: Actor Steven Seagal was invited here in a mock mass shooting for the MSCO posse. Why, if not to attract media attention?

Right to peace: My notes reflect it was very disruptive! I asked if the exercise had been in the paper and if FHUSD approved it. I was told that MCSO missed the deadline for the paper, though they’d worked within that deadline for years, and that FHUSD hadn’t been properly notified.

Responsibility to constituents: Officials instigated and allowed hateful words used against our taxpaying citizens by their “actor” friend. He said despicable things to anyone with legitimate concern; not against law enforcement, but the sneaky approach taken by officials. A Confederate flag was displayed in front of my house. Rows of motorcycles blasted music. Members of the Phoenix media and beyond were there. Our quiet day was blown apart. I watched an elderly lady with her dog quickly exit the area upon seeing MCSO/S.W.A.T. vehicles and personnel, thinking Four Peaks was under siege.

The right to protest: This exercise was appropriately protested by citizens who were honestly concerned with accountability and cronyism in our local government. Good for them for showing up!

Past performance: Our mayor had no regard for her constituents that day. I sent a respectful letter to her following the exercise, but she didn’t bother to respond. That was the second time I’d reached out to her; the first being a personal letter about bullying in school, sent within weeks of her first election. No response.