I find it hard to believe the claim that Friedel is the “hardworking” council member when you look at the actual record, which is almost the opposite. 

There are 20 regional positions for council members to fill by volunteering: McMahon = 6, Dickey = 5, Friedel = 1.

There are seven local positions for council members to fill. Dickey = 3, McMahon = 2, Friedel = 0.

There are two mandatory committees for interviewing prospective town volunteers. McMahon = 1, Friedel = 1.

But let’s be fair, how does that compare with all of our elected leaders? It’s simple, there are 33 opportunities to represent this town on commissions and committees, both locally and regionally. The tally, by ranking? Councilperson McMahon = 9. Mayor Dickey = 8. Councilperson Kalivianakis = 5. Councilperson Grzybowski = 5. Councilperson Toth = 2. Councilperson Friedel = 2. Councilperson Skillicorn = 1. Open = 1.

So, I must wonder, who is hardworking, and who is not-so-much? No question, Councilperson Skillicorn represents himself much better than he does the town. His ranking is last, but we all knew that already.

As to Councilperson Friedel? Well, along with Toth, both are close enough to the bottom to basically be tied with Skillicorn. That’s not hardworking in my book!

Don’t be surprised though: Councilperson McMahon does her homework. She represents the town well. And Mayor Dickey, along with representing our town by “being Mayor,” she’s a close second.  

So, look who does the most work for the town’s residents. Labels and claims mean very little when it comes to making informed choices. Choose those who represent you, not only on the dais, but with all the other things elected people are supposed be doing for our town.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.