If any residents of Fountain Hills needed to be reminded that elections have consequences, they need look no further than Rick Dime’s recent letter proclaiming that: “(T)he faithful won the day” or Allen Skillicorn’s social media post featuring a beaming Donald Trump holding the Pinetree Flag, the symbol of Project 2025’s goal of controlling all aspects of society by applying “Biblical Principles.”
In Fountain Hills, Reclaim Our Town, purporting to represent the self-described fiscal conservatives, was joined by the far-right culture warriors to conduct a campaign that was even more vicious and vitriolic than its predecessor. Mayor Dickey, a visionary leader who fairly and faithfully guided our town for eight years, was falsely accused of being a fiscally irresponsible “leftist” and “anti-Christian.”
Those of us who attempted to raise the alarm and worked diligently to convince voters to stop the attempted takeover of our town by ROT and religious extremists failed. As a result, in the name of “fiscal conservatism,” no funds will be allocated to enhance our town or make it safer. Our streets will not be fixed. The council may even terminate our longstanding police services contract with Maricopa County and we will pay more for less protection.
The sanctions imposed on Allen Skillicorn, the self-described agent of chaos, are likely to be removed. We will lose more experienced staff members. The “culture wars” will intensify, expanding beyond reciting scripture during council meetings and social media attacks on marginalized communities. Efforts will be made to enact ordinances to advance Project 2025’s social and political agendas. Diversity Equity and Inclusion will be “banned,” members of the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants and the homeless will be targeted.
The “faithful” won the day, but at what cost? A Pyrrhic victory is nothing to celebrate.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
