Steve Messel’s letter (“Re-election,” Fountain Hills Times Nov. 22) attacking Mayor Linda Kavanagh’s accomplishments was short on facts and long on vitriol.

Messel criticized Mayor Kavanagh for the condition of Fountain Hills’ roads. Setting aside the fact that the roads are not that bad compared to those of other municipalities coming out of the great recession, Mayor Kavanagh was a leader in the fight to get a new road bond passed, after a prior council put up an irresponsibly large bond that the voters rejected. That’s a big accomplishment!

Messel criticized the path lights inside Fountain Park. Many year-round residents wanted those lights so they could use the park during the hot summer, but the lights also extend park use for all residents. Besides, the lights are low intensity and only three feet tall.

Messel also criticized Mayor Kavanagh for not raising taxes. That’s a first. Mr. Messel, this is Arizona, not California or New Jersey. Besides, Mayor Kavanagh was a driving force behind the development of the downtown, which will generate considerable revenue for the town without burdening struggling families with higher taxes!

Messel concluded his letter with, “For a town so interested in attracting young professionals, why do we keep approving the construction of assisted living and/or nursing home structures?” First of all, in Mayor Kavanagh’s entire six year tenure, only one assisted living facility was added, MorningStar, and it provides a place for our older residents to move to when they can no longer live independently at home. Shame on Mr. Messel for being factually wrong and unfeeling to the needs of our seniors.

In addition, the new downtown building project will add first floor retail and about 400 units above, mostly rental. A vibrant downtown with rental apartments is just what young professionals want and Mayor Kavanagh delivered.