The Fountain Hills Democratic Club resumed its regular monthly meetings Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Fountain Hills Community Center, beginning with a moment of silence in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The evening featured three guest speakers: Dr. Teresa “Terry” Ruiz, a 2026 candidate for Arizona state superintendent of public instruction, along with Diane Green and Jeff Robbins from the Democrats of Rim Country in Payson.

Ruiz, a third-generation Arizonan and lifelong product of public education, shared her vision for revitalizing Arizona’s public schools.

Raised in South Phoenix and a first-generation college graduate, Ruiz holds degrees from Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. She spent 35 years in public education as a teacher, administrator, and as president of Glendale Community College.

“I know firsthand the power of public education,” Ruiz said. “Arizona’s public schools gave me opportunities my parents could only dream of. I’m running to ensure those same opportunities are available for all students.”

Her platform includes increasing teacher pay, investing in early learning and dual-enrollment programs, expanding mental health services in schools and restoring respect for educators.

According to club spokesperson Dave Long, Ruiz emphasized that strong public education is not only a moral issue but an economic one, essential to Arizona’s long-term prosperity.

Also speaking were Green and Robbins of the Democrats of Rim Country, who shared how their group has successfully built community in the predominantly Republican town of Payson.

Green, the group’s president, described the organization’s decade-long history of encouraging civic engagement through social events, monthly meetings and grassroots outreach. One of their most popular initiatives is the “Donut Army” — a weekly gathering for civil political discussion that started with just six people and now draws approximately 75 attendees each Saturday, where all viewpoints are welcome.

Green highlighted the group’s commitment to public service, including charitable efforts such as paying off school lunch debt across Gila County and sponsoring free rides on the Beeline Bus for the month of August 2024.

Robbins, a veteran and active voice in the Payson community, spoke about the importance of respectful political dialogue. He regularly contributes letters to the editor and participates in discussions on KMOG Country Radio (FM 103.3 / AM 1420).

“When we focus on shared concerns — like health, families and quality of life — we can have conversations that lead to real solutions,” Robbins said.

The next meeting of the Fountain Hills Democratic Club is scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Fountain Hills Community Center.

For information, visit fhdemclub.org or follow the group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/FHDemClub.org.