As (my final) meeting drew closer I tried to think of the most appropriate way to wrap up eight and a half years and say goodbye. Part of me just wanted to do a rendering of “Happy Trails to You” and fade quietly into the November night. But, as the original relic that actually remembers – along with Bev, Randy and Kenny – when Town Hall was in Building C where Dr. Hummel and SMIL currently reside, I figured I should come up with something to earn being an agenda item.

Since moving to Fountain Hills in 1989 and getting involved in the incorporation effort, I’ve been on both sides of the dais for over 20 of those years. It’s been a unique experience and allowed me opportunities to grow and do things I’d never done before, all in the context of serving our community, its residents and assisting the first town officials as they performed the arduous task of starting a town from scratch.

At this point I would like to extend a shout out, as they say, to interim mayor John Cutillo and interim council members Harry Barber, Joe Bill, Charlie Fox, Dick Haugen, Marti Lemieux and Mike Minarsich. These seven individuals were chosen out of over 50 applicants by Maricopa County Supervisor Jim Bruner to perform all of the statutory legislative requirements of a newly incorporated municipality, get the administrative infrastructure in place, prepare an interim budget and call for the first town election for the residents to choose their first ever elected Town Council. These seven individuals wisely involved many other community members to serve on 18 sub-committees to accomplish much in a matter of five months.

I was privileged to be their first hire and witnessed first-hand the time, dedication and selfless service they provided to the community during those five months. That same level of commitment continued when the first elected Town Council was sworn in on June 7, 1990 and calls for my second shout out to first Mayor John Cutillo and Vice Mayor Mike Minarsich, both voted unanimously by their peers to serve in those capacities. Rounding out the first Council were Frank Clark, Charlie Fox, Wally Hudson, Bill O’Brien and Peg Tibbetts.

These seven individuals brought an array of experience, expertise and knowledge to the council chambers with the single-minded focus on insuring the success and stability of the fledgling town. Those were memory-making years when much was accomplished and challenges met with a healthy balance of respect, hard work, camaraderie, good-natured pranks and laughter. Community outreach was key, family-like bonds permeated the minimal staff and the town team had no “I.” The council led by example and looked to the residents in establishing the early priorities of law enforcement, streets, parks and recreation and community center.

These early experiences and the people that shared them have contributed to the culture and values that I’ve tried to remember and practice throughout my years with the Town and I truly appreciate each and every one of them; especially Ms. Bev, who was there almost from the beginning and gave me a hug when I really needed it the first time I said goodbye to Town Hall in 2003.

In 2007, when I ran for council the first time, I think I wanted to try and inject some of that earlier culture into the apparent gap appearing between town hall and some residents over the inevitable issues that accompany change and growing pains. Humbled by and appreciative of the support I received from the voters, I’ve tried to serve the last eight years with the same values that were at the core of our community over 25 years ago – commitment to the success of our town and the partnership with the citizens so important to that success. With our citizens at the top of the town’s organizational chart, it takes a collective town team working equally together to effectively serve them. As our first town attorney Bill Farrell always reminded us, the public business is the public’s business; the only agendas we should have are the ones that serve the residents and best interests of our town. That builds public trust. Building public trust builds a community.

Life is change and constant adjustment to that change. It’s time for me to step aside and make way for the fresh ideas and enthusiasm that Art will bring to the council. The loss of Eleanor and Bruce over the last 14 months has been the biggest challenge of my life…I apologize for not being 100 percent involved during Bruce’s extended illness but appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding and support. Following major heart surgery in July my sister, Pam, has had several setbacks and is still rehabbing and thus unable to attend my last meeting. It’s driving her nuts. But Bev and Nancy have filled the gap and even got me hooked on plants again.

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches I’d like to close with thankful thoughts: The community of Fountain Hills and its residents that exude and exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and the memories they have created; forever views that bless our town and set us apart in the Valley of the Sun; councils past, present and future that are willing to give of their time in service to the community and the staff that supports them; forever friends that a close knit community fosters; family members, past and present, who will always be such important parts of our lives; thank you all for enough memories to last a lifetime.

And all that being said, happy trails to you until we meet again…