You can’t have it both ways. Councilman Friedel claims that the MCSO contract is the “fault” of Mayor Dickey, but he clearly doesn’t understand what’s in the contract.

First, it’s a negotiated contract between the town and MCSO, based upon input from a consulting firm and former Councilman Spelich. It’s Spelich who seems to be Friedel’s mentor, role model and spokesman on the matter. Yet almost all of the recommendations from both Spelich and the consultant firm were part of the negotiations. Most were incorporated.

Yet Friedel complains. Why?

The town was credited more than $700,000 in the negotiation. The town does not pay for Rio Verde Police enforcement. The town’s budget is not 50% police (it’s actually a combined 47% for police and fire services). The MCSO offices for this police district are in Fountain Hills, which means we have extra law enforcement presence including AZ Department of Public Safety in our town, too). The town provides “mutual aid” whenever needed for nearby jurisdictions, just like those nearby jurisdictions do for the town.

And it’s Friedel’s “mutual aid” position that really mystifies me. You see, Councilman Friedel said that “mutual aid is overrated” in a discussion about fire services. Yet he didn’t complain when 18 different fire units from six different municipalities, including the state, showed up to help manage that Eagle’s Nest wash fire less than month ago. 

So, what’s that say about his shallow assertions about MCSO and its role as not only our local police force, but the county as well?

Friedel just doesn’t understand.  He’s not right for Fountain Hills.

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