By Gregg Dudash | Fountain Hills
Some people collect stamps. Others collect grievances. Fountain Hills progressives, however, seem to collect enemies — chief among them, Reclaim Our Town (ROT).
They act as though ROT is some sinister cabal, a shadow government of lawn signs and secret code words. But let’s be honest: it’s just a Conservative PAC, not the Illuminati. Crystal Cavanaugh started the group and she is a very sensible lady, espousing a common sense Conservative agenda. (Full disclosure: I am not a member of ROT.)
The left’s latest outrage? Demanding to know where town council members “stand” on ROT. The accusation? Being “ROT-aligned.” Which, let’s face it, is just progressive speak for having opinions they don’t like. Here’s the reality check: ROT is conservative.
The new council is also conservative. Of course, their interests align. This isn't a conspiracy — it’s called winning elections.
Speaking of elections, another tired talking point is that Mayor Friedel’s victory was somehow unfairly secured. Please. A couple of yard signs didn’t flip 1,600 votes. The moment the race went to a runoff, it was over. Joe Arpaio’s 1,500 votes were always going to Gerry Friedel. The support was simply not there for the former mayor. It wasn’t even close.
But progressives are essentially demanding that councilmembers publicly denounce ROT. What’s next? Forced confessions of the “ROT-aligned?” A loyalty oath to the Church of Woke? Stalinist show trials? I thought that the left was opposed to McCarthyism. Apparently not.
In the end, their outcry changes nothing. The voters spoke. And what they said — loudly — is that they’re done with progressive politics in this town. Maybe it’s time for Fountain Hills’ left to stop screaming about ROT and start reflecting on why they lost.
That would be a conversation worth having.
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