Election Day is nearly upon us, which means it’s time to start talking endorsements.

The past several issues of the paper have been packed with letters discussing the local election, and we encourage our readers to take the words of their neighbors, as well as our recent Q&A series with the candidates, to heart. You don’t have to agree with what folks are saying, but we believe hearing from others – both the good and the bad – makes for better-informed voting.

As a last reminder, we have election guidelines listed in this week’s paper, complete with info on polling locations, reference sites, etc. If you have not voted yet, be sure to give that a read before Aug. 30 arrives.

As for our endorsements, this was certainly a tough call. Fountain Hills is in something of a transitional period, which had a lot to do with The Times’ picks this election cycle.

That is precisely why we are endorsing the reelection of Linda Kavanagh to the position of mayor. Anyone who has spent time with she and her write-in opponent, Ginny Dickey, know that both of these folks have the town’s best interest at heart. They may not always see eye to eye on how to move Fountain Hills forward, but they both tend to listen to all parties involved and make careful, well-informed decisions. They’re both also extremely active in the community, which is one of the qualities we prize most.

However, as Fountain Hills transitions into the more “family friendly town” outlined by recent studies and initiatives, several key parts of that process have only just begun. Mayor Kavanagh has been instrumental in that very process, from working to approve new developments to pushing for a more varied and robust series of community events. It feels like the current mayor and council has laid the ground work for the future of Fountain Hills, and we would like to give Mayor Kavanagh the opportunity to see those efforts through.

As for the folks on the Council who will be helping her in those areas, we similarly endorse the reelection of incumbents Dennis Brown and Cecil Yates. Both played a large role in getting the downtown development projects rolling, and we agree with their stances on the State Trust Land. They bring their own expertise to the table, and we consider them a valuable asset to the Council.

For that third and final spot, we recommend Art Tolis. Tolis is already greatly involved in the workings of Fountain Hills and has proven that he wishes to take an even more active role. We believe a spot on the Town Council would be an excellent opportunity to do exactly that.