Mayor and council candidates profess their love of Fountain Hills for myriad reasons. I’ve been part of the many shared efforts that brought us to this high point since 1983. My family has been deeply committed to our hometown, creating a foundation that spans generations.
I’ve been serving as mayor for six years, practicing conservative budgeting, posting record-high property values, adding new and expanded businesses including an ER, offering ever-increasing activities and award-winning parks. Staff is professional and committed. We launched a fire department! We’re known nationwide as a very safe community after decades of service from MCSO.
It’s exciting to continue our progress through multiple masterplans and downtown strategies, sustaining commercial spaces with creative solutions, working with realtors, the Chamber, the Dark Sky Discovery Center and more. Capitalizing on mixed-use housing inventory, street improvements, our unique hospitality, outdoor recreation and entertainment options, plus bolstering our school district – the #1 employer – only adds to our successes locally and regionally.
We can preserve our safe and special quality of life, along with a thriving economy and amenities spanning all ages. These are not mutually exclusive. There is room for everyone to live in neighborhoods that suit them.
This is where the “crossroad” I spoke of during the State of the Town comes in.
Referring to which path we might follow to respectfully unite our community in good faith, an additional choice emerged: Are we reconciled to possibly becoming a retirement community of largely part-time residents? Or instead, attract a multigenerational, engaged and growing population whose lifestyle is supported right here in town?
I am by nature optimistic, happy to welcome families … the same way we were embraced 40 years ago. I’m confident we can travel the “crossroad” together, keeping Fountain Hills a star-filled oasis in the Valley of the Sun.
Choosing me on November 5th can assure our Town moves forward!
TAKE IT TO A POLLING PLACE........ YOU HAVE JUST
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I want to emphasize the importance of voting in the General election on November 5, 2024.
Election Day Voting Centers on Nov. 5th -- including drop boxes: Open from 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
* Cornerstone Church, 10215 N. Saguaro Dr.
* Methodist Church, 15300 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.
* Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana
Electioneering: ONLY permitted at the Community Center on Election Day, Nov. 5th.
Choosing me on November 5th can assure our Town moves forward!
There remain unfinished projects that deserve Mayor/Council’s close consideration, including the completion of Park Place and the downtown enhancement, improvements to our publicly-owned assets, strategic consideration of economic growth opportunities, and sustaining our current commercial spaces with creative solutions. I want to engage our community in those conversations.
I welcome the challenge to finalize a long-term strategy to reach acceptable standards for our streets, to assist with the establishment of our municipal fire department, to implement the new MCSO contract, and to advocate for the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, all while tending to our infrastructure needs, including Fountain Lake.
Other important goals include civility, unity, and predictable, fair governance, to ensure an equal voice and respect to all our neighbors. We can successfully move forward even with a variety of individual priorities by working together in good faith.
I believe I bring a measured, informed, and steady leadership style to our community, and I stand by my record as a decision-maker.
Choosing me on November 5th can assure our Town moves forward.
ELECTION DAY VOTING
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This campaign season opponents and political action committees will attack me, spreading false information and inventing outrage:
• Labels divide the community
• Facts matter - be curious
• Keep it local
• Ask for solutions
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GET THE TRUTH UPDATE
10/25/24
As I said in January, it is challenging to run a positive, focused campaign when literally we must counter pure fabrications every day. I suppose that is the intention of the opposition and ROT… creating chaos, distrust and cynicism to the point of exhaustion… but then is that who should be leading a community of 24K people with a variety of backgrounds, goals and interests who call Fountain Hills home?
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Here are some of those fabrications as we enter the final days of the General Election.
1. Recent accusations regarding the appointment of a Councilperson to a vacant seat bear no resemblance to State or local laws. Gerry Freidel has purposely misled the public in several ways about this issue, worse yet, causing the lie to echo by distributing it to the media.
• First: That the Mayor appoints Council Members. The Council appoints.
• Second: That no action was taken. In fact, the item was on an agenda and failed.
• Third: That action even needed to be taken. It did not.
• Fourth: There was no legal justification for the “1487” and that was known by those initiating it. In fact, Sen. Kavanagh was on the Council when they left a vacancy for almost a year. Clearly not illegal then and not illegal now. The only ones willing to “bankrupt the Town” were Kavanagh colleagues Reps. Kolodin and Chaplik.
• Fifth: Even if the “1487” was confirmed by the State Attorney General's office, there was an easy fix. No risk at all, just another empty threat.
2. A blatant falsehood was posted publicly by Gerry Freidel that the School District failed under my watch as a Board Member from 1994-2002. There is much evidence including increased enrollment, strong community support for bonds and overrides and new schools.
3. Recently it was posted that the Town hired a new company who purportedly capture your pets and heartlessly pull them from their owners. We have contracted with them for years and have support of organizations throughout the community to enforce leash laws.
4. Claims that staff have ignored the Dog Park are not true. The Town continues to invest in the Dog Park and partner with ADOG and others for improvements.
5. It is a clear, almost
laughable lie that I only show up for photo ops and sit in my office. Check attendance for the Chamber Awards, Volunteer Dinners and FH Safety presentations, etc. We note the empty chair. You won’t find me front and center in the photos at the almost weekly ribbon cuttings, but I'm there.
6. Voting Actions:
• I did not vote to limit restrictions on sober living homes… I voted FOR more restrictions. The ordinance we passed was one I worked on with Councilmember Spelich and Commissioner Gray, and they agreed.
• I voted to ADD restrictions to wireless communications. (Except voted NO on the illegal moratorium.) Claims by some Council and Commissioners that this ordinance change was not public, somehow a surprise or secret was just incorrect. I specifically asked and staff said it was in 2 public agendas, that P&Z saw this already and in fact staff incorporated some of the Commissioners’ comments which were ultimately adopted by Council 4-3.
• I voted FOR reasonable and legal panhandling restrictions and approved the signs at intersections. I voted NO on the illegal restrictions.
• I am proud of our vote to support the revitalization of the Target Plaza which will also supply housing inventory options for present and future residents.
I did not vote to allow a developer to ignore regulations. We have a tool to request rezoning and Sandor/Village at Four Peaks met all the requirements, including for parking and height. The density of the Target project is virtually the same as Park Place. And like Park Place, again the completion of which I SUPPORT, Target is attracting at least 3 new businesses/investors with more to come.
• I VOTED NO ON DAYBREAK. I also voted no on Senderos.
• The MCSO IGA included a $722K credit for vacancies. Claims of lesser amounts are purposely falsely spread. The entire MCSO contract argument is based on erroneous information that has been explained many times, including correcting many misstatements by a previous Councilperson. Meanwhile, Gerry Friedel has refused to meet with the current and previous Sheriff. But indicated he would meet with the new one, assuming it's the one who wins and publicly endorsed him.
• I’ve worked on virtually all Make a Difference Day projects over many years. I missed this one to attend my 50th HS reunion, out-of-state. Gerry’s supporters chose to use that day to stand on Saguaro with placards targeting me and residents they label like me.
• All Park Place development decisions are made by Council, not just the Mayor. Allegations of lost funding are just that. Permits have been ready. When actual funding is available, the project can move forward.
7. I am sorry to involve our Fire Fighters facing dishonest accusations about their support for me but the FH Fire Fighters are part of Local 2260.
I will repeat -- support from PACs with little in common with each other is an endorsement of our town. Utilities, grocery workers, firefighters, and more want to partner alongside a thriving community with regional standing and steady leadership who treats our shared constituents with respect.
8. Gerry Friedel mocked my endorsements… a list that includes local and regional leaders and elected officials, volunteers and business organizations of all parties… and no party. I chose to seek the support of those who may not always align with me politically to illustrate my continued ability to serve the entire community. It would be difficult to assign that intention to my opponent.
9. Executive Sessions and transparency have been brought up a lot.
I respond to contacts and requests. I have followed the letter of the law and our Rules of Procedure as advised by internal and outside legal counsel.
· My social media accounts are entirely public with comments allowed. Gerry Friedel has blocked constituents and removed their comments. He has even apparently felt the need to remove his own, indicating a lack of discipline and judgment. He has failed to explain the physical altercation at his Primary Election watch party. He hasn’t answered a direct question asking if he is building a house or planning to move to Belize. Gerry accuses others of secret inappropriate action but thinks nothing of meeting with developers or businesses. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, which applies to all of us. But insinuating yourself at staff meetings or unilaterally directing staff? That is what is entirely inappropriate and paralyzing.
· Meeting in Executive Session with legal representation protects the Community. There are a limited number of topics that are allowed to be discussed this way, governed by State and local laws and determined by the municipal attorney’s direction. Beyond just staffing/personnel issues… as has been suggested… it would be contrary to the interests of the Town to discuss, for example, land sales, lawsuits, development agreements or potential investment in Fountain Hills.
· Gerry Friedel… who has been on the dais for several years… complains we have had too many E-Sessions in the last 22 months. This corresponds with the last election, which indeed led to more legal advice required than in the past. This pledge to reduce Executive Sessions is empty on its face, and risky.
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I don’t fault residents for repeating some of these things, but I will ask again: please contact Town Hall with questions and concerns. I know sometimes the answers are just plainly disappointing to some, but we all do our best for the good of the entire community. I welcome everyone, no matter who they supported, to partner with me should I have the
honor to continue to serve as Mayor.
Choosing me on November 5th can assure our Town moves forward!
As we approach this crossroads, the General election will determine our direction. Let’s be thorough, thoughtful, reasoned, and strive to work together for the Town’s betterment.
Choosing me on November 5th can assure our Town moves forward.
SEE THESE TITLES:
"DICKEY DESERVES ANOTHER TERM AS MAYOR"
"WE OWE MUCH TO MAYOR DICKEY'S LEADERSHIP"
"THE CHOICE THIS ELECTION IS CLEAR"
"LET'S LEEP FOUNTAIN HILLS ON A GREAT PATH"
"VOTE FOR LELADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY"
"LET'S KEEP MOVING IN A POSITIVE, PRODUCTIVE WAY"
"WHY I'M ENDORSING GINNY DICKEY FOR MAYOR"
"COMPARING CANDIDATES BASED UPON CHAMBER REPORT"
"GET OFF THE FENCE AND VOTE FOR DICKEY"
"LET'S KEEP THIS TOWN GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION"
"I'M VOTING TO KEEP GINNY DICKEY AS OUR MAYOR"
"VOTING TO KEEP FOUNTAIN HILLS PROGRESSING"
I'M EXCITED TO CONTINUE OUR PROGRESS"
"VOTE FOR TRANSPARENCY IN FH"
"QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER"
"WE CAN VOTE FOR COLLABORATION OVER CONFRONTATION"
"A VOTE FOR GINNY DICKEY"
"HEARTFELT ENDORSEMENT"
'DICKEY IS BEST SUITED TO CONTINUE AS OUR MAYOR"
"VOTE FOR ETHICAL, SENSIBLE, QUALITY LEADERSHIP"
"JOIN ME IN VOTING FOR MAYOR DICKEY"
"WHICH COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE TRULY INVOLVED?"
"MAYOR DICKEY GETS THINGS DONE"
"VOTE DICKEY TO KEEP PROGRESSING"
"MAYOR DICKEY VERSUS THE FIELD"
"THE MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MAYOR DICKEY"
"GINNY DICKEY IS A RECOGNIZED LEADER"
"DICKEY IS A TREMENDOUS LOCAL LEADER"
"TRUST AND VOTE FOR MAYOR DICKEY"
"DICKEY HAS MY ENTHUSIASTIC VOTE"
"WE SUPPORT GINNY DICKEY FOR MAYOR"
"STEADY LEADERSHIP AND EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE"
"THE CHOICE SEEMS CLEAR"
Choosing me on November 5th can assure our Town moves forward!
I have lived in Fountain Hills for four decades. I'm currently serving my third 2-year term as Mayor, and prior to that served two 4-year terms on Council. I also served two 4-year terms on the Fountain Hills Unified School District Board of Education.
Choosing me on November 5th can assure our Town moves forward!
VOTE BY MAIL OR ON ELECTION DAY
Choosing me on November 5th can assure our Town moves forward!
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· Henry Leger, Former Town Council Member: “An experienced leader who as Mayor has demonstrated vision, integrity and a balanced temperament in working collectively with others in making our town a better place.”
· Eric Landau: “…enjoy the leadership of a congenial, inclusive mayor who is fully engaged, knowledgeable and effective in town governance while being open to hearing the voices of the diverse interests and opinions of Fountain Hills residents and business owners.”
· Dwight Johnson: “Ginny is one of the ‘great ones’ in Fountain Hills… who cares deeply for our community, is passionate about what she does and spends the time required to help people ‘one on one’.”
· Beth Culp: “Ginny Dickey has demonstrated a unique talent for forging meaningful government, business and civic partnerships, has proven that she can manage the town’s limited resources effectively and has successfully pursued alternate funding sources to support special projects and infrastructure improvements.” “Mayor Dickey has an articulated vision and a talent for working collaboratively to achieve that vision: a unified and even more vibrant Fountain Hills.”
· Marian Hermie, former FHUSD Superintendent: “A proven trustworthy collaborator who works tirelessly for our community.”
· Pam Cap: “… listens and then considers what action is reasonable. She takes the appropriate steps to ensure our community is impacted in a positive way. She is focused on us and our town. It’s as simple as that.”
· Peggy Yeargain: “…a true representative of our community, and she has proven that she is capable of guiding the town through the crossroads of tough, emotional decisions.”
· Dean Hughson, International Business Leader: “I will vote for Mayor Dickey to continue the positivity. We love our town.”
· Rich Gohl: “…a visionary leader who recognizes important needs and takes responsible, thoughtful action to address them. She is a servant leader and has earned our support through decades of service to the Town. Our Town needs her brand of leadership.”
· Joe and Carol Hall: “If you have a legitimate issue or concern, (Dickey) will be there for you, regardless of party affiliation.…so do your homework and truly look into the candidates’ past work ethics. Vote for the best person and not just for your party line, but for the best person for mayor of our beautiful town. She is the only logical choice!!!”
· Cindy Couture: “Mayor Dickey not only came prepared with intelligent, cogent, relevant questions, but demonstrated a fundamental understanding of town finance unlike anyone else on the dais…show our gratitude and good sense and elect Mayor Dickey once again.”
· Wendy Barnard, former FHUSD Board Member: “Recognizing that good schools are crucial for communities to thrive, Mayor Dickey has proudly supported FHUSD through her words and actions”.
· Howard Iskyan: “A vote for Ginny Dickey is a vote for the continued improvement of Fountain Hills.”
· Linda Somo: “…a proven LEADER who is always prepared with facts, listens to input from all sides, and then LEADS with the best decisions for our future.” “Ginny Dickey, has been a proven leader who is always prepared with facts, listens to input from all sides, and then leads with the best decisions for our future.”
· Dawn Schlum: “There is, and always has been, one person who always spoke the truth; no hidden agenda; no wishy-washy answer that said nothing. That person is Ginny Dickey.”
· Cynthia Magazine: “…continues to be completely dedicated to the well-being of our town and residents. I’ve never seen a public official work so hard on our behalf, and with significant results.
· Jesse James: “… keep the Town moving in a positive direction with optimism, unity and respect for all. My vote will be to re-elect Mayor Dickey"
· Linda Fraser: “I've watched her in both small and large group settings, working to understand the issues. She doesn't shy away from making those tough decisions. Bottom line, she does her homework. I can't imagine a more qualified leader to represent us in our town and outside our boundaries, too.”
· Gene Slechta: “We have the safest community in the valley. We have among the lowest taxes. We have a detailed plan to address our streets. We have migrated to a town-owned fire department without a glitch. We successfully navigated through the medical and financial pain of COVID. Ginny Dickey has led us through all these success stories.”
· Mike Scharnow: “…a positive constant on the Town Council has been the servant leadership of Mayor Ginny Dickey. Her steadfast guidance and community-minded approaches have been refreshing and insightful. I wholeheartedly endorse her to serve another term as mayor.”
· Hilary Quinton: “It takes a leader who has a vision of what the town needs and the wisdom to see projects through to fruition. Mayor Dickey knows how to be a leader and is effectively moving our community forward."
· Paul Smith: “It takes strong, empathetic leadership qualities to guide diverse organizations toward consensus of positive goals. Add to that the ability to relate and hear the visions and concerns of all of us. Mayor Dickey, you hear us. You are one of us.”
· Kathleen Butler: “Ginny works tirelessly to represent the Town with integrity. She weighs each decision that is made with care and concern for what is best for our community.”
· Rita Higgins: “Ginny Dickey has earned our admiration for her thoughtful review of issues, her careful integration of Town Master Plans and surveys, and her collaborative respect and support for Town staff. She is honest, professional and does her homework.”
· Lisa Miller: “Ginny leads our town without needing to focus attention on herself. She’s a strong leader who makes decisions based on what’s best for the majority and treats all residents with respect.”
· Dave Long: “I value Mayor Dickey’s dedication and service to our town and appreciate her calm demeanor when mediating the inevitable problems and disagreements confronting the town council."
· John Craft: “… inclusive leadership model for fiscal responsibility and shared ownership of our most important assets – our community and its residents – has given us forward momentum. Ginny Dickey is my candidate for re-election as mayor of Fountain Hills.”
· Ceil Villawakins: “…she stands above the noise of anything negative. She just keeps on governing within what we have and what we are given. Indeed, a true public servant we deserve.”
· Joe Joyce: “Service. Dedication. Trust. Commitment. All great American values. Mayor Dickey delivers those values every day. She’s done it before. She’ll do it again.
REGIONAL LEADERS
Mayor Jerry Bien-Wilner, Paradise Valley
Mayor Kate Gallego, Phoenix
Mayor John Giles, Mesa
Mayor John Crane, Carefree
Mayor Chip Wilson, Apache Junction
Mayor Corey Woods, Tempe
Mayor Kevin Hartke, Chandler
Mayor Brigette Peterson, Gilbert
Mayor Dave Ortega, Scottsdale
Mayor Kenn Weise, Avondale
COMMUNITY LEADERS AND VOLUNTEERS
Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski
Councilmember Brenda Kalivianakis
Councilmember Nick DePorter
Councilmember John McNeill
Councilmember Henry Leger
Councilmember Mike & Brenda Scharnow
Councilmember Mike Minarsich
Councilmember Alan Magazine
Commissioner and First Lady Jackie Miles
Commissioner Scott Grzybowski
Commissioner Cynthia Magazine
Commissioner John Craft
Commissioner Sharon Dennis
Fire Chief Randy Roberts
School Board Member Wendy Barnard
School Board Member Pam McNeill
School Board Member Jim Dickey
Supt. Dr. Marian Hermie
Supt. Dr. Maria Menconi
Supt. Dr. Bill and Sandy Myhr
Supt. Tom Lawrence
Hon. Cónsul Emeritus Siebe Vanderzee
Dwight Johnson, Vern Johnson Foundation
Barbara Hansen
Jean Linzer
Darline Leader
Linda and Bob Travis
Susan R. Obst-Dworkis
Dean Hughes
Fred Bedell
Rita Applegate
Joy Hubbard
Jim Judge
Kate Pruett
Paul Smith
Bonnie Kline
Kathleen and Philip Dietz
Ruby Moreno
Karl Iversson
Suzanne Nann
Christine Colley
Tania Brown
Dawn Schlum
Renate Mousseux
Linda Lawrence
Helen Whatmough
Donna and Jim Beers
Alice and Phil Blackerby
Eunice and Carl Feinberg
George & Judith Goodman
Carol & Joe Hall
Diane Thompson
Kathleen Butler
Bob Hunkler
Joe Joyce
Chris & Gene Slechta
Gerard Bisceglia
FAMILY MEMBERS
Rina & Ken Creta
Dr. Vincent and Janie Russo
Val Stasik & Randy Beard
Vanessa & Dan Davisson
Elena Long and Kevin Quackenbush
Mary Davisson and Angela Johnson
Dottie Smith
Jessie & Mike Chin
Brian Chin
Frank Chin
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