Fountain Hills letter worsens division author claims to oppose
OPINION — Sherri James claims to respect election results, yet her recent letter does the exact opposite by declaring that winning candidates have "done nothing to earn respect" and dismissing the majority of Fountain Hills voters as supporters of "contemptuous politics.” True respect for democracy isn't conditional, it requires honoring the voters' choice even when your preferred candidates lose.
Ms. James resorts to labeling fellow residents "deplorable" and painting an entire campaign apparatus as sinister, while conveniently ignoring that aggressive tactics, PACs and online rhetoric exist on both sides of the aisle. Blaming a third-party PAC for a candidate’s victory unfairly diminishes the intelligence of local voters who evaluated the actual platform, fiscal policies and vision for our town.
Furthermore, her assertion that local Democrats are treated as "second-class citizens" reduces non-partisan municipal governance to national identity politics. Potholes, street maintenance, public safety and budget management do not carry a party label. Voters in Fountain Hills elected leaders based on practical priorities, not partisan grievances.
Finally, calling elected officials "bullies" simply because they engage in robust, direct debate on the dais mischaracterizes the nature of public oversight. Holding town officials accountable and asking hard questions is the fundamental job of any council member, not a lack of civility. I would ask anyone to review videos of council meetings to see how uncivil Kaliviankis and McMahon have acted, repeatedly violating Roberts Rules of Order. The discourse over the speaker timer is just the latest example of not following rules.
If Ms. James truly values civility and collaboration, she should start by affording her neighbors the respect of believing they voted in good faith for the future of Fountain Hills. Lecturing the community only worsens the division she claims to oppose.
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