Fountain Hills no place for dirty politics, sign clutter
OPINION — How do you feel about the ugly campaign signs cluttering our mountain views? I don’t know about you, but reading those odious words ruins my day.
Mayor Friedel, are you listening?
Residents have stood up at council meetings, asking you to demonstrate leadership by renouncing the particularly egregious signs. You know, the ones with your photo and a photo of your challenger, with poorly-veiled bigotry, using words like “transition” and “may the best man win,” the ones that accuse opponents of masquerading.
This highly visible hatred has already hurt our town. People have moved away, and others won’t buy homes in a town increasingly known for poisonous politics.
Mayor Freidel, I ask that you publicly renounce the especially egregious signs and call for their immediate removal before voting begins on June 24. Our town deserves leadership that promotes civility, discourages needless provocation and reminds us that being good neighbors matters more than scoring political points. Your silence is complicity.
Town governance is about streets, parks, maintenance, commerce and community. It is not about political partisanship. It is not about religion or gender. It is not about MAGA or Turning Point. It’s not even about Democrat or Republican.
Communicate your concerns today. Call 480-816-5100 or email Mayor@fountainhillsaz.gov. Ask Mayor Friedel to publicly renounce mudslinging messages. To avoid another year of sign blight, ask him to consider a return to earlier restrictions. Who wants to see this visual vitriol year after year?
Pay attention to the smart, capable candidates on the ballot who have pledged to govern with intelligence, respect and civility; next-generation neighbors who are willing to commit their time and energy to making our town a welcoming, healthy place; not one of dirty politics and visual clutter. We don't need more of the same.
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