Vote for the person and their qualifications, not their party

OPINION — As Paradise Valley residents prepare to vote for town council, I would like to offer the perspective of a former councilwoman and long-time resident of the town.

Party affiliation has never mattered in Paradise Valley Town Council elections. The issues facing the council are not partisan in nature.

Our local legislative district (LD) committees have issued “Golden Tickets” recommending candidates. Even though my preferred candidate is on the “Golden ticket,” I wish they would refrain from endorsing candidates in Paradise Valley's nonpartisan town council elections.

When I served on the town council, party affiliation was irrelevant. We were committed to preserving the town's character, limiting government growth, and reducing governmental interference in the lives of our residents.

All four candidates running for the three town council seats belong to the same political party, but that does not matter. What matters is their commitment to preserving the unique character of Paradise Valley. Incumbent Anna Thomasson has a proven track record of putting residents first. I hope you will include Anna among your choices when you vote.

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