Carefree Truth

Issue #222, February 22, 2013

 

 

 

Speaking on behalf of the non-profits, Debbra Determan is the Executive Director of the Foothills Caring Corps. She began by commenting on how important both infrastructure and quality of life services are to any community. Her question was, "What key roles should Carefree Town play in infrastructure issues and in service sector issues?"

 

 

 

Councilman John Crane said there exists a responsibility to all citizens to make our town livable. Within our means, the town has provided lighting, walkways, and signs. He feels the Town must work with organizations like Caring Corps. and help them do their jobs by offering the use of the amphitheater and by posting information on the Town website. He would like to encourage cultural events such as music and art in the amphitheater, as well as evening events now that we have lighting and paths in the Gardens. He supports the idea of bringing back the Thursday evening concerts. It would help the restaurants and encourage more restaurants to come. The Town could work with the Chamber of Commerce and the merchants to line up events and find funding.

 

 

 

Councilman Glenn Miller emphasized that the infrastructure is now in place in the town center. There are walkways and handicapped ramps for the seniors, and our beautiful Gardens are well lit. He explained that the concert series stopped when the financial crisis hit the country. He spoke of the great volunteerism in this community, pointing out that we all get older and will need help. He tries to do his part for the seniors in town. Many people have his home phone number and if they have a problem they call him. "Look after your neighbors. That's always been a big thing with me." Caring Corps. can always depend on the fire department for assistance when needed. He expressed appreciation for what Caring Corps. does.

 

 

 

Councilman Marty Saltzman spoke about identifying what infrastructure needs improving and how much. He shared the story about how he laughed at the idea of a splash pad when it was suggested as a potential improvement, but then went to look at places that had one. He saw kids playing. Lots of kids. The accompanying adults visited the shops while there. He exclaimed, "Boy, was I wrong!", and stressed the importance of keeping an open mind about what will bring people into town.

 

 

 

Vice Mayor Melissa Price believes this Council has done some great things with the infrastructure. She would like to see bike lanes, and sidewalks at least along the arterial streets, eventually. She likes the idea of utilizing the amphitheater for non-profit events.

 

 

 

Mayor David Schwan stated that the citizens want small government which provides the basic services of street maintenance, and police and fire protection, which is what they are getting now. In the model currently employed, the Town provides the fundamental services and volunteer organizations provide quality of life services. The many area non-profits do an excellent job. The model is working and it will continue to work in the future. The Mayor stressed the need for senior housing, as many citizens are unable to remain in Carefree once they are unable to live unassisted. He feels strongly the need to consider the future for seniors.

 

 

 

Councilman Michael Farrar remarked that the Town has a surplus and carries no debt. Small government works best, and we look to the non-profits to assist in other enhancements. The current Council has done a lot for the infrastructure. Lighting and safety have been a priority, and he said Carefree has demonstrated that it is a safe community. The Town has been working with MAG on a bike path and walking trail study which could possibly provide significant funding when it is completed.

 

 

 

Les Peterson pointed out that Carefree is a relatively new community and a relatively small one. It provides the basic services. Through the gracious and generous contributions and efforts of citizens, other services are provided in which the larger cities have a heavy hand. He praised the local non-profits, saying they are needed make the community what it is, a "human" town. He said that the Town could give access to the amphitheater and provide support.

 

 

 

Michael Krahe agreed with Mr. Peterson. "Non-profits are mission critical for any town, because they allow the humanness of us to be expressed, and we all need a hand once in a while." Infrastructure is in place and strong. Carefree must include the non-profits in discussions about what's needed in our future, when, and why, and how do we accomplish it. More social services will be needed as we go forward and grow.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_zETZySLPI

 

 

 

The final installment will be the candidates closing statements.

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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