Carefree Truth

Issue #223, February 23, 2013

 

 

 

Moderator Tim Reilly called for closing remarks from the candidates.

 

 

 

Michael Krahe said we live in a wonderful town and that the Council and Mayor have done a fantastic job. He has dedicated his life to taking charge of where he's going. "Take charge of the future, set the course and set the sails, where we sail together into that future with some sense of clear direction, involvement, participation, and passion." Planning and execution of the plan with inclusion of people in that process for a collective view and commitment is what's important.

 

 

 

Vice Mayor Melissa Price is passionate about this town. When she joined the Council, she asked to work on economic development because she was seeing a lot of empty storefronts. We need to think strategically and monitor finances. A healthy Carefree depends on bringing in new homeowners, new businesses, and new and repeat visitors into our shops, while maintaining our charm.

 

 

 

Councilman Glenn Miller believes that the purpose of elected officials is to determine policy that will guide and protect orderly growth and development. He is proud to be part of that. Public safety, fire and police, are his forte. The health and welfare of citizens is his primary concern. He has worked hard for the citizens and businesses, and appreciates their trust.

 

 

 

Mayor David Schwan thanked everyone for attending. He served for a year on the Planning and Zoning Commission, served four years on Council, and has served as Mayor for almost four years now. "What you see is what you get." He tries to respect everyone and their opinions, and gives everyone an opportunity to present their ideas. Carefree has a plan, General Plan 2030, approved by the voters, that basically says, "Keep Carefree Carefree." We need to work on our economy and keep our residential areas the way they are.

 

 

 

Councilman John Crane has been fortunate to live in Carefree for 23 years, and states it's not an accident that it's such a great place to live. It's taken the good judgement, financial discipline, and values of those who preceded us to make that happen. We have to work with merchants and find ways to make sales tax revenues grow, while maintaining a balance in the town. He is open minded, hard working, and honest. He is very good at listening and bringing people together to find solutions. He served on the Subdivision Committee, the Planning and Zoning Commission during the recent updating of the General Plan, and was appointed to this Council to fill a vacated seat. He has been the president of Carefree Foothills HOA for several years, and is on the Board of the Desert Foothills Land Trust. He whole heartedly agrees with what Town Administrator Gary Neiss often says, "Progress, not politics."

 

 

 

Councilman Marty Saltzman pointed out that we are a small town but that small things can have value. "Diamonds are small but nice." We need to maximize Carefree's value without changing its character. We need to promote and embrace that character, and to brand it as such. He is practical, focused, and bottom line oriented. We can only get to the right answers by asking the right questions. He is good at wading through the noise to determine the problem. We have successfully avoided drama and controversy over the last couple of years. He said all the candidates are good; the Town will be fine. He stressed that everyone should get out and vote. Show those who think only controversy gets people out and active that they are wrong, that when things are going right, people are more interested than when they are going wrong.

 

 

 

Les Peterson asserted there is a reliance between residents and business. He offers 30 years of marketing experience. Annual planning is a benchmark; what are we going to do to move this ahead? He has a history of extensive community involvement. As the president of the Boulders HOA, he has worked with the Town to solve the problems of cell phone coverage in the Boulders, and for seven years has been the intervener to resolve issues with the sewer treatment plant located within the Boulders. He was recently appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. He is a Director in New Pathways for Youth, which serves approximately 800 children ages 14-17 from dysfunctional families, providing one-on-one mentors. He is also involved in helping in the Pima Indian community, where 20% of their population is lost to drugs and alcohol by their mid twenties.

 

 

 

Councilman Mike Farrar said Carefree provides a wonderful sense of community. He wants to improve the quality of life for every resident and will always focus on their input prior to making decisions. He prioritizes issues, posing solutions to those identified problems, gathering facts and determining impact to residents prior to implementation, doing the right thing and using a common sense approach. He wants to give back by serving on the Council.

 

 

 

Each of the candidates thanked the audience and asked for the honor of the residents' votes.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GGh0gGSk3c

 

 

 

The forum concluded with a meet and greet, where the candidates mingled with the audience over drinks and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Here is the link to photos of the event taken by Herbert.

http://carefreetruth.com/Carefree_Truth/CCF_2-11-13.html

 

 

 

We have a good group of people willing to volunteer their time and expertise for the benefit the Town, so please mark your ballots with the candidates of your choice and submit them. This is your town, and your vote matters.

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

Visit our website at www.carefreetruth.com

If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list please contact me, and feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. See what businesses and services Carefree has to offer at http://www.carefree-az-businesses experiencethedifference.com. Please support our merchants. Visit our Carefree Desert Gardens website at http://www.carefree-desert-gardens.com/Carefree_Desert_Gardens/Welcome.html