CAREFREE TRUTH

Letters from Readers: 2/21/13

Lyn's note: Here is the direct link to our newest feature, "Photos of the Week", for this week's photos. Check out the bouquet. My friend Charlotte sent it to me for my birthday. Several people asked where she got it. The answer is Cactus Florist, located in the Carefree Basha's Center. Please feel free to send us your photos for publication. Enjoy! And shop local. We have so many great merchants. http://carefreetruth.com/Carefree_Truth/Photos_2-18-13.html

Lyn,

Publishing the questions and answers from last week's "Candidates Night" is a great service.

Most of the answers are quite appropriate. Some of the candidates had to flash the dreaded Property Tax non-issue. Interesting.

John Blair

Lyn,

Thanks for passing this along.

Kind Regards,

Karen Kunz

Nice work, Lyn, in getting AZ Republic coverage of this and other Carefree events. Sonja’s article was in nice contrast to the latest diatribe from Sorchych in which he, again, seeks to berate our town. This time, claiming: “there seems to be little interest in Carefree for a responsible forum.” That takes quite a bit of chutzpah, given his track record in this area and considering he did not attend our forum where he might have learned a few things about conducting a “responsible” and effective forum. One driven by our citizens and not the Sonoran News.

Lloyd Meyer

I think you just said it all in a most clear and succinct manner.

Charlene Capek

At this Forum Marty Saltzman said a couple of things that are interesting. I think his idea of "sub-branding" is something to be considered. After all, I live on the cusp between the "Arcadia" area and the "Biltmore" area. Both of these terms mean something to everyone and most know where they are. Signs on top of the street signs could designate the different areas.

Marty's idea of wanting Carefree to be known as a auto show designation is never go to fly, way too many shows going on in the valley that are a lot bigger and better. I have always thought of Carefree as a calming designation. Leave the big cities behind with the traffic, crowds and pollution.

Susan Martin

Good morning Lyn:

Citizens can work at it also. As a citizen of Carefree, I have contacted the CEO of Starbucks and suggested they take a look at the store on the end of the Post Office building. I told him a little about our Gardens and Carefree and why it would be a good place for Starbucks. Also sent him a Carefree brochure and map, and the name and phone number of the agent. Starbucks would draw a lot of people to our town center. Doing instead of just talking about it.

Joe Corpora

Why I'd be Honored to Continue Serving on the Carefree Town Council

Twenty-three years ago I had the good fortune to settle in Carefree. I grew up in a small rural town and love open spaces. There was an immediate attraction. Once settled I appreciated the strong sense of community and accessible government that Carefree offers. Despite pressure to change, thanks to those who have preceded me, Carefree has retained those key attributes and built upon that foundation. Now I would like the opportunity to continue that process.

Over the past several years I have had the privilege to serve Carefree most recently as a Councilman and prior to that on the Carefree Planning and Zoning Commission and the Subdivision Committee. As we move forward, the key is to secure our financial future without compromising the character of the town.

As a fiscal conservative, I understand wisely spending money we do have and not spending money we don’t have. Maintaining a reserve of 50% of our annual budget and developing a strong and reliable sales tax revenue stream is crucial to the Town’s economic health. I am in favor of identifying and developing means to make our Town Center more attractive to our residents, visitors and merchants by extending the months when the amphitheater can be used and adding a splash pad in the garden area. As a Councilman I have worked with the Vice Mayor to make the improvements to the amphitheater a reality. We want those who come to our Town Center to come often, linger and frequent our merchants and restaurants. I will reach out to our landlords and business owners to better understand their needs and work to fill store fronts and make our existing businesses more vibrant.

At the same time, I will work to maintain the character of Carefree that is so attractive.

While on the Planning and Zoning Commission I helped draft the General Plan 2030. This plan provides guidelines for preserving the character of our Town while striving to enhance the economic health of our Town Center and secondary commercial centers while fostering sustainable land use and open space. As a Councilman, one of my most satisfying moments has been approving the acquisition of land for preservation in perpetuity.

There is much work to be done, but we have a solid foundation. I come with an open mind and am a hard worker and a good listener. I want to hear your thoughts, ideas and opinions. I would be honored to receive your vote in the March 12 election to continue serving you on the Carefree Town Council to continue my work to ensure a strong and healthy future for our Town.

Best regards,

John Crane

Phone: (480) 488-9898

Cell: (602) 363-1978

Fax: (480) 488-9848

email: jhcrane@earthlink.net

Lyn,

I'm enjoying reading responses from other candidates and attendees at Monday evening's 'Meet the Candidates Forum'. What a "do-er" you are! It was a very enjoyable evening. The evening was VERY well organized and I think everyone, including the citizens, seemed to enjoy themselves. Many thanks to YOU, Lloyd, the Resort, the City Sun Times, the questioners, Debbra, Karen and Robert; and of course, thanks to Tim who kept the evening moving along, and last (but NOT least), your husband Herb who kept us in his lens eye. ;)

Again, thanks, we are blessed to have you and others that care so much about our community.

Melissa Price

Lyn: You are doing a masterful job on capturing this! Never stop!

Mike Krahe

Lyn,

I too, would like to echo a big thanks to all involved in the "Meet the Candidates Night", it was an outstanding evening and well attended. It has been my honor to serve on the council these past two years and I look forward to the next term.

As your council member, I have focused on prioritizing the issues facing the Town, posing solutions to those identified problems, gathering the facts to be informed and determine what the impact would be to our residents prior to implementation. In other words ‘doing the right thing’ for our residents, using a common sense, "conservative" approach.

Carefree is a great place to call home, and has provided a wonderful lifestyle for us all, yet let us always remember, "Small government works Best."

Again, congratulations on a wonderful event,

Michael Farrar

Read All About It……

Jim Turner

On February 23, the Museum welcomes Jim Turner, a retired historian from the Arizona Historical Society, who is now a freelance editor, researcher, and author. He has been studying and teaching Arizona history for almost forty years. Jim received his masters degree in U.S. history from the University of Arizona, gives history presentations all over the state for the Arizona Humanities Council, writes newspaper articles, is a part-time editor for a local publishing company and does research for other authors.

Authors’ Month programs are free to the public.

Author presentations will be held in the Historic Church

beginning at 2:00 p.m. to 3:30

Authors’ books will be available for sale and signature.

The Cave Creek Museum has a new look…. on our website! Please go to www.cavecreekmuseum.org and see the changes for yourself. Thanks to the efforts and expertise of Ed Kerr we are sporting a clean crisp easy to update website. (you can leave Ed a message under the ‘New Website’ tab on the left column) Put this in your favorites and check out all the happenings with your museum. Be sure to add to the blogs that are available for comments. We want to hear from you often.

Evelyn Johnson

Executive Director

Cave Creek Museum

480-488-2764

evelyn@cavecreekmuseum.com

The Beatles come to Carefree

The Wild Holly Gallery