I am very confused. I don’t consider myself a person that is easily confused but I admit that after reading all the comments, articles, and opinions concerning the candidates… I am confused.

It seems that all of those writing in are quick to attack the candidates based on their experiences with them. Problem is no one seems to recall the experiences the same way. Why is that?

I think that it is because there is an undercurrent of anger and distrust that may or may not be accurate or fair. After all don’t we as residents want the same things? Maybe not. Why if candidates speak of keeping the community of Paradise Valley beautiful, quaint, a gem in Arizona would they support variances to eliminate one acre per home?

Why would the majority of Town Council and mayor take the side of a resort over the protection of a homeowners right not to have a party house next to them? Why would the exception of density be allowed for Montelucia without the realization that this decision forever changed the rules for further development ie…Mountain Shadows and The Ritz? Once you make one exception you have no grounds to deny the next developer seeking approval for his or her list of exceptions.

Why do developers and builders buy a property knowing what the zoning and rules are only to immediately ask for re zoning or variances? Is it because they know that those in charge will give it to them? Those in charge said they want to keep Paradise Valley as the founders wanted…special…rules kept in place only to be swayed to change the rules…”just this one time.”

I have never met nor spoken to either the mayor or candidates in this election.
Two things changed my mind regarding this election and my vote.

One, the rebuttal to Bien-Wilner from Theresa Mao. She is the homeowner whose help by Julie Pace resulted in the resort withdrawing their request for the addition of the party house next to Ms. Mao’s property. The vote had been 4 to 3 in favor of the resort.

Two, Ellen Andeen, Scott Moore, and Julie Pace have shown me what valuable council members they are as they voted against the proposal by the resort and protected the homeowner. I realize Mr. Moore is not up for re-election.

With six resort redevelopments in the future it is clear who will be protecting the homeowners rights and keep their pledge to protect our unique community. Do not be dismissive of this as the integrity of our community is on the line.

I have previously served on Board of Directors of an HOA community and I feel very strongly that if you do not have members on the BOD or in this case Town Council that have different opinions you have a group that is too cozy.

You need very strong opinions to successfully navigate every avenue of pros and cons. If that is eliminated you have a group that will not consider issues without prejudice.

Now you have a real problem… just because someone is a pain does not mean that person is not every bit as committed to do what is right for the community as the others are.

My experience is that it is quite the opposite. We all have a tough job ahead of these elections. Please be careful which candidates you vote for as our community is reaching extremism and how we vote will affect everything going forward. Maybe just maybe I am not as confused as I thought.