Here is a compilation of all the answers Wendell Fountain submitted to the “Council Candidate Q&A” series that the Surprise Independent ran over the last two months. Mr. Fountain is running against Alyson Cline in District 2 in the Aug. 4 primary election.

Why should voters trust you to serve?

My response to this question mirrors how I evaluate those for whom I vote.  At the top of my list is the qualifications of the person, that is, an abundance of executive, educational, and volunteer experience that demonstrate a proven, successful level of leadership, knowledge, and a skillset which complement the position.  Since the pandemic has hit, our community, leadership and experience with organizations in crisis is imperative.  As a business consultant, I have worked with and made a difference with many organizations under stress and crisis over the years.  Other issues which closely follow are honesty, integrity, and apropos ethical and moral standards.   Thankfully, my background includes all that has been presented and more.

Rank your top three issues for Surprise voters:

1. Economic viability and survivability from a squeezed budgetary perspective

2. Prioritize the needs and wants of all our citizens without increasing taxes

3. Investigate and streamline Surprise government agencies

How do you keep a balanced budget with the uncertainties of COVID-19?

First and foremost is the providing of essential services for citizens of District 2 and Surprise as a whole. In order to do that, every possible way to eliminate redundancy of government activity must be diligently pursued. That could mean some agency/activity might need to be combined or eliminated. 

How will Surprise stay as a tourist destination in a time of COVID-19?

This truly is a challenge, but our city has a lot to offer visitors. Though we are a growing city, we still have a small city charm. We also offer much of what large cities do relative to entertainment and dining out. In addition, to allay fears about this virus, we have excellent world-class healthcare services in the area. As soon as is practicable, we must resume our sports activities such as spring training for the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. In addition, we have excellent golf courses in and around the community.

What is the top issue facing your district specifically?

Since the preponderance of District 2 is comprised of voters/citizens of Sun City Grand (SCG), holding property taxes and other costs in check is very important. For the most part, District 2 is comprised of retirees, and contrary to the opinion of some, everyone who lives in SCG is not wealthy or well-off. I know that to be a fact because in my discussions with many citizens, they are concerned about being able to afford to remain as residents because of costs. A large number of residents have little to no discretionary income. Most rely greatly on social security; moreover, many widows and some widowers, live alone with limited discretionary funds. Other residents of District 2 such as in Traditions, Cottonwood, and Bell West Ranch are also impacted greatly by increased living costs. We have already seen alarming increases in food costs.

What is Surprise’s biggest recent missed opportunity?

We should have attracted Honeywell’s expansion that went to Phoenix. The company added to its manufacturing base N95 masks. We could have easily incorporated that activity into the functions of the West-MEC Training and Development Center, or for that matter, a different business activity. This is really unfortunate because that would have provided us with an additional 500 well-paying jobs. If I were a member of the Surprise administration, I would still negotiate with the CEO of Honeywell to consider transferring that light manufacturing function to Surprise. We are an excellent fit.

What is Surprise’s single biggest need?

Though this is arguable, I submit we need more private sector high-paying jobs first and then downtown development.  

What’s the best thing about Surprise?

This is not easy because Surprise has so much to offer; however, if I had to pick one “best” thing, it would be the affordability of living here followed by limited traffic congestion.