Where Fountain Hills Town Councils stand on issues: Answers on ethics, spending, change
Fountain Hills voters are deciding who will fill three Town Council seats in the July 30 election, a race that will determine who leads the town on key issues ranging from economic development to the civility in public discourse over the next four years.
Town Councilmember Peggy McMahon is the only incumbent on the ticket. Councilmember Sharon Gryzbowski decided not to seek reelection and Councilmember Gerry Friedel decided to run for mayor.
The ballot will be chock full of challengers hoping to take one of the two empty seats or replace McMahon. They are Henry Male, Art Tolis, Robert Wallace, Clayton Corey, Matthew Corrigan, Rick Watts and Gayle Earle.
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The Arizona Republic asked each candidate about everything from their reason for running, to their plan for fiscal management, to their stance on the ethics issues that have plagued the town government for the past year.
Corey did not submit his answers by The Republic’s deadline and Earle did not respond to the questionnaire invitation. Watts and Corrigan declined to participate.
Here is what the other four other candidates had to say, in alphabetical order. Some answers may have been edited to fit the pre-arranged length for all.
Vision: Why are you running for Fountain Hills Town Council?
Why are you running for Town Council? If elected, what will your first priority be?
Peggy McMahon: I am running to be re-elected to the Fountain Hills Town Council because I am a passionate public servant who has had a very positive impact on our town. I am a dedicated council member who does the work — talking with and listening to our residents, visiting local businesses, and making well-reasoned beneficial decisions for our community.
While serving on council has been challenging due to the range of complex problems and resolutions, it is very satisfying. I’ve started committees, volunteered like crazy, and made good policy decisions, like voting for the MCSO Safety Contract and our new Fountain Hills Fire Department. I serve on nine different boards of directors and committees.
I want to continue my positive impact on the town and maintain our strong sense of community and inclusivity. My sense of duty compels me to fight (for) positive progress for Fountain Hills. My decisions are based on town needs, not politics. I can’t walk away from all the good I have accomplished moving the town forward during my three-and-a-half years on council.
I welcome serving another term. It’s an opportunity to build on previous experience, address unfinished business and provide needed continuity to represent our town.
Henry Male: I want to serve the town that has served my family so well for 21 years. I now have the schedule flexibility to devote proper time to work for the town on the council. Fountain Hills has so much to offer families and businesses. I want to perpetuate and grow those opportunities for everyone.
My personal history has included years in broadcasting, building Domino’s stores in multiple states, and now for the past 33 years I’ve been in automotive sales (including) the last 21 with the Penske Automotive Group. I’ve held a myriad of management roles throughout my career, providing steady, levelheaded, growth-oriented and successful leadership. I’ve been a leader on civic and church councils. I recently retired as the President of the Fountain Hills Theater’s Board of Directors.
My first priority would be to help foster and join the ongoing mission to help Fountain Hills grow in a balanced way that will ensure that businesses, schools and families can thrive. While doing this I will contribute all dialogue in a civil, professional and non-partisan manner. As an independent, I will represent everyone, listen to all sides and promote calm collaboration as we work in our town’s best interests.
Art Tolis: I am running for Fountain Hills Town Council because I am passionate about the long-term financial stability and success of our community. Having lived here since 2002 and operating three local businesses, I am deeply invested in our future. My primary goal is to establish a strong working relationship with the other council members and the mayor. It is crucial to change the culture and reputation of the Town Council to foster collaboration and work in the best interests of our community.
Strengthening relationships with key partners like the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Fountain Hills Unified School District, the Fountain Hills Sanitary District, and the Chamber of Commerce will be a top priority for me. By doing so, we can enhance our business development, economic vitality, and tourism, cementing our town's status as the "Diamond of the Desert."
Together, we can create a more prosperous and united community, ensuring Fountain Hills remains vibrant and thriving for future generations. I am committed to working tirelessly towards these goals and look forward to the opportunity to serve you on the Town Council.
Robert Wallace: I am running for Town Council to ensure that Fountain Hills continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. My first priority will be to strengthen our local economy by supporting small businesses and enhancing public services. By fostering a business-friendly environment and ensuring our community’s infrastructure is robust and well-maintained, we can create a prosperous and vibrant town for all residents.
Clayton Corey missed the deadline to submit answers.
Matthew Corrigan did not respond.
Gayle Earle declined to answer.
Rick Watts declined to answer.
Taxing and spending: Where do the Fountain Hills Town Council candidates stand?
New state policies will affect town budgets. If faced with a deficit, will you support raising taxes to maintain city services or cutting programs? Which specific services and/or taxes would you consider first and why?
McMahon: Our Arizona Legislature is reducing state revenues by voting in a flat tax and doing away with long term rental taxes. These revenue reductions are greatly impacting towns all over the state. Beginning next year, the town of Fountain Hills revenues will be reduced up to $1.2 million annually. Since most of our revenues are received from sales tax and state shared revenues, this reduction will have an adverse impact on our budget.
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How to offset this deficit? Fortunately, our finance director anticipated the deficit. When he was preparing the new budget, he and the staff made very conservative revenue projections for the (2026) fiscal year budget. Thanks to our finance director, we are prepared, and some projects are not being done in anticipation of the deficit.
Further, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns is having conversations to address ways to migrate future deficits to town budgets due to our Legislature’s cuts. Moving forward, the town’s budget will need to be continually monitored. Council and staff will have to make necessary expenditure adjustments that won’t affect essential services. We must avoid a potential tax increase to make up for the deficit.
Male: Taxes are never a popular topic of discussion. Nonetheless the roads, sidewalks, safety measures and notable attractions that make Fountain Hills such a wonderful, inviting place to live all require funding. My vision is to increase tax revenue by increasing our population base and expanding our business opportunities. To not promote healthy growth in our town is an expensive proposition. Fountain Hills enjoys a marvelously effective taxes-per-citizen ratio: any budgetary cuts that might be imposed could have a damaging impact on the safety, beauty and the sustainability of our town. If the choice is to whittle down the budget by shutting shared amenities (or) deferring needed maintenance for our infrastructural needs, then serious consideration will have to be given to finding new sources of income for proper sustainability. Increasing taxes would become a regrettably viable option. That is why my focus will be to actively attract more families and other residents to increase the tax base rather than increase the per capita tax rate.
Tolis: First, I will not support raising taxes. However, I will remain open-minded to options for addressing long-term infrastructure costs. The only potential exception would be to consider a street bond, which would allow our community to decide if they want to make that investment based on proposals from town staff and experts. It would be up to the voters to determine if they support such a bond.
Other than this, I will not support any tax increases. Instead, we must thoroughly review and evaluate all aspects of our current budget and every department to ensure we are spending as efficiently as possible. This careful evaluation will help us prioritize essential services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. By making thoughtful, informed decisions, we can address any deficits without burdening our residents with higher taxes.
Wallace: In the face of a budget deficit, my goal is to avoid raising taxes by first examining and reducing any inefficient spending. Prioritizing essential services like public safety, education, and infrastructure is crucial. If cuts are necessary, they should come from non-essential programs that have the least impact on the community’s daily life. We should also explore alternative revenue sources and public-private partnerships to minimize the need for tax increases.
Corey missed the deadline to submit answers.
Corrigan did not respond.
Earle declined to answer.
Watts declined to answer.
Perceptions: What would Fountain Hills Town Council candidates change?
What is the best thing about Fountain Hills that you would never change? Why? What is the first thing that needs changing and why?
McMahon: The best thing about Fountain Hills — the asset that should never change — is its natural beauty. When you think of “Fountain Hills,” the name says it all — iconic fountain, amazing views, majestic mountains and natural desert landscape.
Our iconic fountain draws visitors and tourists from all over the world. Our residents enjoy the gorgeous scenic views from every corner of our town. We live in an overload of beauty, and this is what draws us to our town.
I wouldn’t change the natural beauty which creates our strong sense of community and contributes so much to the town's appeal and unique character.
One thing that needs to change: town partisan politics are adversely affecting our town. Residents have voiced their concerns about the effect they are having on our community. They don’t like it because divisiveness has no place in Fountain Hills. To help alleviate these feelings, I can assure residents that I will continue to foster open communications and represent our community as a whole, not as a partisan leader.
Male: By far, Fountain Hills enjoys that quintessential small-town atmosphere. Friendly, approachable people, a superb school system, centralized shopping areas and a delightfully safe place to raise a family. Additionally, though our community is semi-isolated, we are still conveniently located within minutes of the benefits derived from a major metropolitan area.
In my mind, the most critical need for the town is to unite in a cohesive, collaborative and synergistic way. Divisiveness has crept into our daily existence, especially when dealing with town needs and politics. Part of my mission is to help unite us as a collective group, sharing a joint desire to make our town as great as possible by recognizing our differences and working together for a viable and sustainable future. Underscoring all of this is the recognition that we must find ways to increase the revenue stream to allow our town to provide all that is needed without negative financial ramifications.
Tolis: I would never change our small-town charm and specifically would focus on maintaining Fountain Park as one of the most beautiful parks in Arizona. It serves as our central park, and the fountain is a historic tourism draw. We must continue improving downtown to attract tourism dollars and investment in our community.
My experience as a former council member dealing with infill development projects will guide my focus on finishing development in the Target Plaza and downtown areas, which are strategic priorities. Preserving the beauty of our open desert areas, our rolling hills and clear desert vistas, is also a priority to maintain our town’s appeal.
What needs to change is the reputation of our current council, marked by division and partisanship, which has led to litigation and negative press. I will be an agent of change, working with the council, mayor, town manager, and staff to ensure we all collaborate effectively. Our goal will be to implement policies that serve the best interests of our community and maintain a reputation of excellence. My past proven leadership and respect for the position should provide confidence in the voters of what they can expect by re-electing me to the council.
Wallace: The best thing about Fountain Hills is our close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere. It fosters a sense of belonging and pride among residents, which I would never change. However, the first thing that needs changing is our approach to economic development. We need to attract and retain businesses that provide good jobs and services, ensuring our community remains vibrant and economically diverse. By updating our economic strategy, we can secure a prosperous future for Fountain Hills. And while road repair has been addressed by the current council, there needs to be a long-term effort to expedite these repairs, so we are up to date and keeping up, not catching up. We have no street repairs being done, so far as I can see in town and I think that shows right now we are literally doing nothing but planning and talking about it, just in time for election season.
Corey missed the deadline to submit answers.
Corrigan did not respond.
Earle declined to answer.
Watts declined to answer.
Ethics: Where do Fountain Hills Town Council candidates stand on the use of ethics probes?
Do you think ethics probes are a productive system that keeps council members accountable, or has it been weaponized and with what effect? Explain your reasoning.
McMahon: Having served on council for three and half years and observed conduct unbecoming of elected officials locally and across the state, I believe ethics probes are a productive means of keeping council members accountable.
Ethics complaints are the way for voters to hold their council members accountable for unbecoming behavior. When filed, there is a due process system in place to address the complaint through an independent attorney. Once the independent attorney has determined whether or not a violation has occurred, the case comes back to council for appropriate action.
In most cases, ethical violations are not found. However, when violations are found to exist, these findings are not taken lightly. After hearing public comments and full discussion and review by council, determinations are made as to whether sanctions are needed.
When conduct arises to the point that it is egregious, council may have no alternative but to issue authorized sanctions. It’s not done as a weapon, but necessary to hold a council member accountable for egregious behavior that embarrasses the governing body and the community he (or) she serves.
Male: In the truest essence, ethic probes, when free of partisanship, can be a necessary tool to ensure good, fair governance. It seems like civil norms that had been guidelines in our culture have been steadily losing their strength and impact. Sadly, on a national, state and even local scale, ethical behavior is no longer a given for many elected officials. Sometimes, a judicious ethics probe may be necessitated but wouldn’t it better to avoid these questionable ethic situations by ensuring that the best, quality candidates are elected? By voting for those who have honorable (and) non-chaotic behavior, with a history of calm, reasoned and open-minded leadership will help avoid the undesirable and nastiness associated with ethics probes. Yes, weaponization and or the accusations of weaponization of what used to be wholesome protective guardrails of our government has become a growing concern. Again, the best remedy is elect well vetted, well-heeled leaders.
Tolis: I believe many ethics probes, including those I have been part of or read about, seem very politically charged. If the council worked collaboratively, respected each other’s opinions, and operated in a non-partisan way, these ethics probes would be minimized. In many cases, I do not find them productive and believe they have been weaponized.
I believe issues and concerns regarding council members should be addressed in executive sessions or work-study sessions that adhere to open meeting laws. This approach would ensure that legitimate concerns are handled appropriately without being influenced by political motives.
When an ethics probe is necessary, the evidence and clear violation should be deliberated accordingly with the town attorney and Town Council in executive session, avoiding additional legal expenses if possible.
Wallace: Ethics probes, when conducted fairly and transparently, are essential for maintaining accountability and trust in public office. They should not be weaponized for political gain, as this undermines their purpose and can lead to unnecessary divisions within the community. Ensuring a fair and unbiased process will help maintain the integrity of our council and the trust of our citizens.
Corey missed the deadline to submit answers.
Corrigan did not respond.
Earle declined to answer.
Watts declined to answer.
Inspiration: Who shapes the Fountain Hills Town Council candidates' thinking?
Who in public life, past or present, do you admire most? Why? And what lesson do you draw from that person’s experience?
McMahon: I admire many people, but Ruth Bader Ginsburg tops my list. I met her just before graduating law school when she had just become a Supreme Court justice. While Ruth was petite, she had a quiet tenacity about her that you couldn't miss.
Most of us meet people and don’t realize they will shape our lives in one way or another at some point. Even though I only met her briefly, she had an impact on me as a woman going into the legal field.
Bader Ginsburg’s tenacity and courage facing many challenges over her career, like successfully arguing cases before the United States Supreme Court when women weren’t recognized by justices, changed how women lawyers are treated in court. When Ruth was appointed to the Supreme Court, she became an influential leader and a cultural icon known as the “Notorious RBG.”
Ruth’s persuasive, well-reasoned decisions and opinions transformed the justice system and gender equality. She also persuaded individuals and governments to change policies and laws. Her fortitude and unwavering commitment to those she represented has helped me better face challenges as a council member. Her influences helped me make better informed, careful policy decisions for the community I serve.
Male: Looking strictly through a political lens, I appreciate those leaders who can build a consensus across aisles of differences. Bob Doyle was known for his ability to work with the Democratic Party to help grow our nation. Bill Cohen, former Republican Senator of Maine, worked for the Bill Clinton Cabinet. Gerald Ford helped heal the nation by pardoning Nixon. These are only a few examples of politicians who put country before party.
But the man that had the greatest effect on my life and my thinking was the Rev. Dr. Henry A. Male Jr. – my dad. He was respected in all the communities where he lived. He was a strong leader, perpetually trying to unite everyone in a common goal of peaceful coexistence. He was a mainstay in the Episcopal Church’s ecumenical efforts, trying to get all denominations to recognize each other while respecting their differences. His last role was as a minister at a Lutheran Church at the age of 80. He was a guest of Pope John Paul II a couple times, once spending two weeks within the Vatican’s walls. To him, as I try now, differences were to be shared, studied and understood, not feared or ridiculed.
Tolis: There are many public figures I admire for assorted reasons. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, would be my number one choice. His message of love, tolerance, and unity among all humans is timeless and powerful. Jesus’ teachings remind us daily of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and working together in harmony.
The lesson I draw from Jesus' experiences is the power of resilience, steadfastness, and love in pursuing what is right. Despite overwhelming adversity, Jesus remained determined and unstoppable. Jesus’ message calls us to embody love and unity in all our actions. As public servants, we must strive forward, working tirelessly for justice and equality for all, no matter the obstacles we face. Perseverance, unwavering commitment, and love can lead to profound and lasting change.
Wallace: I greatly admire Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) for his pioneering work in education, spiritual science, and holistic health. His extensive literary output, including approximately 360 books, with 30 authored directly and the rest compiled from over 6000 lectures, underscores his profound commitment to integrating spiritual, intellectual, artistic, and practical aspects into learning. His insights have inspired countless individuals and have changed my life, particularly my spiritual life. From his teachings, I've learned the value of a holistic approach to life, which I believe can guide us towards more impactful solutions in education, public health, and governance. This role is about prioritizing the well-being of our entire community through inclusive and forward-thinking policies, and I’ve never heard anyone speak as eloquently and in an as profoundly informed way about these themes.
Corey missed the deadline to submit answers.
Corrigan did not respond.
Earle declined to answer.
Watts declined to answer.
Election integrity: Where do the Fountain Hills Town Council candidates stand?
Do you think Arizona elections are fairly run? Do you trust the results? Will you abide by them? Why or why not?
McMahon: Yes. I will abide by our election results because our elections are fairly run and secure.
I trust the results because Arizona has a revolutionized election system that ensures every eligible Arizonan has access to vote. Extensive safety measures have been added by our Maricopa County Elections Department to ensure a very secure election system.
The county’s tabulation system has been tested repeatedly. These tests are open to representatives of the political parties, candidates, the press, and the public. I understand there is not a single point of entry into the system that could disrupt the entire process.
Free and fair elections are a central pillar of our democracy. Which begs the question — why is our Arizona Legislature passing laws regarding the security of our elections and preventing equal access to voting? Yet, they rely on the same secure system to get elected themselves!
Election security is not a partisan issue. Arizona is ensuring every vote counts and is counted as cast. Thankfully, our courts agree and have upheld the integrity of our elections. Aren’t you, and all candidates, relying on it to cast your vote and select who you want to represent you? Vote and vote down ballot!!
Male: In a simple word, yes. I think Arizona elections are fairly run. I trust and I will abide by the results. Campaigning for a position can be contentious, but elections themselves are the foundations of our democratic existence. They should be respected, protected and honored. I believe in our election system. Despite the allegations from the last election cycle, both nationally and here in Arizona, no improprieties were found and certainly none made it through multiple levels of our judicial system. Our system is safe and secure. In my opinion, Maricopa County and the state have done an exemplary job of maintaining true custodial care of our sacred votes. Not only do I trust the system, but I trust my Fountain Hills neighbors and that we will all abide by the election results.
Tolis: Every effort should be made to ensure that Arizona elections are properly run. However, I do have concerns with many of the computerized systems used in the process. I think it would be an excellent idea to return to neighborhood precinct voting, which would encourage community engagement and provide more opportunities for neighbors to understand each other's concerns and preferences.
I will, of course, abide by the current system and, until proven otherwise, have no reason to believe that there have been any unfair or fraudulent elections. It is essential to trust the electoral process and work within the established framework to address any concerns or improvements. Maintaining faith in the system ensures stability and encourages civic participation.
Wallace: The integrity of our electoral process is fundamental to our constitutional republic, as we are not in a democracy, contrary to what has been repeated for decades. Recent years have raised significant concerns, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance. Despite efforts to manage public opinion, particularly in Arizona and Maricopa County, doubts persist about the fairness of our elections.
Documentaries like "2000 Mules" and "State of Denial Arizona," commonly disparaged by those who have never watched them, underscore these issues, highlighting perceived vulnerabilities and the importance of maintaining public trust. Robust oversight and transparency are crucial in safeguarding our electoral process. I advocate against the use of Dominion machines and propose a return to single-day elections to mitigate potential discrepancies, such as time-setting errors that could facilitate ballot manipulation.
Our election results should not be processed through systems reliant on foreign servers, as recent incidents have shown vulnerabilities in such arrangements. While I accept election outcomes when confident in their integrity, skepticism is warranted in the face of perceived violations of public trust. This does not mean reflexively denying results but rather ensuring confidence through diligent scrutiny.
In essence, safeguarding our electoral integrity demands rigorous oversight and proactive measures to uphold public trust.
Corey missed the deadline to submit answers.
Corrigan did not respond.
Earle declined to answer.
Watts declined to answer.
Reporter Sam Kmack covers Tempe, Scottsdale and Chandler. Follow him on X @KmackSam or reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Q&A: What Fountain Hills Town Council candidates said about issues