"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #1126, July 7, 2026
Issue #1126, July 7, 2026
Electing an Effective Town Council
I served in Carefree Town government for twelve years and was fortunate enough to be Mayor from 2015 until 2022.
When I started my career in politics I thought my decades of business experience would translate in a straightforward way to serving our Town well. I soon learned that government often had unique challenges (including working relationships with adjacent cities and towns, laws and statutes that required or prohibited certain types of solutions, previously allocated funds mandated for specific purposes, and the responsibility to focus on public service rather than profit & loss).
In my experience, a substantial history of prior Town involvement is a necessary prelude to effective Council service, and even with good preparation diligent effort of as much as two years is required to get through the full learning curve. Without good preparation, a new Council member may not acquire true competence within a full term.
As I view the candidates vying for the Carefree Town Council, I see three candidates who have very little experience in Carefree’s business, whose participation in town activities could best be described as little to none, who are focused on the past, and offer incorrect “facts” in support of their criticisms.
On the other hand, I also see three candidates who have been deeply involved in the Town’s business, have demonstrated an orientation to facts and an ability to work productively with others, and are in a more ready position to make informed decisions that will benefit the majority of Carefree’s residents. These candidates are Sheila Amoroso, Les Hardie, and Sharon P. Smith. I recommend them for your consideration and vote.
Les Peterson, former Carefree Mayor
Submitted by Carefree Unity
Carefree Unity has verified certain statements of fact contained in this letter. However, opinions expressed in published letters are those of the author.
I served in Carefree Town government for twelve years and was fortunate enough to be Mayor from 2015 until 2022.
When I started my career in politics I thought my decades of business experience would translate in a straightforward way to serving our Town well. I soon learned that government often had unique challenges (including working relationships with adjacent cities and towns, laws and statutes that required or prohibited certain types of solutions, previously allocated funds mandated for specific purposes, and the responsibility to focus on public service rather than profit & loss).
In my experience, a substantial history of prior Town involvement is a necessary prelude to effective Council service, and even with good preparation diligent effort of as much as two years is required to get through the full learning curve. Without good preparation, a new Council member may not acquire true competence within a full term.
As I view the candidates vying for the Carefree Town Council, I see three candidates who have very little experience in Carefree’s business, whose participation in town activities could best be described as little to none, who are focused on the past, and offer incorrect “facts” in support of their criticisms.
On the other hand, I also see three candidates who have been deeply involved in the Town’s business, have demonstrated an orientation to facts and an ability to work productively with others, and are in a more ready position to make informed decisions that will benefit the majority of Carefree’s residents. These candidates are Sheila Amoroso, Les Hardie, and Sharon P. Smith. I recommend them for your consideration and vote.
Les Peterson, former Carefree Mayor
Submitted by Carefree Unity
Carefree Unity has verified certain statements of fact contained in this letter. However, opinions expressed in published letters are those of the author.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
Below is a link submitted by former Carefree Councilman and founder of the Varsity Sports Show, Vince D'Aliesio, who interviewed Carefree Mayor John Crane during a 4th of July broadcast from the Carefree Amphitheater. They talked about both historic and upcoming Town events, inviting people in the area to attend and enjoy them.
https://youtu.be/ifv9BKcpCLA
Below is a link submitted by former Carefree Councilman and founder of the Varsity Sports Show, Vince D'Aliesio, who interviewed Carefree Mayor John Crane during a 4th of July broadcast from the Carefree Amphitheater. They talked about both historic and upcoming Town events, inviting people in the area to attend and enjoy them.
https://youtu.be/ifv9BKcpCLA
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
These four candidates are unabashedly supported by Carefree Truth.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com. If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. Please support our Carefree merchants.
These four candidates are unabashedly supported by Carefree Truth.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com. If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. Please support our Carefree merchants.