Please feel free to send us any pictures you'd like included. Here is the link to this week's Pictures of the Week.
http://carefreeazbusinesses.com/pictures-of-the-week-71618.html
http://carefreeazbusinesses.com/pictures-of-the-week-71618.html
"Mellowing out"
Photo by Jill Anderson
Here are your bonus rounds from Herbert.
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/71418-cactus-wren.html
Photo by Jill Anderson
Here are your bonus rounds from Herbert.
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/71418-cactus-wren.html
Photos by Herbert Hitchon
Town of Carefree Marketing newsletter
http://www.carefree.org/336/IN-THE-NEWS
CITYSunTimes link:
http://news.citysuntimes.com/
Leadership: Frequently the Difference between an Accomplishment and an Idea
Everybody knows a person who has a lot of ideas – some of them even good ideas - but none or few of them ever emerge to see the light of day? On the other hand, some people seem to have many of their ideas become development projects that are followed through to successful completion. What differentiates between people in these two groups is a question that is frequently asked? Frequently, the answer is the leadership capabilities of the person with the idea.
Any group, be it at a business, a non-profit, a volunteer organization or even the Carefree Town Council, is no exception to this situation. In any group are people who have both good ideas and, equally as important, are successful in working with other members of the group, and others, to articulate their idea, investigate it, challenge it, incorporate the ideas of others, revise and refine it, nurture it and to see it through the myriad of changes until it is finally adopted and implemented in the marketplace. On the other hand, there are those who have ideas, but only rarely do they go beyond the idea stage.
What’s the difference? Some call it leadership, but leadership has intangible qualities, and manifests itself in many different ways. But, there are some core characteristics which can be found in virtually all individuals possessing leadership skills. Let’s examine a few:
Mayor Les Peterson
Town of Carefree Marketing newsletter
http://www.carefree.org/336/IN-THE-NEWS
CITYSunTimes link:
http://news.citysuntimes.com/
Leadership: Frequently the Difference between an Accomplishment and an Idea
Everybody knows a person who has a lot of ideas – some of them even good ideas - but none or few of them ever emerge to see the light of day? On the other hand, some people seem to have many of their ideas become development projects that are followed through to successful completion. What differentiates between people in these two groups is a question that is frequently asked? Frequently, the answer is the leadership capabilities of the person with the idea.
Any group, be it at a business, a non-profit, a volunteer organization or even the Carefree Town Council, is no exception to this situation. In any group are people who have both good ideas and, equally as important, are successful in working with other members of the group, and others, to articulate their idea, investigate it, challenge it, incorporate the ideas of others, revise and refine it, nurture it and to see it through the myriad of changes until it is finally adopted and implemented in the marketplace. On the other hand, there are those who have ideas, but only rarely do they go beyond the idea stage.
What’s the difference? Some call it leadership, but leadership has intangible qualities, and manifests itself in many different ways. But, there are some core characteristics which can be found in virtually all individuals possessing leadership skills. Let’s examine a few:
- Being able to develop and grasp the “big picture,” including being able to communicate it to others and to gain their support and participation.
- An ability to work with and motivate people, while directing their efforts towards achieving the desired goal. A leader builds upon the strengths of the individuals participating. Any group task is immensely harder, if not impossible, to complete if people don’t like and respect the project leader.
- A realistic plan to accomplish the tasks ahead. Tasks follow one another in sequence, and build upon one another. People with leadership skills understand what needs to be accomplished in what order for the project to successfully reach its endpoint.
- Being open to input and course correction so long as the project remains directed and moving forward towards the ultimate goal. Sometimes this also includes reaching the conclusion that the idea doesn’t have the advantages as originally conceived, and being able to terminate the development project if that conclusion is reached.
- Consistency and follow-through. Recognize that there will be set-backs, but an ability to pick up the pieces, reassemble them in a new order and to be able to move forward are key
Mayor Les Peterson
Town of Carefree August Voters:
You owe it to yourself to review some facts before you vote for the Town of Carefree Mayor in August.
FARRAR CLAIMS: TIME FOR RESPECT & HONESTY IN CAREFREE GOVERNMENT
It's time to bring honesty and respect back to Town Hall and honor the wishes of our voters on term limits.
FACTS: Term limits are against the law, Mr. Mike. The legality of the ordinance has been questionable for some time and is unenforceable according to the Superior Court of Arizona. This has nothing to do with being dishonest and disrespectful. There is no proof that a term limit will make the Town a better place to live for the residents.
FARRAR CLAIMS: ADVOCATE FOR WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & SERVICES FOR ALL RESIDENTS
It is crucial we ensure we bring 'ALL' our residents into Carefree Water service to provide a reliable and safe water source. Nothing has been done on this critical issue during Mayor Peterson's past two terms until Mike made it an election issue this year and 526 Carefree households still continue to NOT receive Carefree Water services.
FACTS: Mike Farrar JUST RECENTLY (2 months ago) got plugged into the water challenges AFTER Mayor Peterson brought them to light. The process started over 1.5 years ago from my readings. Only then had Mr. Farrar decided to make it an election issue. He proved he knew very little after 7 years in office by scrambling to schedule meetings just recently with local experts such as Town Administrator Gary Neiss and Tony Geiger from WAC. It was noted by one of the experts that Mike didn’t even know where the water supply came from (except from the tap) early on in the process of his scrambling to catch-up.
FARRAR CLAIMS: ADVOCATE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Time for a change. Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, now more than ever, it's time to support our small business owners and 'Buy Local.' The town administration currently utilizes out of town technology services despite there being proven, professional services available in town.
FACTS: Mr. Farrar has been on the Council longer than Mayor Les Peterson, so yes, it is time for a CHANGE.
The Town hires multiple town businesses (Bertram Signs, EcoBlue, Let There Be Light, Carefree Coffee Roastery...) the list goes on and on~ thousands of dollars are put back into the economy at local businesses annually to maintain the beauty and services the Town requires. The Town website has promoted “Buy Local” for years. Just check out the “Buy Local” logo on the front page at VisitCarefree.com. The town has used the technology company Mr. Farrar is referring to over the years and recently decided to award the business to a company that specializes in tourism and also works with CIVANA so that both could leverage the content and be more effective. This is smart business.
Mr. Farrar has a long history of using out of town businesses opposed to local ones. He often has citied cronyism at Council meetings when the Town used local people for work. Mike touts in his platform that he gets “good quotes”. During his first term Mr. Farrar stole a local sign company designs and took them to his friend down in Phoenix to change slightly and present, with a quote, as his own designs. The Carefree local business was furious Mr. Farrar would do this.
Many Carefree restaurants, other than Corrado’s, have said to me they haven’t seen Mike patronize their business in a long time OR EVER, however, recently he was sighted walking the streets asking for election campaign donations, but was met with a cool reception.
As for small businesses in town, I have heard residents expressing the town could use more “viable”, day-to-day services and less touristy type products and perhaps they would shop in town more often. As a commercial broker and Councilman, Mike is supposed to be working on economic development (according to his council committee designation), but Mr. Farrar has yet to address the tough challenges like the high vacancy rate and the specific land lords who continue to not renovate their properties.
It’s ironic that Mr. Farrar took space for his candidacy headquarters in the post office, one of the most dilapidated buildings in town. Councilman Orrico found dead rats and water leaks in the ceilings during a recent renovation. It is fact that Mr. Farrar has not used his “so-called” commercial skills to find an office that is even suitable for constituents to gather.
FARRAR CLAIMS: FIGHTING AGAINST A CAREFREE PROPERTY TAX & FOR FISCAL CONSTRAINT
Mike opposes the continued wasteful spending by the town and any efforts by his opponent to support a local property tax.
FACTS: If the Town administration & Council (which by the way includes Mr. Farrar) wanted to initiate a property tax that would have been done already. The Town has $8.5 MILLION (as of the end of May) in reserves in the bank and Carefree is one of the few Towns in Arizona NOT IN DEBT.
FARRAR CLAIMS: EXPERIENCE & GRIT
Mike knows the problems in Carefree and upon his election can implement the necessary changes that are much needed. Having served Carefree at the Maricopa County Association of Governments (MAG) and Greater Phoenix Economic Council, he has learned about the challenges other cities and towns experience to better manage Carefree into the future.
FACTS: The associations that Mr. Farrar touts are all associations the Town pays for OUT OF TAX PAYERS' POCKETS since he is on Council. They are not paid for out of Mr. Farrar’s personal pockets (just thought this might be of interest to some of you). He has used the Town to try to elevate his status in the region for resume building and to produce photo opportunities for his campaign. Ask him about the Rocky Point, Mexico conference he attended which had no merit for Carefree except a free trip to the beach at Rocky Point for Farrar.
Sincerely,
Long time 15 year resident of Carefree who is proud to re-elect Mayor Peterson.
Mari H.
By now you have all read about John Crane’s challenging of the Town’s term limits. I won’t go into all the technicalities of our law except to say that even though the Town’s citizens voted for term limits, it was never a legal action since the State Legislature does not acknowledge or accept term limits.
And no matter what you have been lead to believe, this is very good news for our town.
First of all, I strongly believe that the voters don’t need a law limiting the number of terms an official can be elected. The voters themselves are the ultimate term limit. If you don’t like the job we are doing, you can vote not to reelect us.
Secondly, in this as in the last election, there are no opponents for our Council seats. Why would we turn away someone who wants to serve when there are no others willing to step up to the plate?
And lastly but of even greater importance, John Crane has served our town for the last 3 terms and for the last 2 terms been our Vice Mayor. In my opinion we couldn’t ask for a more dedicated person to serve us. He is fair, honest and has no hidden agendas. He studies the issues and then makes informed and well thought out votes. He is just working on the behalf of all of us to make Carefree the best town it can be.
Good for you John Crane. I will happily serve the next term(s) with you if the voters see fit to extend both our terms in office.
Cheryl Kroyer
Council Member
Town of Carefree
Prior to moving to Carefree in 2003, we diligently researched Carefree and the surrounding communities. We decided upon Carefree based upon the town's philosophy, fiscal integrity, management and efficiency of operation. We have never regretted this decision and love our Carefree community.
We live in one of the areas serviced by Cave Creek water. The informative well presented Carefree water meeting was an eye opener. We applaud Mayor Peterson and all of those who have dedicated endless hours on this issue. Clearly they operate with the best interests of the Carefree residents. We are sad Cave Creek has such a serious water problem. However, Carefree has a responsibility to its residents and the time is now for Carefree to implement the process of absorbing the 526 homes into Carefree water.
The current circus of political staging in Carefree goes against everything Carefree stands for. It is embarrassing, aggressive and outright distasteful. We support Mayor Peterson as he is committed to the town and has demonstrated the knowledge, expertise and time required to handle issues facing Carefree.
Nancy Keller and Jim Whitmer
I support our current Mayor, Les Peterson, in the upcoming Election. He has done and is doing many great things for our community.
I understand that his opponent has made it unlawful, per his lease agreement (on his campaign headquarters) for any Candidate for office to campaign, put up posters or do a "meet and greet"at the Post Office building for anyone he dislikes or disagrees with. How Disgusting can this be? The Post Office is the heart of our small community and always where ANY Candidate running for office could speak to any Carefree resident wanting to get to know them.
Thank you,
Patricia H. Callaghan
Carefree resident (32 years)
And no matter what you have been lead to believe, this is very good news for our town.
First of all, I strongly believe that the voters don’t need a law limiting the number of terms an official can be elected. The voters themselves are the ultimate term limit. If you don’t like the job we are doing, you can vote not to reelect us.
Secondly, in this as in the last election, there are no opponents for our Council seats. Why would we turn away someone who wants to serve when there are no others willing to step up to the plate?
And lastly but of even greater importance, John Crane has served our town for the last 3 terms and for the last 2 terms been our Vice Mayor. In my opinion we couldn’t ask for a more dedicated person to serve us. He is fair, honest and has no hidden agendas. He studies the issues and then makes informed and well thought out votes. He is just working on the behalf of all of us to make Carefree the best town it can be.
Good for you John Crane. I will happily serve the next term(s) with you if the voters see fit to extend both our terms in office.
Cheryl Kroyer
Council Member
Town of Carefree
Prior to moving to Carefree in 2003, we diligently researched Carefree and the surrounding communities. We decided upon Carefree based upon the town's philosophy, fiscal integrity, management and efficiency of operation. We have never regretted this decision and love our Carefree community.
We live in one of the areas serviced by Cave Creek water. The informative well presented Carefree water meeting was an eye opener. We applaud Mayor Peterson and all of those who have dedicated endless hours on this issue. Clearly they operate with the best interests of the Carefree residents. We are sad Cave Creek has such a serious water problem. However, Carefree has a responsibility to its residents and the time is now for Carefree to implement the process of absorbing the 526 homes into Carefree water.
The current circus of political staging in Carefree goes against everything Carefree stands for. It is embarrassing, aggressive and outright distasteful. We support Mayor Peterson as he is committed to the town and has demonstrated the knowledge, expertise and time required to handle issues facing Carefree.
Nancy Keller and Jim Whitmer
I support our current Mayor, Les Peterson, in the upcoming Election. He has done and is doing many great things for our community.
I understand that his opponent has made it unlawful, per his lease agreement (on his campaign headquarters) for any Candidate for office to campaign, put up posters or do a "meet and greet"at the Post Office building for anyone he dislikes or disagrees with. How Disgusting can this be? The Post Office is the heart of our small community and always where ANY Candidate running for office could speak to any Carefree resident wanting to get to know them.
Thank you,
Patricia H. Callaghan
Carefree resident (32 years)
Carefree Mayor Les Peterson belongs to and regularly participates in bi-monthly meetings of the East Valley Mayors and Tribal Presidents. Regular participation in these meetings is from the municipalities of Carefree, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek and Apache Junction, as well as from the Maricopa Pima and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation indian communities. Problems and opportunities which cross political boundaries are the subjects for candid discussion at these meetings. One of the areas of focus for this group is to continue the transformation of the East Valley into a major destination hub, built around world class recreation, entertainment and hospitality to enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors. The groundbreaking ceremony for each new facility moving the East Valley towards fulfilling these goals is a major reason for celebration among all of the members of this group.
This past Friday, June 29th, the Fort Mcdowell Yavapai Nation held a new casino groundbreaking ceremony for their new 166,000 square foot casino facility located on State Route 87 just east of Fountain Hills. This state-of-the-art casino should be completed within two years.
Carefree Mayor Peterson, and his wife, Mary, represented Carefree at this ceremony, attending at the request of Bernadine Burnette, Tribal Council President. Leaders from many of the indian tribes in Arizona, as well as Mayors from throughout the Valley, were present.
Photo below: East Valley Mayors and Tribal Presidents Meetinghttp://peterson4carefree.com/2018/07/01/mayor-peterson-joins-other-east-valley-mayors-at-the-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-the-new-mcdowell-yavapai-nation-casino/
Submitted by Betsy Lynn
This past Friday, June 29th, the Fort Mcdowell Yavapai Nation held a new casino groundbreaking ceremony for their new 166,000 square foot casino facility located on State Route 87 just east of Fountain Hills. This state-of-the-art casino should be completed within two years.
Carefree Mayor Peterson, and his wife, Mary, represented Carefree at this ceremony, attending at the request of Bernadine Burnette, Tribal Council President. Leaders from many of the indian tribes in Arizona, as well as Mayors from throughout the Valley, were present.
Photo below: East Valley Mayors and Tribal Presidents Meetinghttp://peterson4carefree.com/2018/07/01/mayor-peterson-joins-other-east-valley-mayors-at-the-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-the-new-mcdowell-yavapai-nation-casino/
Submitted by Betsy Lynn
Herbert Hitchon
Gary Neiss, always has a succinct and thorough explanation for what our Town is doing or considering.
Thank You Gary!
Joe Corpora
I'm now seeing Mike Farrar signs with little flags at each end like Eileen Wright's signs have had for quite a while. He has also come up with Donald Trump type Make Carefree Great Again hats, and magnetic car stickers like Les Peterson had made. Has this man ever had an original idea in his life other than commandeering the Carefree Post Office building and grounds for campaigning, a move that is beyond petty????
Sue C.
(Lyn's note: re the Drone Light Show at Civana)
As usual, I appreciate the clips were there—-but HERBIE’S is much better !!!!
Loraine
(Lyn's note: The CBS News clip on the drone show and Herbert's video of it)
Very cool.......and I am sure this is the beginning of endless possibilities!
Kathy Johnston
Fabulous!! The drone orchestration was incredible.
Shirley Johnson
THAT HERBIE IS SOMETHING ELSE. GREAT SHOW!
RON CROUSE
Excerpted from COINS
National Exposure for Carefree 4th of July Drone Display
As a result of the extreme drought conditions being experienced throughout the desert southwest, CIVANA Carefree and the Town co-produced an innovative alternative to fireworks – a synchronized lighted drone display. The national exposure both CIVANA and the Town received was astonishing with a national media monitoring service reporting that through July 9th, the event created:
330 National news stories
30,416,349 Audience which viewed these national stories
$743,345 Advertising value from these national news stories
I do watch the videos and find them very informative. Thank you both for all your hard work in getting the word out, not just at this time but through the articles, videos and special wildlife pictures. We are so fortunate to live in such a special area.
Regards,
Pat Callaghan
(Lyn's note: re-Les Peterson's Open Letter about the Carefree Post Office issues)
My goodness how Carefree has changed.
Ed Morgan
Unreal about the Post Office story in today’s letter. Peterson is a class act.
Mike Johnson
Verrrrry interesting.....
Larry Schneider
Excerpted from COINS
Voting info from the Town of Carefree
Early Voting Opportunities:
Maricopa County Elections Office will hold early election voting opportunities at our Town Council Center located at 33 Easy Street on the following dates:
FOR PRIMARY
August 20th thru the 24th from 8:00am to 5:00pm
then
August 28th from 6:00am to 7:00pm
FOR GENERAL
October 29th thru November 2nd from 8:00am to 5:00pm
then
November 6th from 6:00am to 7:00pm
Citizens from any precinct can cast a ballot at this location.
Mail in ballots can be dropped off at this location as well.
In addition to the six council seats and seat for mayor for the Town of Carefree, there will be several federal, state and municipal elections as well.
Detailed information can be found at https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_elections,_2018
Map of the Carefree Precinct boundaries at www.carefree.org/DocumentCenter/View/2589/Carefree-Precinct-Voting--Boundaries-12-27-2017
Are you going to be out of town for the Carefree August 28th Primary Election?
Did you know that the post office is federally prohibited from forwarding your ballot to your temporary address even if you have a forwarding request on file?
There are still two ways to vote by mail-in ballot.
Mail a written request to Maricopa County Elections. The written request must include the following:
1. Full Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Residence Address
4. Temporary Address
5. Signature
Include a note granting the Maricopa County Elections Office permission to mail your ballot to a temporary address.
To transmit the written request it can be scanned to evreq@risc.maricopa.gov, faxed to 480-360-3628 or mailed to:
Maricopa County Elections
Attn: Early Voting
510 S 3rd Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
In the alternative – Have a trusted friend or relative collect your mail at the post office. Box it up and mail it to your temporary address. You can mail your completed ballot from anywhere in the U.S.A. Just make sure it is in the mail in time to be RECEIVED by the Election Office by August 28, 2018.
For further information, call 602-506-1511
******* The Last Day to Register to Vote for this Primary Election is July 30th.*******