"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 Memorial Day Tribute
Monday, May 27
The Town of Carefree is privileged to host a Memorial Day Tribute honoring our veterans on Monday, May 27, from 8 – 9 am in the Cave Creek Memorial Cemetery located at 36400 N Pima Rd, Carefree, AZ.
Col Deborah Lehker, US Air Force retired, will remember her service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Chief Nurse and will share her perspective and thoughts about Memorial Day.
The program will include local 9th grade student Olivia Nicosia singing the National Anthem, Vietnam War United States Navy veteran and Carefree resident Tom Cross leading the pledge of allegiance, Canon Steven Dart, the Rector of Christ Anglican Church in Carefree, performing the invocation, and local Cave Creek Boy Scout Troop 603 color guard posting and retrieving the colors.
Veterans Heritage Project (VHP) will be in attendance with VHP chapter students from Cactus Shadows High School. The Black Mountain Foothills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will provide coffee and water.
Join us as our community comes together to pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service to our country.
View Event
Col Deborah Lehker, US Air Force retired, will remember her service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Chief Nurse and will share her perspective and thoughts about Memorial Day.
The program will include local 9th grade student Olivia Nicosia singing the National Anthem, Vietnam War United States Navy veteran and Carefree resident Tom Cross leading the pledge of allegiance, Canon Steven Dart, the Rector of Christ Anglican Church in Carefree, performing the invocation, and local Cave Creek Boy Scout Troop 603 color guard posting and retrieving the colors.
Veterans Heritage Project (VHP) will be in attendance with VHP chapter students from Cactus Shadows High School. The Black Mountain Foothills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will provide coffee and water.
Join us as our community comes together to pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service to our country.
View Event
THE TRUTH: "You can't fix stupid. There’s not a pill you can take, or a class you can go to." Ron White
In 2020, Carefree, AZ had a population of 3,860 people with a median age of 69.4. This was obtained from the Town of Carefree website. About 60 people show up at town hall meetings (usually the same faces). Do the math. This represents 1.57% of the population. The "green shirts" like to say they represent the citizens because the tax for fire coverage was voted down by 80%. I voted against it because of the way it was presented by the Town. In no way do I agree with the "green shirts" on any other issue. (The tactics of the "green shirts" reminds me of the German "brown shirts" from WWll.)
I have followed Carefree politics since starting our newsletter, Carefree Truth, on 7/2/09. Carefree has always had a majority of good leadership.
I have physically lived in Carefree since 1992, We bought our lot and moved to AZ in 1988. It took 3 years to move into our house since our 1st house was burned during its construction in 1990, requiring the demolition of what was left standing because the concrete block walls and the concrete slab were fried by the fire. So, I am well aware of the need for good fire coverage. I voted against replacing Rural Metro because I'm grateful to them for responding quickly when our house was on fire, and putting out the raging fire before it reached the surrounding desert and became a wildfire.
In 2020, Carefree, AZ had a population of 3,860 people with a median age of 69.4. This was obtained from the Town of Carefree website. About 60 people show up at town hall meetings (usually the same faces). Do the math. This represents 1.57% of the population. The "green shirts" like to say they represent the citizens because the tax for fire coverage was voted down by 80%. I voted against it because of the way it was presented by the Town. In no way do I agree with the "green shirts" on any other issue. (The tactics of the "green shirts" reminds me of the German "brown shirts" from WWll.)
I have followed Carefree politics since starting our newsletter, Carefree Truth, on 7/2/09. Carefree has always had a majority of good leadership.
I have physically lived in Carefree since 1992, We bought our lot and moved to AZ in 1988. It took 3 years to move into our house since our 1st house was burned during its construction in 1990, requiring the demolition of what was left standing because the concrete block walls and the concrete slab were fried by the fire. So, I am well aware of the need for good fire coverage. I voted against replacing Rural Metro because I'm grateful to them for responding quickly when our house was on fire, and putting out the raging fire before it reached the surrounding desert and became a wildfire.
Photos by John Brinkman on his way home from a date
Photos by Herbert Hitchon
I also appreciate Rural Metro because they were very good to Lyn after her back and knee surgeries. Since we live on a steep slope on Black Mountain and our house is on 2 levels, we have steps between the living space and the car. Before she could manage steps, Rural/Metro graciously came and carried Lyn down and back up the outside steps on a sling for doctor appointments and physical therapy, which was a life saver.
I currently follow the town meetings on YouTube due to my own physical limitations. I always see the same faces in the crowd. The "green shirts" consistently are disrespectful and act like a mob mentality. Their thoughts are often disorganized, and rambling.
I see some old faces in the mob, such as John Traynor and Connie Bidell. Both were both supporters of Mike Farrar for Mayor. Connie Bidell was Mike Farrar's campaign manager. John Traynor was his cheerleader in his blog, and was a member or his campaign team. Mike Farrar was going to bring "prosperity, transparency, and unity" to Carefree. It was discovered late in the election process that he was on AHCCCS (Welfare) for his health insurance, which limits income to $16,763 annually, for the past 10 years, with his account still active at the time. When this was brought to light, he disappeared for the 2 weeks before the election in order to avoid questions and criticism. He was certainly not "transparent" about that.
And he certainly created "unity". If he was elected, the entire staff planned to quit due to his miserable treatment of them. This was during a slump in the economy and jobs were in short supply, which demonstrates just how badly he treated the staff.
Later he applied for the Maricopa Asssessor's office position that became available when the previous assessor quit, and was not hired due to the discovery of PLAGIARISM on his application form. Note that in his application for County Assessor, he writes that as assessor he would build trust from the beginning of his relationship with every new employee. “Trust is fragile, but it can grow strong over time, if you continually pay attention to it.” (see the link below)
https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2020/01/31/candidate-for-assessor-job-withdraws-after-plagiarism-discovery/
I also appreciate Rural Metro because they were very good to Lyn after her back and knee surgeries. Since we live on a steep slope on Black Mountain and our house is on 2 levels, we have steps between the living space and the car. Before she could manage steps, Rural/Metro graciously came and carried Lyn down and back up the outside steps on a sling for doctor appointments and physical therapy, which was a life saver.
I currently follow the town meetings on YouTube due to my own physical limitations. I always see the same faces in the crowd. The "green shirts" consistently are disrespectful and act like a mob mentality. Their thoughts are often disorganized, and rambling.
I see some old faces in the mob, such as John Traynor and Connie Bidell. Both were both supporters of Mike Farrar for Mayor. Connie Bidell was Mike Farrar's campaign manager. John Traynor was his cheerleader in his blog, and was a member or his campaign team. Mike Farrar was going to bring "prosperity, transparency, and unity" to Carefree. It was discovered late in the election process that he was on AHCCCS (Welfare) for his health insurance, which limits income to $16,763 annually, for the past 10 years, with his account still active at the time. When this was brought to light, he disappeared for the 2 weeks before the election in order to avoid questions and criticism. He was certainly not "transparent" about that.
And he certainly created "unity". If he was elected, the entire staff planned to quit due to his miserable treatment of them. This was during a slump in the economy and jobs were in short supply, which demonstrates just how badly he treated the staff.
Later he applied for the Maricopa Asssessor's office position that became available when the previous assessor quit, and was not hired due to the discovery of PLAGIARISM on his application form. Note that in his application for County Assessor, he writes that as assessor he would build trust from the beginning of his relationship with every new employee. “Trust is fragile, but it can grow strong over time, if you continually pay attention to it.” (see the link below)
https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2020/01/31/candidate-for-assessor-job-withdraws-after-plagiarism-discovery/
https://carefreetruth2.com/michael8232farrarplagiarism.html
The link above leads to another article on Mike Farrar's plagiarism on that application.
I implore the residents of Carefree to stay informed and get involved.
To be continued...
Herbert Hitchon
The link above leads to another article on Mike Farrar's plagiarism on that application.
I implore the residents of Carefree to stay informed and get involved.
To be continued...
Herbert Hitchon
This whole thing is getting messy. I just heard that developers for north west corner of Tom Darlington are going to sue the town and a few individuals. Apparently the have already spent over 1 million?
John Traynor is the same guy that put up such a stink when they put speed bumps on bloody basin. He got them reduced in size and then honked in front of them to annoy my neighbor and myself. Seems like Crane and some folks in town admin are catering to his group. If they do what they want to do Carefree will have no choice but to raise property taxes.
By the way. You're the best! Well done!👍
Rich Christopher
Get 'em Lyn!!
Mike Krahe
Thank you for your very clear explanation, Lyn.
Gail Theile
Councilman D’Aliesio has our vote!
Catherine Zindell
Lyn,
I am appreciative of reading Mr. D’Aliesio’s background. I am going to assume that you will provide similar opportunities for all the other candidates for Town Council to share their background in your publication. After all it would only be fair.
With respect to Mr. D’Aliesio’s background , I appreciate and welcome his desire to serve the community of Carefree, regardless of holding elective office. I am certain that all other candidates for Town Council, P&Z or other community organizations have that same desire.
I look forward to learning about the other candidates' background in your future publication.
John Nimsky
(Lyn's note: I am printing Vince D'Aliesio's information because he sent it to me and asked me to do so. I did not solicit it. I have not heard from anyone else.)
Lyn, I realize you have had a years-long cordial relationship with Les Peterson and certain council members, and I do not overlook your many years of service as a member of the P&Z. That said, I will understand you may choose not to publish the remainder of my comments.
I spoke at the recent P&Z meeting to present commissioners with a perspective they may not have considered and to remind them of past events they may have overlooked. During the long list of those who spoke their mind, I was neither the first to speak during public comments nor the last. Mr. Peterson waited until after all other comments had been aired before standing to announce, loudly, that he would like to speak. It seemed like intimidation Then, as in his response you published, he attempts to deny accusations that were never made.
In response to Mr. Peterson’s several denials regarding any involvement in the SPA drama, I’ll borrow from Willian Shakespeare’s Hamlet; “The lady doth protest too much, methinks”. He is certainly no lady, not my intent. Hopefully, your readers will get the point. During my comments there were no accusations made but several questions were raised, none of which were answered, at least not to my satisfaction. Instead, I heard denials and I heard of Boy Scouts. I have read the same material repeated in your mailing as well as in the mailing from the in-again, out-again ‘Unity’ folks, all Peterson supporters including Mary Roberts, a current commissioner. Once again, I’ll borrow that wonderful line, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks”.
For your information I will include my comments below so that there is no further misunderstanding, or misrepresentation – publish or not, your call.
Comments by John Traynor 05/13/24:
I do not plan to repeat information each of you, and council members, have heard more often than I care to recount at this juncture.
You were appointed by the council to represent us, the residents, on matters relating to land use. You do not answer to the staff – not a single one of them.
We get that you are smart people… in a town full of smart people.
And, your life experience matters, as does ours. How many of you actually have experience in governance, governance where you have had to answer to the people you represent? I’m guessing, not many.
What is very troublesome in this matter is that a few of you may have a personal relationship with, or allegiance to, Les Peterson, but that should be irrelevant in this case. If you cannot be impartial and ignore personal relationships, then you should not be voting on this matter.
Your primary responsibility is to protect our zoning.
So far, it seems that several of you may have forgotten that duty, and have failed to hear residents, or perhaps you choose to just ignore our preferences, regarding that SPA on the NW corner.
Staff have no say, they do not live in Carefree. Les Peterson may have an opinion but that is it. None of those individuals should attempt to influence or bagger you to do their bidding.
Speaking of Les, you should be asking yourselves, what is his deal? Why has he been pushing this SPA on that property for years? This really goes back to 2017 when that property owner, “just a friend, nothing more” purchased the remaining 10 acres in that area, the area that Les later arranged, by a General Plan Amendment, to become a SPA (2021). [My apology, I inadvertently skipped over the next sentence during my time at the podium: So, during the height of Covid, while the world focused on the illness and death, Les focused on getting the General Plan Amendment passed, an astonishing feat. Is he pushing this entire issue because he is altruistic, because of a personal relationship, or for some other interest?
If it smells like a fish, it is - a smelly fish.
Follow the real mayor’s lead, Leave out the SPA.
Regards,
John Traynor
"The power of accurate observation is frequently called cynicism by those who don't have it." - George Bernard Shaw
(Lyn's note: Mr. Traynor has been a destructive force in Carefree for as long as I have known him. Unfortunately, he has now gathered enough supporters to be a force with which to be reckoned.)
Lyn -- I attended the P&Z meeting as I assume, from reading your newsletter, you did too. It is so interesting how people can hear the same words and process them so differently. Reading your take on this meeting was as if we attended two separate events.
This East and West Carefree you refer to. Where is the dividing line for this? I wonder which land I live in? The "relatively small number of Carefree residents, primarily from Eastern Carefree" you describe sound like a cabal that meets secretly to plan their opposition to Western Carefree. I attend these meetings by myself and there is no "group" with whom I have been having discussions on these issues. I came to my decisions on my own based on my values so why is that not possible for others to have done so as well?
In the council meetings I attended and the P&Z I never heard anyone making "demands" as you put it. The people who spoke expressed their opinions of what they would like to see happen and said it articulately and in a completely respectful way. To describe this "small group of residents" as likely "to come to the upcoming Carefree Town Council meeting on June 4th to yell and shout and applaud their speakers like trained seals" --- Really ??
Did you not notice that the "historical and successful operating approach" of Carefree you describe went seriously awry when our trust and was screwed, blued and tattooed by a Council who promised a small 2 story boutique hotel but gave us a standard 3 story Hampton Inn instead . Not to mention the condos right across from it that appeared with no community discussion at all. The lack of trust that that exists now is the key to understanding where the people who support removing the SPA from the General Plan are coming from.
As to the development on the East and West corners of Carefree. Your newsletter says that the "Easterners" were "demanding the the development of the NW corner of Tom Darlington and Carefree Highway be curtailed " but that commercial development on the NE corner of Cave Creek and Carefree Highway be accelerated". Not what I heard. At all the meetings I attended it is only the Tom Darlington/Carefree Hwy parcel that is talked about as if it is Custer's last stand when it comes to future revenue for Carefree. This was the first time I heard anyone point out that there is another source of potential revenue from the other corner on the west. I don't see how this shows there is a group pushing for revenue only from the other corner on the west much less trying to accelerate that development.
As far as I know, no one is clamoring to develop either corner right now so all discussion appears moot at the moment. The suggestion by one of the P&Z board members that we should also wait and see how that corner on Tom Darlington looks after Scottsdale gets through making their changes to it before we come to any decisions about what might be suitable for that parcel sounds very sensible to me. Just sayin'
Judie Gaugenmaier Carefree resident since 1989
(Lyn's note: In past Council meetings, members of a certain group have been told that if they don't stop throwing tantrums and issuing threats, they will be removed by the police. They consistently booed and interrupted those who spoke disagreeing with their positions. Apparently, you missed those meetings. The people who caused the disturbances live primarily in the Boulders, Velvet Shadows, and Tranquil Trail, all on the eastern part of Carefree.
They have also consistently complained that the N.E. corner has not been developed yet, even though the hold-up was due to the lack of available water until very recently. Some of them have even pushed for a low cost housing apartment building on that corner, and even went so far as having a contractor wanting to build it. One of them has also pushed for a high density Costco.
These are the people who are divisive, pitting the east part of Carefree against the west part. They should be ashamed of themselves, but I don't think they have a button on their brain elevators for that floor.)
Lyn,
For several years I have read your emails and, on occasion have responded with non-inflammatory comments. However, this latest treatise of yours in which you not so subtly attempt to divide the town by West and East and denigrate a segment of Carefree residents as Seals etc., is just too much.
I realize that truth, facts, and decorum is in short supply these days, however as a publisher. I would expect a certain amount of objectivity and non-inflammatory language. Please see my comments below to add some balance to your comments.
It is ironic that you start out this paragraph by extolling cohesiveness among residents only to engage in divisive language designed to pit “Western Carefree residents against Eastern Carefree residents, a distinction which seems to be a new invention.
(Lyn's note: See my comments above, in response to Judie.)
I seem to recall that the Special Area provision was removed from the general plan only to be put back in by those who share a different opinion. Who then is the likely group forcing a “revision”?
(Lyn's note: I believe you are thinking of the N.E. corner, not the N.W. one.)
I was not aware that the opinions of the P&Z supercede the wishes of residents, which by sheer numbers comprise a greater portion than just the Eastern Carefree residents as have defined here. Nor are divergent opinions typically considered a “ruse”.
(Lyn's note: Again, the vocal opponents of the water project and the N.W. corner are primarily residents of the Boulders, Velvet Shadows, and Tranquil Trail, all developments on the east side of town. While they claim to represent the majority of our residents, this is not the case, making it a "ruse". They actually represent a very small and vocal minority, who happen to show up at meetings each month.)
There are many legitimate reasons why the NE corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek road are prime for development, not the least of which is better traffic access, proximity to other commercial development, etc. I can certainly review other reasons with the Economic Development Director at his request.
(Lyn's note: And this is why, working with the adjacent HOA to limit what commercial projects could go in there, forbidding a large emergency hospital and a noisy car wash, the N.E. corner was re-zoned for commercial development. Years ago, it was zoned residential, but since that time, the surrounding communities in that area have developed high density commercial projects, making residential development impractical.)
I have cautioned in the past not to make assumptions about the intellect/knowledge base of individuals who do not agree with a preferred point of view. Furthermore, being elected or appointed does not guarantee wisdom, good judgement, or common sense. One only needs to revisit the past disasters of P & Z and Council decisions such as the hotel, the townhouses, the traffic lanes, the arches,-- shall I go on?
(Lyn's note: Not every resident views the projects you specify as "disasters".)
Let’s not look at legitimate disagreements re: Town Council policies as demands but rather points of discussion, consideration and compromise. I for one don’t live in a world of black and white. Have you conveniently forgotten the cost ALL Carefree residents are shouldering to bring 500 plus Carefree residents onto Carefree water, (I believe under the current language the beneficiaries would referred to as Western Carefree residents)
(Lyn's note: While ALL Carefree residents are "shouldering" the cost of decommissioning the sewer plant in the Boulders, a decision driven by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) because the sewer company is owned by Liberty Utilities, a public company, none of the residents who were already on Carefree Water are "shouldering" the cost of bringing on those who were on Cave Creek Water. Their cost increase is the one they have gotten each year for years, 4-1/2%, I believe. The residents who have been brought on to Carefree Water, which is a municipal company and not governed by the ACC, are the ones who are "shouldering" the extra cost, which is being spread over a 30 year period. I am one of them. My water bill has increased about $20 a month, which is still a nit. So, on this issue, you have, like many others, been listening to the group that has been spreading misinformation and discontent among our residents.)
It appears that the intent here is on dividing the town into west and east. Perhaps a more intelligent approach would be to acknowledge that Carefree is comprised of individuals of many backgrounds who happen to have differing opinions about how Carefree should be governed.
(Lyn's note: I agree that we should consider ourselves as citizens of Carefree, instead of dividing the town into east and west. But the reality is that the group in those 3 developments are the primary ones who are purposely attempting to turn the residents against each other. It's a classic Divide and Conquer ploy, which unfortunately seems to be working for them at this time.)
I think you got it wrong. The concern here, at least mine, is that without Good planning, two stories residential use structures in the center of Carefree could run the risk of mimicing the current architecture of the hotel and surrounding new builds. To be clear, I actually like the idea of some residences above the commercial venues, as long as they are properly planned. (must be my European background.)
(Lyn's note: All new commercial development or additions to existing buildings must go through a rigorous planning process that includes public meetings where residents have the opportunity to express their input. This is not an administrative process.)
You refer to those who have competing opinions about economic development as “trained seals”. Sadly, comments such as those suggest a lack of desire to address opposing opinions in an objective manner which in turn tends to invalidate many of the comments within, some of which are worthy of debate/discussion.
(Lyn's note: The impression I get from this group is that their applause when one of their own speaks is a well orchestrated show, not spontaneous applause.)
The question thus becomes who’s activities, comments and behavior are self-serving. Residents who’s input might not agree with those you represent and/or a attempt by this publication to divide the community?
(Lyn's note: The Divide and Conquer ploy has come from the small disruptive group, not from the vast majority of citizens who don't attend meetings and just live their lives. Unfortunately, after years of trying, that group, with John Traynor at their head, has obtained enough soldiers to make enough noise to be noticed and feared by many, but they do not represent 80% of the residents, as they claim to do. They have taken advantage of the fact that 80% of the residents voted against a dedicated property tax to be used only for fire protection. This 80% basically voted only against a tax, and are not in agreement with much of what Mr. Traynor's Army spouts.)
Respectfully John Nimsky
John Traynor is the same guy that put up such a stink when they put speed bumps on bloody basin. He got them reduced in size and then honked in front of them to annoy my neighbor and myself. Seems like Crane and some folks in town admin are catering to his group. If they do what they want to do Carefree will have no choice but to raise property taxes.
By the way. You're the best! Well done!👍
Rich Christopher
Get 'em Lyn!!
Mike Krahe
Thank you for your very clear explanation, Lyn.
Gail Theile
Councilman D’Aliesio has our vote!
Catherine Zindell
Lyn,
I am appreciative of reading Mr. D’Aliesio’s background. I am going to assume that you will provide similar opportunities for all the other candidates for Town Council to share their background in your publication. After all it would only be fair.
With respect to Mr. D’Aliesio’s background , I appreciate and welcome his desire to serve the community of Carefree, regardless of holding elective office. I am certain that all other candidates for Town Council, P&Z or other community organizations have that same desire.
I look forward to learning about the other candidates' background in your future publication.
John Nimsky
(Lyn's note: I am printing Vince D'Aliesio's information because he sent it to me and asked me to do so. I did not solicit it. I have not heard from anyone else.)
Lyn, I realize you have had a years-long cordial relationship with Les Peterson and certain council members, and I do not overlook your many years of service as a member of the P&Z. That said, I will understand you may choose not to publish the remainder of my comments.
I spoke at the recent P&Z meeting to present commissioners with a perspective they may not have considered and to remind them of past events they may have overlooked. During the long list of those who spoke their mind, I was neither the first to speak during public comments nor the last. Mr. Peterson waited until after all other comments had been aired before standing to announce, loudly, that he would like to speak. It seemed like intimidation Then, as in his response you published, he attempts to deny accusations that were never made.
In response to Mr. Peterson’s several denials regarding any involvement in the SPA drama, I’ll borrow from Willian Shakespeare’s Hamlet; “The lady doth protest too much, methinks”. He is certainly no lady, not my intent. Hopefully, your readers will get the point. During my comments there were no accusations made but several questions were raised, none of which were answered, at least not to my satisfaction. Instead, I heard denials and I heard of Boy Scouts. I have read the same material repeated in your mailing as well as in the mailing from the in-again, out-again ‘Unity’ folks, all Peterson supporters including Mary Roberts, a current commissioner. Once again, I’ll borrow that wonderful line, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks”.
For your information I will include my comments below so that there is no further misunderstanding, or misrepresentation – publish or not, your call.
Comments by John Traynor 05/13/24:
I do not plan to repeat information each of you, and council members, have heard more often than I care to recount at this juncture.
You were appointed by the council to represent us, the residents, on matters relating to land use. You do not answer to the staff – not a single one of them.
We get that you are smart people… in a town full of smart people.
And, your life experience matters, as does ours. How many of you actually have experience in governance, governance where you have had to answer to the people you represent? I’m guessing, not many.
What is very troublesome in this matter is that a few of you may have a personal relationship with, or allegiance to, Les Peterson, but that should be irrelevant in this case. If you cannot be impartial and ignore personal relationships, then you should not be voting on this matter.
Your primary responsibility is to protect our zoning.
So far, it seems that several of you may have forgotten that duty, and have failed to hear residents, or perhaps you choose to just ignore our preferences, regarding that SPA on the NW corner.
Staff have no say, they do not live in Carefree. Les Peterson may have an opinion but that is it. None of those individuals should attempt to influence or bagger you to do their bidding.
Speaking of Les, you should be asking yourselves, what is his deal? Why has he been pushing this SPA on that property for years? This really goes back to 2017 when that property owner, “just a friend, nothing more” purchased the remaining 10 acres in that area, the area that Les later arranged, by a General Plan Amendment, to become a SPA (2021). [My apology, I inadvertently skipped over the next sentence during my time at the podium: So, during the height of Covid, while the world focused on the illness and death, Les focused on getting the General Plan Amendment passed, an astonishing feat. Is he pushing this entire issue because he is altruistic, because of a personal relationship, or for some other interest?
If it smells like a fish, it is - a smelly fish.
Follow the real mayor’s lead, Leave out the SPA.
Regards,
John Traynor
"The power of accurate observation is frequently called cynicism by those who don't have it." - George Bernard Shaw
(Lyn's note: Mr. Traynor has been a destructive force in Carefree for as long as I have known him. Unfortunately, he has now gathered enough supporters to be a force with which to be reckoned.)
Lyn -- I attended the P&Z meeting as I assume, from reading your newsletter, you did too. It is so interesting how people can hear the same words and process them so differently. Reading your take on this meeting was as if we attended two separate events.
This East and West Carefree you refer to. Where is the dividing line for this? I wonder which land I live in? The "relatively small number of Carefree residents, primarily from Eastern Carefree" you describe sound like a cabal that meets secretly to plan their opposition to Western Carefree. I attend these meetings by myself and there is no "group" with whom I have been having discussions on these issues. I came to my decisions on my own based on my values so why is that not possible for others to have done so as well?
In the council meetings I attended and the P&Z I never heard anyone making "demands" as you put it. The people who spoke expressed their opinions of what they would like to see happen and said it articulately and in a completely respectful way. To describe this "small group of residents" as likely "to come to the upcoming Carefree Town Council meeting on June 4th to yell and shout and applaud their speakers like trained seals" --- Really ??
Did you not notice that the "historical and successful operating approach" of Carefree you describe went seriously awry when our trust and was screwed, blued and tattooed by a Council who promised a small 2 story boutique hotel but gave us a standard 3 story Hampton Inn instead . Not to mention the condos right across from it that appeared with no community discussion at all. The lack of trust that that exists now is the key to understanding where the people who support removing the SPA from the General Plan are coming from.
As to the development on the East and West corners of Carefree. Your newsletter says that the "Easterners" were "demanding the the development of the NW corner of Tom Darlington and Carefree Highway be curtailed " but that commercial development on the NE corner of Cave Creek and Carefree Highway be accelerated". Not what I heard. At all the meetings I attended it is only the Tom Darlington/Carefree Hwy parcel that is talked about as if it is Custer's last stand when it comes to future revenue for Carefree. This was the first time I heard anyone point out that there is another source of potential revenue from the other corner on the west. I don't see how this shows there is a group pushing for revenue only from the other corner on the west much less trying to accelerate that development.
As far as I know, no one is clamoring to develop either corner right now so all discussion appears moot at the moment. The suggestion by one of the P&Z board members that we should also wait and see how that corner on Tom Darlington looks after Scottsdale gets through making their changes to it before we come to any decisions about what might be suitable for that parcel sounds very sensible to me. Just sayin'
Judie Gaugenmaier Carefree resident since 1989
(Lyn's note: In past Council meetings, members of a certain group have been told that if they don't stop throwing tantrums and issuing threats, they will be removed by the police. They consistently booed and interrupted those who spoke disagreeing with their positions. Apparently, you missed those meetings. The people who caused the disturbances live primarily in the Boulders, Velvet Shadows, and Tranquil Trail, all on the eastern part of Carefree.
They have also consistently complained that the N.E. corner has not been developed yet, even though the hold-up was due to the lack of available water until very recently. Some of them have even pushed for a low cost housing apartment building on that corner, and even went so far as having a contractor wanting to build it. One of them has also pushed for a high density Costco.
These are the people who are divisive, pitting the east part of Carefree against the west part. They should be ashamed of themselves, but I don't think they have a button on their brain elevators for that floor.)
Lyn,
For several years I have read your emails and, on occasion have responded with non-inflammatory comments. However, this latest treatise of yours in which you not so subtly attempt to divide the town by West and East and denigrate a segment of Carefree residents as Seals etc., is just too much.
I realize that truth, facts, and decorum is in short supply these days, however as a publisher. I would expect a certain amount of objectivity and non-inflammatory language. Please see my comments below to add some balance to your comments.
It is ironic that you start out this paragraph by extolling cohesiveness among residents only to engage in divisive language designed to pit “Western Carefree residents against Eastern Carefree residents, a distinction which seems to be a new invention.
(Lyn's note: See my comments above, in response to Judie.)
I seem to recall that the Special Area provision was removed from the general plan only to be put back in by those who share a different opinion. Who then is the likely group forcing a “revision”?
(Lyn's note: I believe you are thinking of the N.E. corner, not the N.W. one.)
I was not aware that the opinions of the P&Z supercede the wishes of residents, which by sheer numbers comprise a greater portion than just the Eastern Carefree residents as have defined here. Nor are divergent opinions typically considered a “ruse”.
(Lyn's note: Again, the vocal opponents of the water project and the N.W. corner are primarily residents of the Boulders, Velvet Shadows, and Tranquil Trail, all developments on the east side of town. While they claim to represent the majority of our residents, this is not the case, making it a "ruse". They actually represent a very small and vocal minority, who happen to show up at meetings each month.)
There are many legitimate reasons why the NE corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek road are prime for development, not the least of which is better traffic access, proximity to other commercial development, etc. I can certainly review other reasons with the Economic Development Director at his request.
(Lyn's note: And this is why, working with the adjacent HOA to limit what commercial projects could go in there, forbidding a large emergency hospital and a noisy car wash, the N.E. corner was re-zoned for commercial development. Years ago, it was zoned residential, but since that time, the surrounding communities in that area have developed high density commercial projects, making residential development impractical.)
I have cautioned in the past not to make assumptions about the intellect/knowledge base of individuals who do not agree with a preferred point of view. Furthermore, being elected or appointed does not guarantee wisdom, good judgement, or common sense. One only needs to revisit the past disasters of P & Z and Council decisions such as the hotel, the townhouses, the traffic lanes, the arches,-- shall I go on?
(Lyn's note: Not every resident views the projects you specify as "disasters".)
Let’s not look at legitimate disagreements re: Town Council policies as demands but rather points of discussion, consideration and compromise. I for one don’t live in a world of black and white. Have you conveniently forgotten the cost ALL Carefree residents are shouldering to bring 500 plus Carefree residents onto Carefree water, (I believe under the current language the beneficiaries would referred to as Western Carefree residents)
(Lyn's note: While ALL Carefree residents are "shouldering" the cost of decommissioning the sewer plant in the Boulders, a decision driven by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) because the sewer company is owned by Liberty Utilities, a public company, none of the residents who were already on Carefree Water are "shouldering" the cost of bringing on those who were on Cave Creek Water. Their cost increase is the one they have gotten each year for years, 4-1/2%, I believe. The residents who have been brought on to Carefree Water, which is a municipal company and not governed by the ACC, are the ones who are "shouldering" the extra cost, which is being spread over a 30 year period. I am one of them. My water bill has increased about $20 a month, which is still a nit. So, on this issue, you have, like many others, been listening to the group that has been spreading misinformation and discontent among our residents.)
It appears that the intent here is on dividing the town into west and east. Perhaps a more intelligent approach would be to acknowledge that Carefree is comprised of individuals of many backgrounds who happen to have differing opinions about how Carefree should be governed.
(Lyn's note: I agree that we should consider ourselves as citizens of Carefree, instead of dividing the town into east and west. But the reality is that the group in those 3 developments are the primary ones who are purposely attempting to turn the residents against each other. It's a classic Divide and Conquer ploy, which unfortunately seems to be working for them at this time.)
I think you got it wrong. The concern here, at least mine, is that without Good planning, two stories residential use structures in the center of Carefree could run the risk of mimicing the current architecture of the hotel and surrounding new builds. To be clear, I actually like the idea of some residences above the commercial venues, as long as they are properly planned. (must be my European background.)
(Lyn's note: All new commercial development or additions to existing buildings must go through a rigorous planning process that includes public meetings where residents have the opportunity to express their input. This is not an administrative process.)
You refer to those who have competing opinions about economic development as “trained seals”. Sadly, comments such as those suggest a lack of desire to address opposing opinions in an objective manner which in turn tends to invalidate many of the comments within, some of which are worthy of debate/discussion.
(Lyn's note: The impression I get from this group is that their applause when one of their own speaks is a well orchestrated show, not spontaneous applause.)
The question thus becomes who’s activities, comments and behavior are self-serving. Residents who’s input might not agree with those you represent and/or a attempt by this publication to divide the community?
(Lyn's note: The Divide and Conquer ploy has come from the small disruptive group, not from the vast majority of citizens who don't attend meetings and just live their lives. Unfortunately, after years of trying, that group, with John Traynor at their head, has obtained enough soldiers to make enough noise to be noticed and feared by many, but they do not represent 80% of the residents, as they claim to do. They have taken advantage of the fact that 80% of the residents voted against a dedicated property tax to be used only for fire protection. This 80% basically voted only against a tax, and are not in agreement with much of what Mr. Traynor's Army spouts.)
Respectfully John Nimsky