Rector: Mary Hamway is the Right Choice

Local elections are perhaps the most important elections of all since they directly impact us. Given the small population of our town, each and every vote counts.

All the candidates tell us that they support one-acre zoning, controlled resort development and regulation of short-term rentals. The issues that aren't being talked about as much are the growth of our town government are, who is going to write the new policies and procedures for town employees and why doesn't TPV have its own “Resign to Run” ordinance?

Resign to Run is the standard in Arizona for municipalities that have paid elected officials. Since Paradise Valley doesn't pay its elected officials, the town is not required to abide by this Arizona law. The law requires that, except in the last year of the term being served, the incumbent resigns before seeking nomination or election to another office. You might not think that this is important, but it is. If the incumbent wins the election, the town council will appoint the incumbent's replacement, not giving the voters a say in who serves in that council seat. Talk about subverting the electoral process!

Mary Hamway not only will provide leadership to maintain our one-acre zoning, control resort development and work to regulate short-term rentals, she will also address the growth in town government, ask the council to rewrite the policies and procedures rather than the town manager, and ask the town council to pass a town “Resign to Run” ordinance.

Please join me in voting for Mary Hamway for Town of Paradise Valley mayor.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.