Roderick Watts

Economy Fountain Hills has what it takes to attract and support new business opportunities that provide jobs and additional revenue. The town helps and supports existing businesses though marketing and town supported advertising and functions, however I will also explore the possibility of incentives for prospective and exiting businesses that fall within limits set by state and local gifting policies. Infrastructure / Transportation In addition, Fountain Hills has an opportunity to explore new technologies to extend the life and safety on town roadways, including Perpetual Pavement, traffic management, and bicycle/pedestrian education. Criminal Justice / Public Safety I will work with the town manager, town attorney and MCSO to recommend, develop, and implement laws that protect the public from nuisance panhandling and harassment. I will also work with various local charitable organizations to provide assistance with temporary shelter, food, and a program to relocate individuals to more permanent facilities that specialize in helping people re-enter society as productive, contributing members. Taxes / Budget Fountain Hills’s obligations can be organized into WANTS and NEEDS. The needs are obvious—infrastructure, insurance, public services. However, a town’s WANTS should reflect the residents’ input. Discretionary spending should not be left to the sole discretion of the town management and council. Fountain Hills residents deserve a clear path to shape the town’s spending policy. Infrastructure / Transportation Recommendations from our committees and commissions should receive strong consideration and appreciation for the time and non-partisan efforts devoted toward decisions in the best interests of the residents. Based on the Street Committee’s report, it appears that the rate of deterioration of our streets currently exceeds the funds available to keep them up. As a council member, I will work with town manager on the practicality and cost of issuing a specific bond to address all street repair and resurfacing. Government Reform I support the development of a competitive bidding process instead of the current administrative approval process greater than 25,000. The current limit is too high and leaves too much room for mismanagement. Economy Our town faces critical realities on various fronts including obvious declining revenue streams, deteriorating infrastructure, rising public safety expenses, and inflationary pressure. I will recommend a proactive strategy that starts with separating needs from wants and address the needs first. Taxes / Budget How do you plan for success given today’s economic outlook? The Town of Fountain Hills requires a budget strategy that acknowledges declining revenue streams, inflation/recession, even a worst-case scenario. A budget based on the town’s projected revenues protects the interest of our residents and our future prosperity.