By Don Scott.
As 2026 begins, it is important to reflect on the direction taken by the Fountain # Fountain Hills Hills Town Council in the past year—and to be clear about who bears responsibility for a period marked by unnecessary division, reputational harm, and misplaced priorities.
The Council majority—Friedel, Skillicorn, Larrabee, Earle, and Watts—advanced a series of actions aligned with the political action committee Reclaim Our Town (ROT) that did little to address the town’s real needs while eroding civic trust and damaging the town’s in-state reputation.
Among the most consequential decisions were the ban on DEI initiatives—despite the town having no formal DEI programs or policies in place—the symbolic declaration of English as the town’s official language, and restrictions on public comment that curtailed residents’ ability to speak freely at their own council meetings. These actions addressed no pressing problem while reiterating an unmistakable message of exclusion rather than community.
Equally troubling was the appointment of a Town Attorney aligned with election denial and far-right ideology, raising legitimate concerns about independence, judgment, and the long-term credibility of town governance.
Before the year ended, Mayor Friedel compounded this pattern by overriding Community Center staff and explicitly created neutrality rules to grant preferential treatment to his PAC allies—authorizing a political display as part of the facility’s traditionally nonpartisan holiday celebration. What should have been a unifying, festive event instead became another example of favoritism over professionalism.
Fountain Hills is not defined solely by these choices. Many residents continue to advocate for inclusive, community-first leadership that values diversity, professionalism, and civic trust—principles reflected by organizations such as Flourish Fountain Hills.
As the new year begins and election season approaches, residents deserve leadership focused on solutions, respect for democratic norms, and the well-being of the entire community.
