Former mayor Edwards weighs in on council race

Guest Commentary

(Editor's note: Opposing viewpoints are welcome.  Send to peoplesgazette@gmail.com)

By Bob Edwards
Former Payson Mayor

The information provided below is my opinion only.

Political Landscape of Payson:
Payson is a divided town politically which, in itself, is not bad. Our forefathers created a political system that was designed to be adversarial where a healthy debate of the issues would take place.

However, Payson seems to be divided on a different level -- those who want a government that listens to the people (Citizens Group) and those who want a government that serves special interests (Special Interest Group). Again, if these disagreements are debated openly, honestly and with good taste it can be a healthy thing, but, when it becomes bitter and personal it is unhealthy.

Vote results show the two groups are about even in numbers; however, that does not transform to votes because many who are in the “citizens” group are here to retire and, unless a key issue is at the forefront, a large number do not vote.

One of the problems a “citizen” candidate faces is the lack of ability to get his or her message out. The Roundup is, and I suspect will remain, a strong supporter of the “special interest” candidates. With the cutbacks at the radio stations and the closing of the Gazette, the “citizen” candidates can only rely on paid ads, mailings and distributed flyers to get their message out, all of which is very costly. With the other side funded by large special interest dollars it is, and will continue to be, a difficult chore for “citizen” candidates.

It is my fervent hope that, going forward, Payson can find its way to open and honest campaigns that are a healthy debate on what is best for Payson. However, to do so will require a more active and aware citizenry and a more level playing field.

Candidate field:
I am disappointed that more candidates did not come forward. To have public officials elected by default is very dangerous for any level of government. Even more disappointing, especially for those of us who believe in citizen based government, is that most of the candidates running are from the “special interest” camp.

My endorsements:
Mayor:  since there is no contest I will not vote for a Mayoral candidate. I would like to support the current Mayor but I can’t because:

Payson is at a crossroads --  it is at about the halfway point to its optimum development. It currently, if handled properly, has a permanent water supply. With the proper plan, it can become a great mountain town on the level of Boulder Colorado and other similar towns with the added advantage of having both mountain fun and big city fun a short drive away. However, to do this, we need to break the grip of special interests and develop a plan that is based solely on what is best for Payson and I don’t see this happening under the current leadership.

Finances: I have never been a supporter of any level of government solving its financial problems by borrowing from the future. Granted, we are in very difficult financial times, but so are a large number of the citizens of Payson. Tough times require tough people -- to allow raises of salary, to provide dollars to special interests and borrow water funds to balance the budget and purchase fireworks is not good stewardship. No serious or long term budget adjustments have been made.

Promises:  I have always been a believer in setting goals and shooting for great heights, but I also strongly believe government officials should not provide false hopes. When I listen to politicians I want to hear their goals but look warily at their promises. It is better to tell us what they would like to achieve, how they will pay for and accomplish it, then report only real results and don’t confuse us with empty promises.

Citizen input: Citizen input has basically been stiff-armed. A number of effective task forces went to him offering their continued input and were rejected.  This makes no sense to me.

Council: My endorsement goes to Ed Blair, Fred Carpenter and Su Connell.

Ed Blair:  While Ed and I disagree on some issues, he has, as he promised in his first campaign, been a true supporter of “We the People”. He is in a difficult role being the lone vote for citizen input and citizen issues but he has held firm. I strongly support him!

Fred Carpenter:  Fred served Payson well as our former manager. His depth of town government knowledge will be a benefit. While I suspect he will vote with the majority on most occasions I don’t see him be a rubber stamp for the Mayor. Also, as Town Manager he was very responsive to the citizens and I believe he will be that type of Councilor.

Su Connell: Su and I served together and while she opposed a number of my efforts she was always gracious and based her votes on what she felt was best for the town.

If you feel really strong about any one candidate you can increase the power of your vote by voting only for that one candidate.