Feb. 24, 1999

CAREFREE — Carefree’s Town Council candidate forum was more like a ride on a roller coaster over a track that zigzagged across political philosophies as diverse as the town itself.

In their opening statements and introductions Thursday night in a packed Carefree Inn ballroom, incumbents stood behind their voting records and touted their dedication to the town.

When it was their turn, grassroots activists turned council hopefuls fired out complaints about skyrocketing water bills, possible 4-year terms and incumbents’ unwillingness to listen.

Other candidates, many of whom are backed by current councilmen, presented their experiences, past jobs or schooling, but noticeably refrained from attacking council decisions outright.

“I voted in the minority the most,” said incumbent Greg Gardner, distancing himself from several lightning-rod councilmen. “I did not vote to double your tax on your water bill or groceries.”

Mayor Hugh Stevens, who took much of the heat during a series of votes surrounding the failed Los Arcos deal, told the standing-room-only crowd that cooperation with nearby cities is vital.

“We cannot be an island,” Stevens said, after promoting his past efforts to incorporate Carefree. “We’ve got to get involved with out neighbors.”

Not surprisingly, argument surrounding the Los Arcos project agreement with Scottsdale did surface.

Candidate James Peirce compared the council to the “fourth-rate bumblers” in the movie The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight. Three votes with varying degrees of support for the plan, he said, were indicative of a wayward council.

Robert Coady echoed Peirce, saying the council does practices backdoor politics and uses scare tactics to push through their agenda.

“I believe the council with few exceptions failed in their duties,” he said. “I believe that the town government should not participate or become involved in any aspect of professional sports.”

For the most part, however, bickering over the plan that would have allowed Scottsdale to build a hockey rink for the Phoenix Coyotes at Los Arcos Mall was diffused.

Following the monologues, both incumbents and hopefuls sat as a firing squad of citizens blasted and praised them with more comments than questions.

“If you believe in a pristine environment, the way of life here, what are you doing with all of those damn sign all over the town,” resident Lou Mack barked at James Peirce referring to his campaign signs.

Even a question about how the candidates would have voted if they were a Senate member during the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton was thrown in amidst cheers and shouts.

Vice Mayor Julian Barrolaza and Evelyn DeMaris Hitchon offered up guilty verdicts but everyone else refused to answer.

While some got angry at the microphone and others chuckled from their seats, the discussion seemed to cement beliefs most people held before the forum.

“I think they need some new blood,” said Marian Smith, who sat close to the back with her husband Bob. It’s been pretty much a good old boy group here.”

Sponsored by the Sonoran News, the local newspaper, the forum was another step toward the March 9 primary election.

Wayne Fischer did not attend the forum because of a previously scheduled engagement, said forum moderator, Shelby Wilson.

A total of 13 candidates are vying for seven open seats on the council. After the mail-in ballot election, a majority vote in the council will appoint the mayor.