Ronca: Nice-to-have versus need-to-have

I recently read an email from Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation, part of the town’s Community Services Department.

While looking at an email, I recalled a recent statement Councilman Friedel made about making hard decisions regarding funding. Nice-to-have vs. need-to-have.

The email also seemed to counter a recent letter about not having anything for the youth to do in town.

First, to Friedel. The Movie in the Park, Party in the Park, 4th of July celebration, Ice Cream Social, Wacky Wednesdays, Summer Games, Hot Shot Sports, Soccer Shots, Bollywood Dance, cornhole tournament, summer teen trips, teen video game tournament … what are those? Nice-to-haves or need-to-haves? Let’s face it, they’re on the nice-to-have side.

So, councilman, which of these do you classify as nice-to-have? The ones for adults? Should we not do those things, like the “rage” cornhole tournament, or the 4th of July event that attracts tons of visitors to Fountain Hills? Or the ones for the kids? Should we not do those? After all, you couldn’t publicly support the recent school bond issue, so maybe those are ones the town shouldn’t do, in your mind.

And as to the recent resident complaint of nothing to do in town. Well, it seems “the town” is doing an admirable job providing recreation activities for all ages. Should we not do Wacky Wednesdays or the teen video game tournament? Maybe Councilman Friedel could make that choice for you!

You see, it’s not so simple when it comes to the specifics, but throwing around a phrase like “nice-to-have” or “need-to-have” only makes for good soundbites, not sound reasoning. But when using Councilman Friedel’s terminology applied to his leadership style, it is easy to decide. He doesn’t fit either category – nice-to-have or need-to-have. He’s not mayor material.

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