Jerry Bien-Willner | Paradise Valley
I am grateful to have joined a packed Town Hall audience for the recent Council Candidate Forum hosted by the Paradise Valley Eagle Society.
Based on my prior knowledge of the candidates and their performance at the forum, I will be voting for current Council Member Anna Thomasson and fellow Town Volunteer Planning Commissioners Bill Nassikas and Bob Brown in the upcoming election.
Karen and Ed Winkler | Paradise Valley
Do the residents of Paradise Valley want their mayor to also be the CEO of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce?
Mark Stanton is the CEO and President of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. We congratulate him on ascending to the role of CEO of the Scottsdale Chamber but, do we want our mayor to split his time between Paradise Valley and the Scottsdale Chamber?
Patty Beckman | Paradise Valley
Recently I attended the Paradise Valley mayoral debate sponsored by the Arizona Digital Free Press. It was a well-moderated debate with crisp time frames, attended by about 20 residents. As expected, candidates Thomasson and Stanton were thoughtful, respectful and covered the issues well.
For much of the debate, the candidates were aligned on the issues with the small exception of a discussion of resort development.
Tami Clark | Paradise Valley
Like many of you, I’m exhausted by the current election season. I can’t wait to see the rhetoric, commercials and signs go away. Thankfully, the Paradise Valley mayor’s race is nonpartisan and voting for Anna Thomasson is an easy choice for me.
I’ve known Anna for over 30 years, starting as one of my Valley Leadership Class XII classmates. I’ve seen her volunteer commitment throughout the Valley and in Paradise Valley, watched her serve as councilmember and vice mayor. She is a person of utmost integrity and is “all in” on protecting this community.
Joy MacLean | Paradise Valley
As a 54-year resident of Paradise Valley and former councilwoman, I wholeheartedly endorse Anna Thomasson for mayor.
Recently, Councilwoman Julie Pace wrote in a letter to the editor, “I understand that she has been telling people that if she wins, she will be appointing the person to fill her vacant position on the council.” Instead of relying on hearsay for her “understanding,” Ms. Pace should have talked directly to Anna.
Meredith Peabody | Paradise Valley
What most readers probably don't know is that Paradise Valley mayoral candidate Anna Thomasson is not only an experienced and talented business leader, but also an accomplished boat captain.
As a business executive myself, I have observed Anna's leadership skills for 35 years and as a friend, watched her pilot 50' and 60' cruisers throughout the Pacific Northwest and among the Alaskan glaciers. She is a very capable captain who communicates well with her crew and fearlessly navigates through any challenges.
Peter Miller | Paradise Valley
Anna Thomasson is a mayoral candidate in our upcoming municipal elections. My wife and I live in Paradise Valley. The one-acre zoning for homes in PV makes this a truly privileged and special place to live.
Several years ago, as the PV council was considering changes to Mockingbird Lane, we had a chance to engage with several council members who were responsive to our concerns. Vice Mayor Thomasson (at the time) stood out, as did Julie Pace, as council members who were both engaged in the issue, knew all the facts, took the time to listen to our concerns and then helped craft a solution, many of the affected homeowners were comfortable with.
By Robert and Eileen Rasmussen | Paradise Valley Councilmember Anna Thomasson is running for mayor of Paradise Valley and we will be voting for her at the upcoming July 30 election. She has served as a councilmember for our town for six years as well as being vice mayor. When we first saw notice that she was running for mayor, we sent her an email saying that she's a good candidate. What struck my wife and me most about Anna over the years was her interest in hometown issues and how resorts and developmental zoning would affect us and the town.
By Bill and Debbie Pain | We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Eagle Society for organizing and hosting “A Conversation with The Candidates” on April 29. The turnout of Paradise Valley residents at Town Hall demonstrated a strong commitment to selecting our next mayor thoughtfully. The evening was a shining example of decorum, respect and civility in politics, setting a standard that state and national politicians would do well to follow.
By Rupert Watson | As a Paradise Valley resident for over 37 years, I write to express my unwavering support for Anna Thomasson for mayor of Paradise Valley. With a successful business background and an unwavering commitment to civil service in our town, Anna embodies the best qualities necessary to lead our community.
By Jonathan and Melinda Wainwright | In the upcoming election for the Town of Paradise Valley mayor, voters have an unique opportunity. In the current election cycle, many voters find themselves holding their noses and choosing the lessor of two evils. This is not the case for Paradise Valley mayor. We have had the privilege of getting to know all three candidates.
By Anna Thomasson | Anna Thomasson has been serving on the Paradise Valley Town Council since 2019. She recently announced she is running for Mayor. She moved to Paradise valley in 1994 and married her husband Gary in 2002.
