2010 Campaign Update: Traynor forms campaign committee
January 15, 2010 - Carefree
On Thursday, Town Council Candidate John Traynor filed election documents to initiate his Campaign Committee for the March 9th election. The committee will be guided by two established Carefree residents, Gerald Wetta and Gary Zalimeni. In accepting their roles with the campaign as Chairman and Treasurer respectively, both gentlemen expressed their sincere desire for the pre-election campaigning to proceed with honesty, fairness, and civility.
Mr. Traynor echoed those sentiments and added that there is a substantial amount of work ahead. The cooperative deliberation and planning required to set Carefree on the path to a prosperous, reinvigorated future cannot be delayed. He stated his strong desire to establish Carefree prominently on the leading edge of economic recovery in Arizona, while preserving the highly desirable attractions of living in Carefree.
2010 Election Alert
Challenger emerges to address financial concerns, political repression
December 16, 2009--Carefree
Today, after much sincere and thoughtful consideration, I announce my candidacy for a seat on the Town Council to serve the residents of Carefree. My decision is made with an eye on the town’s future, but fully mindful of current imperatives and our rich history.
Well into our 9th year here, my family and I have embraced the southwestern culture, magnificent surroundings, and all the charm Carefree can offer. Concerns relating to the financial viability of the town, in concert with our desire to engage new residents and young families, necessitate renewed commitment. I firmly believe we should maximize citizen participation and protect the political rights of our residents from a pattern of repression which has emerged in recent times. The absence of tangible leadership, open to meaningful strategies and/or differing viewpoints, calls for decisive action.
In this decade Carefree has experienced some growing pains. Although segments of our community have taken different views of current events, I sense that we all want a financially sound, harmonious future for our town. We all want to reverse the trend in property values and to enhance our quality of life. In order to attain these shared goals we will need to take a realistic look at issues, evaluate credible actions, and even embrace a degree of change where necessary. The continuous stream of revenue that once flowed into town, funding substantial projects, has slowed dramatically. Fueled by insatiable development and the growth of personal spending, communities like ours expanded far quicker in the past ten years than in the prior forty.
National economic problems were not our creation, yet we continue to feel the impact here more than in other parts of the country. The resultant issues we face must be addressed in an open, honest, and straightforward manner. Unfortunately differing views of obvious challenges and political rights have alienated some residents and caused others to take sides. New residents, many with growing families, have remained on the sidelines preferring to avoid the contentious reaction to sincere debate. As a town we lose valuable insight and a new generation of volunteers.
My 35 year background, in what has become known as the Information Technology industry, affords me a unique perspective of complex issues, including technical, financial, and people challenges. In senior management positions within three sizeable insurance organizations, most recently as SVP & Chief Information Officer, I have managed large numbers of highly qualified employees while also managing global technology projects, and budgets in excess of $40M.
My experience with ‘needs assessment’, financial analysis and resource management will be invaluable as I work with other committed members of the Town Council, staff, and residents to address the very real financial challenges we face here today. My awareness and understanding of Town issues emanates from five years of active participation in Council, Water Company and various committee meetings. I’ve met many of you over the years while volunteering at numerous recycling events. My views on citizen participation, including voter’s rights, have been clear and unwavering.
I sincerely hope you will support my desire to address our common concerns, to resolve pressing financial issues, and to restore our status as a prosperous community.
Respectfully,
John Traynor
Contact: John Traynor - PO Box 2014, Carefree, AZ 85377-2014