Traynor to challenge Schwan in March 2010 recall election
By Linda Bentley | December 16, 2009
‘My awareness and understanding of town issues emanate from five years of active participation …’
CAREFREE – John Traynor announced today, after much sincere and thoughtful consideration, he will be running for a seat on the town council in the March 9, 2010 recall election against David Schwan.
A resident for nine years, Traynor said he and his family have “embraced the southwestern culture, magnificent surroundings and all the charm Carefree can offer.”
Traynor said his decision to run for council was made with “an eye on the town’s future, but fully mindful of current imperatives and our rich history.”
Noting a recent pattern of repression that has emerged, Traynor said he firmly believes the town should maximize citizen participation and protect the political rights of Carefree’s residents, citing, “The absence of tangible leadership, open to meaningful strategies and/or differing viewpoints, calls for decisive action.”
Acknowledging Carefree’s decade of growing pains, Traynor said, “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.”
However, in order to attain those shared goals, Traynor says it will require a realistic look at the issues, evaluation of credible actions and even embracing a degree of change where necessary.
Traynor believes the issues the town is facing must be addressed in an open, honest and straightforward manner. “Unfortunately,” he said, “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.”
This, Traynor claims, causes the town to lose valuable insight and a new generation of valuable volunteers.
Now retired, Traynor has a 35-year background in the information technology industry, which he says affords him a unique perspective on complex issues, including technical, financial and people challenges.
Traynor says his experience with “needs assessment, financial analysis and resource management will be invaluable as he works with committed members of the town council, staff and residents to address the very real financial challenges we face here today.”
He said, “My awareness and understanding of town issues emanates from five years of active participation in council, water company and various committee meetings … My views on citizen participation, including voter’s rights, have been clear and unwavering.”
Although Traynor threw his hat in the ring too late to appear on the ballot during the May 19 General Election, he received 489 write-in votes, just 12 shy of winning a seat on council.
Traynor said he hopes citizens will support his “desire to address our common concerns, to resolve pressing financial issues and to restore our status as a prosperous community.”