Electing an Effective Town Council
I served in Carefree Town government for twelve years and was fortunate enough to be Mayor from 2015 until 2022.
When I started my career in politics, I thought my decades of business experience would translate in a straightforward way to serving our Town well. I soon learned that government often had unique challenges (including working relationships with adjacent cities and towns, laws and statutes that required or prohibited certain types of solutions, previously allocated funds mandated for specific purposes, and the responsibility to focus on public service rather than profit & loss).
In my experience, a substantial history of prior Town involvement is a necessary prelude to effective Council service, and even with good preparation diligent effort of as much as two years is required to get through the full learning curve. Without good preparation, a new Council member may not acquire true competence within a full term.
As I view the candidates vying for the Carefree Town Council, I see three candidates who have very little experience in Carefree’s business, whose participation in town activities could best be described as little to none, who are focused on the past, and offer incorrect “facts” in support of their criticisms.
On the other hand, I also see three candidates who have been deeply involved in the Town’s business, have demonstrated an orientation to facts and an ability to work productively with others, and are in a more ready position to make informed decisions that will benefit the majority of Carefree’s residents. These candidates are Sheila Amoroso, Les Hardie, and Sharon P. Smith. I recommend them for your consideration and vote.
Les Peterson, former Carefree Mayor
Carefree Unity 7/2/2026
Carefree Unity has verified certain statements of fact contained in this letter. However, opinions expressed in published letters are those of the author.
Carefree Unity 