Dear Friends:
COVID-19: Our Work Is Far from Done, but the Data Shows We’re Moving in the Right Direction
The safety of everyone living in, visiting, and working in our Town is always the primary focus of Town leadership, and since the emergence of COVID-19 it has been at the forefront of my mind without interruption. We were among the first municipalities with a dedicated Town webpage in February 2020 providing information on the virus and preventing its spread. On March 17, 2020, I declared a state of emergency because of the pandemic, and ordered that the Town would follow relevant instructions, as they evolved, from health experts to keep our community safe without inserting politics into the mix.
I’m pleased that our approach is serving our Town well. I am extremely grateful to our Town’s professional staff, especially our Town Manager Jill Keimach – who has been instrumental in implementing best practices at Town Hall – and to the entire Town Council for their unanimous support of the non-political, steady, agile, and reasoned response we have mounted. It’s also not surprising, but so appreciated, that the houses of worship, schools, and the Town’s resorts have continued to be excellent partners in promoting public health, as I have had the privilege of working directly with them to assist them in doing their part. We are also grateful for our governmental partners, particularly Maricopa County, which has been helpful in its expertise on mask use and other efforts to slow the spread.
Last, but not at all least, our citizens have overwhelmingly embraced following the best expert advice available to us. Your efforts and positive attitudes matter and clearly make a difference.
While the data can and will change over time, it is encouraging that the latest data show Paradise Valley has achieved a COVID-19 “minimal transmission” status (see https://www.maricopa.gov/5594/School-Metrics):
I share this information not so that we let our guards down or declare victory, but so that we can see that our collective efforts count, and we stay committed to take reasonable and responsible actions to slow the spread!
According to the health experts, we need to continue to continue the following to avoid reversing this trend:
– Mask wearing in public
– Limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 people when social distancing cannot be maintained
– Using good hand hygiene (washing and/or sanitizer)
– Not touching the face
– Staying home when sick
We look forward to seeing green all over the map as soon as possible, and for brighter days in general. A special “shout out” to our many residents who serve others in the medical community and the loved ones and friends who support them – your selfless work is valued and greatly appreciated.
Town Election Results are Official
Paradise Valley residents cast their ballots in record numbers in the August 3 primary election — and for that, I would like to thank all of you. I am extremely grateful for your continued support and trust to serve as your Mayor, especially during such uniquely difficult times.
Clearly, our residents have recognized that Town leadership is working hard to best position our community for a bright future. I look forward to continuing to work with re-elected council members Scott Moore, Julie Pace and Mark Stanton, as well as my other colleagues on the Town Council, and our dedicated professional team.
Important Town Business Ahead
Please know that over the Council’s summer break period I have continued to stay deeply engaged on all important Town issues, including COVID-19, actively monitoring the Town’s finances in light of the pandemic, interfacing with our senior Town employees and Town stakeholders on a regular basis, advancing efforts to change the state law that requires the Town to allow whole-home, daily-rental short-term rental properties (that – no surprise – often turn into the sites of disruptive parties) in our residential neighborhoods, and on many other critical matters.
I am excited that the Town Council will resume its regular sessions on September 10, 2020. We have a lot of important work ahead of us to ensure the preservation of health, safety, and the Town’s financial security and values, and I am excited to continue lead our Town’s efforts to solve the challenges we face as, at the same time, we plan for the best and brightest of futures in our amazing community! Please join us in our meetings by Zoom if you would like to participate – all are welcome. Instructions on how to join in on our electronic meetings can be found on the “Public Meeting Participation” tab on this Town webpage: https://www.paradisevalleyaz.gov/Covid-19. You can also go to this page to see upcoming meeting agendas and view meetings live via video streaming: https://paradisevalleyaz.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
I am also pleased to announce that I will begin holding a periodic “Mayor’s Update” forum in the near future, utilizing technology, to allow for additional updates during this time of physical distancing. Stay tuned for more information on that!
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Once again, thank you all for your ongoing efforts to keep yourselves and others healthy, safe, and secure while we get through these tough times together!
If you have any questions, comments or ideas for our Town government, please feel free to contact me directly at jerry@jerryformayor.com. I hope you and yours stay healthy and safe.