Transparent Payson has become a voting rights group in defense of Propositions 401 and 402. Voting can be divided into many categories: rights, the consent of the governed, collective wisdom, and a host of various reasons, each equally compelling. They all share one element: voting is essential! Citizens can make decisions on complex issues.

No matter where you stand on local issues, we encourage your participation.

Six years ago, in 2018, the voters of Payson passed Propositions 401 and 402.  The propositions intended to provide citizen input on large-scale projects.  While our group continues the court battle, the wheels of justice turn very slowly.  An updated activity log is below.  The matter is years from resolution.  A lot of fiscal damage can be done in that time frame.

In 2021, the Town Council considered repealing the enacted Propositions.  The basic argument was that the citizens lacked the authority to place the matter on the ballot as allowed under the Arizona Constitution, Article IV, Section 1.  Transparent Payson responded, and the repeal was not enacted.  On April 12^th, 2023, the Town Council enacted an “emergency ordinance” to repeal the Propositions.  The “emergency” was partly based on fears of rising interest rates.  The matter was approved six to one by the Council.  If that disappointed or angered you, it is time to let that be known.  Mr. Chris Higgins, Ms. Barbara Underwood, Mr. Scott Nossek, and Ms. Jolynn Schinstock voted to repeal Propositions 401 and 402. Let the incumbents know what you think. 

The courts are not the only option.

Payson has an election coming up.

We can confidently say that the incumbents running disregarded citizens will.  No alternative resolution was sought.  The sitting Council Members believed they knew better than the citizens who passed 401 and 402.  The citizens’ voice was silenced.  Did they represent your wishes in the process?

There is a slate of candidates who are receptive to citizens’ voices.  On July 30^th, vote for candidates who respect citizen involvement.

Steve Otto for Mayor, Charlie Bell for Council, Craig Howard for Council, Guy Pfister for Council, and Jim Ferris for Council.

To see a short video on the issues, click here.

The incumbents do not want or need your input.  If you are perplexed by ever-increasing town employee headcounts, budgets far outpacing inflation, sales tax increases, property tax increases, and a list of other issues, VOTE THEM OUT!

On a side note, on March 7^th, a Freedom of Information Request was filed with the Town of Payson. That request has not been filled in 132 days. Call us cynical, but it won’t be until after the election. We have some of the information, but it does not cast the Town in a good light. When the FOIA request is complete, we will cross-reference and see what was withheld.

The timeline of the court case.  A prolonged process.  P1 is Transparent Payson, D1 is the Town of Payson

• Date, Description,  Party
• 6/21/2024, Appeals: Electronic Transfer of Record, P1
• 6/21/2024, MISCELLANEOUS: Miscellaneous, P1
• 6/06/2024, Receivable 352367 updated by $100.00, D1
• 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Cross Appeal, D2
• 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P1
• 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P2
• 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P3
• 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Cross Appeal, D1
• 6/04/2024, APPEALS: NOTICE OF MAILING, P1
• 6/04/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P1
• 6/04/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P2
• 5/23/2024, NOTICE: APPEAL, P1
• 5/23/2024, RESPONSE: TO MOTION, P1
• 5/23/2024, NOTICE: APPEAL, P2
• 5/23/2024, RESPONSE: TO MOTION, P2
• 5/23/2024, NOTICE: APPEAL, P3

VOTE. THEM. OUT!