To the citizens of Payson and all those who stood with us

There comes a moment in every civic movement when the dust settles.  When the courtrooms go quiet, the signs are taken down, and the social feeds slow.  That moment is here for Transparent Payson.  But make no mistake: the echo of our efforts will continue for years to come.

Serving as Chairman of Transparent Payson has been a singular honor.  The role of Chairman wasn’t a role I took lightly; it was a mission.  One rooted in the belief that people, not institutions, should shape the direction of their communities.

Why We Fought

This committee was never about partisanship.  It was about principle.  That’s why we organized.

We saw something sacred —the citizens’ will —and ultimately, direct democracy, casually brushed aside by municipal decisions.  Our ballot measures, born of community intent and backed by real votes, were repealed without the input of voters.  We couldn’t let that stand.

That’s why we marched forward into political and legal territory where few local committees dare venture.  And that’s why, even in defeat, we hold our heads high.

Lessons in Civic Life

• We learned that standing up isn’t easy, but it is necessary.
• We learned that court outcomes are binary, but public courage is not.
• We learned that one thoughtful citizen with a flyer, a laptop, or a question at a council meeting is more potent than any backroom deal.
• We learned that success isn’t always measured in court rulings; it’s measured in awareness, conversation, and vigilance.

As Winston Churchill once said:

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

What Comes Next

The Political Action Committee (PAC) will disband.  We are hopeful that our digital presence, including our website, Facebook platform, and archives, will remain.

We envision TransparentPayson.org as a repository for future watchdogs, civic leaders, and concerned citizens.  It will continue to house timelines, legal filings, public records, and commentary.  We encourage you to use it.  Share it.  Learn from it.

We hope others will build on what we started.  We may be stepping away, but our tools are yours now.

A Personal Thank You

• To every neighbor who asked a difficult question.
• To every donor who gave when others shrugged.
• To every group that gave us a platform to speak.
• To every media outlet that graciously hosted us.
• To every volunteer who obtained signatures, posted online, or was part of the process in any fashion.
• To every voter who said, “Wait a minute . .  .  this doesn’t seem right.”

You were Transparent Payson.  I was just lucky enough to chair it.

To Attorney Tim LaSota—your name belongs beside this movement.  We will forever be grateful for your counsel, clarity, and class.

As we turn this page, I do so with pride, humility, and hope.  We may be closing our formal chapter, but our story is far from over.  Let this not be the end, but a beginning for a more informed, empowered, and resilient Payson.

With most profound appreciation and full resolve,

Jeffrey S. Aal, Chairman, Transparent Payson, 2025.