NW Valley Times

Fountain Hills, AZ – Fountain Hills Town Councilman Allen Skillicorn is calling out the Fountain Hills Democratic Club for what he describes as religious intolerance and an anti-Christmas attitude. Several weeks ago, the Fountain Hills Community Center invited local organizations to display Christmas trees in its lobby. Among the displays, an animal rescue featured a tree with a rescue theme, the Maricopa Sheriff's Department decorated a tree with sheriff badges, the Town's Public Works Staff showcased a tree with hard hats, and the Fountain Hills Republican Club displayed Trump flags to celebrate the 45th and 47th Presidents of the United States.

However, according to the Fountain Hills Democratic Club's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/share/g/19mMKrZ7Wf/), the group led an effort to have the Republican tree removed. The town rejected this request, citing the First Amendment. In retaliation, members of the Democratic Club began planning actions to mock Christmas and dampen the festive spirit. One member, Faryl Palles, proposed an abortion-themed tree, while Dianne Price suggested a tree decorated with sex toys. Additionally, Jennifer Heim advocated for a drag queen tree and a trans tree, all to be displayed in the town's public community center. Just when it seemed local Democrats couldn't become more provocative, the Fountain Hills Democratic Club set up a severed Trump head display in the community center. Though they eventually removed the head from the Christmas wreath, the controversy lingered.

Below is the list of officers from the Fountain Hills Democratic Club’s official website (www.fhdemclub.org/about.html):

2024 FH Democratic Club Board:

• President: Dave Long
• Vice-President: Cindy Couture
• Treasurer: Al Ronca
• Secretary: Kathy Schanus-Gohl
• Communications: Peggy McMahon
• Hospitality Chair: Sharon Ehrlich
• Civic Engagement Chair: Sherri James

Precinct Committee Persons:

• Four Peaks: Sharon Groves, Peggy Yeargain, Barbara Sudderth, Walter Heimbuch, Barbara McGill
• Golden Eagle: Cindy Couture, Don Hayes, Ranay Yarian
• Palisades: Dave Long, Sherri James, Kathy Schanus-Gohl, Al Ronca, Susan Gennaro, Crystal Harris
• Saguaro: Chris Clemens, Dianne Price, David Adkins, Ginny Dickey, Jazz Mimoun
• Fountain Hills: Linda Somo, Sue Everett

Councilman Skillicorn stated, "While I defend the Fountain Hills Democratic Club's right to free speech, I am deeply disturbed by the offensive and disconnected behavior of its members. The Grinch seems to have taken residence in their hearts. The people of Arizona and Fountain Hills have rejected their controversial ideologies and their efforts to confuse children. I defend their right to not believe in Christianity or the celebration of Christ's birth, but should that give them license to mock the faith of others? I invite the FH Democrats to enjoy some eggnog and twinkly lights, but to leave the Bah Humbug at home, behind closed doors."

For more information: 

Media Contact: Allen Skillicorn 480-458-8064