(Carl Diedrich/Guest Commentator) When running for a seat on Maricopa’s city council, candidate Bridger Kimball made a campaign promise that if elected he would donate his first year’s salary to charity. While some may call it bravado, I talked to Bridger about it and felt he was sincere in his promise. Of course only time will tell when it comes to candidates making campaign promises.
Well, in March, Kimball was elected to the city council. In June he was sworn in, and after receiving his first paycheck, he promptly donated it to the Maricopa Historical Society.
It actually seems fitting that Councilman Kimball would choose the Maricopa Historical Society as his first recipient. Maricopa has a long history of neighbors helping neighbors. If you take the time to read up on any of Maricopa’s past, you will see that this was an isolated desert town that relied on the goodness of people.
Councilman Bridger Kimball
There is significant time and a fair amount of personal money that goes into being a member of city council. Giving up the “salary” is not an easy thing to do. As a business owner, Councilman Kimball faces the daily reality of business ownership. The ebb and flow of the economy and the personal financial risk that it includes. His willingness to donate his salary to charity is substantial and I know it will make a significant difference to those charities who receive the much-needed funds.
Thank you, Councilman Kimball.
(Councilman Kimball has asked that charities that are interested in receiving funds please email him at bridger.kimball@maricopa-az.gov with a short proposal as to what you would like to use the funds for.)
Carl Diedrich is a former Maricopa City Council Member. He will periodically be commenting on Maricopa and what is happening in our city.His column appears here weekly and can also be found on his personal blog about all things Maricopa, www.hwy347.com.
Thank you Bridger, I respect that you followed through on your campaign promise, and I believe that choice of charity was great for your first month. I originally thought that it was your first month paycheck, but now that I think back on the debate, I do remember your promise to our city. I cannot wait to see what truly inspiring non profits benefit in the coming months. Thank you Carl for your service to our city, and I look forward to your insight on our future. I look forward to your column, and I look forward to seeing what you, Mr. Bridger Kimball, can bring to our city. I’m glad to have you on our city council. And, thank you for your service.
well look at you posting on a local website Ms Perry Williams!
I believe I made the right choice in supporting Bridger Kimball during the last election. I have found him to be a good person who follows through on what he says he will do.
This is the main reason I objected to the editorial Mr. Diedrich wrote last week attacking Councilman Kimball and the rest of the council. You can find that story here: http://maricopa360.com/?p=12761
The citizens have spoken and now Carl’s job is whittled down to op/ed pieces and a cheesy blog.
YourDad, out
Nice article Mr. Diedrich. I do fully intend on following through and have had 3 Non-Profits contact me already for my next three paychecks to receive funding for thier programs. I urge anyone interested to please email me for funding in the upcoming months following those whom I have already agreed to contribute to. The next three are to include; Pet Social Worker, Chances For Children/Let’s Move Maricopa, and Maricopa Friends of the Library. 4 down, 8 to go. I look forward to receiving your emails.
bridger.kimball@maricopa-az.gov