Let’s get Scottsdale back on track

Solange Whitehead, Scottsdale City Council member and primary election candidate.

Photo submitted by Solange Whitehead

OPINION — Scottsdale’s a great city! As your councilwoman, together we have:

• Protected Scottsdale’s neighborhoods and character, reducing height and density, requiring open space and enforcing stronger short-term rental regulations. 
• Strengthened public safety, initiating a Police Ranger unit and ambulance service and ensuring first responders have the equipment, staffing and pay they deserve.
• Maintained parks and open spaces, launching a 30-year park reinvestment fund, dedicating new parks and stopping the demolition of Old Town’s Rose Garden.
• Protected our Preserve from development and advanced a critical wildlife crossing.
• Safeguarded tax dollars, lowering tax rates, doubling reserves, maintaining Scottsdale’s AAA bond rating and paying down pension liabilities.
• Stopped the export of water, increased water fees for development and adopted building codes to conserve water and reduce urban heat.

Unfortunately, campaign misinformation is circulating. Here’s the facts:

My record of preventing bad development is unmatched. I’ve negotiated better projects and transformed blighted, crime-attracting properties into vibrant destinations.

I have not approved 6,000 apartments! I have kept apartments away from neighborhoods. Where housing made sense, I negotiated better projects and expanded homeownership by approving condominiums and townhomes.  

Regarding Axon, it’s approved to build 600 apartments, 600 condominiums and must invest millions in community benefits, including a dog park. Scottsdale will become the global destination for law enforcement training and conferences — a tourism sector that will keep our taxes lower.

I voted to put the Axon referendum on the ballot. Barry Graham blocked your vote.

Today’s council majority has Scottsdale seriously off-track, putting politics above public safety, economic security and future prosperity. They forfeited $31 million in federal grants; decreased Scottsdale’s financial reserves and defunded Scottsdale’s Strategic Water Plan.

Let’s get back on track. I'm an engineer who solves problems. It’s been my honor to serve you and I respectfully ask for your continued support.

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