Scottsdale needs experienced leadership

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As Election Day Approaches

To allow candidates the right to respond to criticisms about their candidacy before Election Day, the last day Independent Newsmedia will publish new election-related letters in our weekly print editions is Oct. 21, and the last day they will publish online is Oct. 27. Candidates may submit a 150-word reply addressing criticisms only and should email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org along with their name, address, contact number and the headline of the letter they’re addressing.

OPINION — After 16 years of knowing Michelle Ugenti and working with her on numerous occasions during her service as my state legislator, I’ve seen firsthand how she approaches public service, complex issues and the responsibility of representing her constituents. That experience is why I support her candidacy for Scottsdale City Council.

Local government decisions shape our neighborhoods, influence traffic and development, determine how taxpayer dollars are spent, and help preserve the character of our community. Scottsdale needs leaders who understand the long-term consequences of those decisions.

Water security must be central to Scottsdale’s future. In Arizona, water is essential to our homes, economy and ability to sustain future generations. As uncertainty surrounding the Colorado River puts pressure on communities statewide, Scottsdale must carefully evaluate its options.

Michelle has made protecting Scottsdale’s long-term water supply a priority. She has raised concerns about the costs, safety questions and public confidence surrounding the proposed expansion of advanced purified recycled water for drinking. These issues deserve transparent, fact-based discussion.

Scottsdale must also preserve what makes it distinctive, and doing so requires thoughtful planning, responsible spending and a city government that listens to residents.

Michelle’s state legislative experience gives her valuable perspective on public policy and the relationship between state and local government. While city service requires its own expertise, experience matters most when paired with accountability, open-mindedness and a willingness to hear differing viewpoints.

Scottsdale’s decisions today will shape the community future generations inherit. Water security, responsible growth, fiscal accountability and preserving our community’s character deserve careful attention.

For these reasons, I support Michelle Ugenti for Scottsdale City Council and encourage voters to consider her experience, priorities and plans for Scottsdale’s future.

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