While Citizens United was the notorious U.S. Supreme Court case ushering in one of the worst campaign finance eras in American history, permitting the use of “dark money,” it describes in Scottsdale a terrific accomplishment. No, we are not talking about the impressively diverse coalition that has come together to promote Scottsdale’s infrastructure needs on the November 5th ballot.
We are talking about the activism that led to important changes to the proposed Museum Square plan scheduled to be heard by the City Council on October 15th. We do not need to go over the project’s many merits for the area or the city. We have written of them frequently.
Today we commend an effort led by Scottsdale gallery owners Bob Pejman and French Thompson to effect changes to the project, primarily focused on parking, that appear to have cleared remaining concerns about Museum Square. You see, Pejman and Thompson didn’t just complain. They offered ideas and solutions, including ones after some turbulence following the unanimous approval by the Scottsdale Planning Commission.
Now it is up to the City Council on Tuesday night to find its voice to move this important project forward. While some on the dais may have reservations about changes that have been made or how to use proceeds from the sale of the city land, we encourage the Council to consider its approach for the compelling bond and infrastructure plan they unanimously agreed upon. It was marked by important compromise. We encourage that same spirit now for it truly was Scottsdale at its very best.
There will surely be a few remaining recalcitrants like Scott Jarson who have an ax to grind because they were once dismissed by the project’s backers. And remember Jarson is the do as I say not as I do guy as one of the great perpetrators of parking challenges in the area. Here is a link.
As some have observed about this process citizen activism has made Museum Square better, and more acceptable. It’s like learning French. Once you do, it is obvious how beautiful the language is, and can be, for the city’s vital Arts District and the city as a whole. The Scottsdale Waterfront was a great addition to the community. And so too can Museum Square.