By Scottsdale Pinetop
The Highs
*Tempe Vice Mayor Lauren Kuby announced her endorsement of former Councilwoman Kate Gallego for Phoenix Mayor.
*Phoenix School Board Members that have endorsed former Daniel Valenzuela for Phoenix Mayor: Andrew Pulcipher and Monica Pimental from Glendale Union, Bill Adams and Nikkie Whaley from Washington Elementary, Laura Pastor and Lela Alston from Phoenix Union, Ylenia Aguilar from Osborn Elementary and Devin Del Palacio from Tolleson Union.
*Former Councilman Valenzuela unveiled his comprehensive education action plan called #EducatePHX this Wednesday. #EducatePHX seeks to make Phoenix the most teacher-friendly city in the nation, bring Phoenix business and education leaders together in mutually beneficial partnerships, and motivate students to stay in school. (Link to see full plan)
The Lows
No Lows for the Week
In-Betweens
* The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Scottsdale Independent will be hosting a Scottsdale City Council candidate debate at Scottsdale City Hall on Monday October 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
*The Scottsdale Independent reached out to each candidate to better understand what they believe to be the No. 1 threat to the quality of life of Scottsdale residents. Click here to read full article.
- What do you believe to be the No. 1 threat to the quality of life experienced by those who call Scottsdale home?
Councilman David Smith: “We must begin to seriously address the deteriorating state of our city infrastructure, particularly the quality of our streets, our parks and our public facilities. Failure to do so will threaten everyone’s quality of life, not to mention their property values.”
Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield: “The No. 1 threat to the quality of life in Scottsdale is over-development. Scottsdale’s high quality of life is the result of our high standards for design, development and code enforcement, lots of open space, unobstructed views of the stunning natural landscape, low density and a unique Western character all our own.”
Councilwoman Milhaven: “The quality of our infrastructure and the quality of city services are two of the most important things that contribute to our quality of life. To maintain these, we need a robust local economy.”
Bill Crawford: “There are always threats and challenges to the quality of life Scottsdale residents enjoy. We have to be able to recognize them and respond to them. I believe they are public safety, infrastructure, regulatory environment.”
Solange Whitehead: “Citizens no longer have a voice at City Hall which threatens our quality of life, public safety, and financial security. The city council majority’s push to develop the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, deny a public vote, and hand tax payers the $68 million bill is a single, visible example.”
Candidates in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Phoenix should feel free to send me tips and information at stayabreastaz@gmail.com