Guest Editorial: Trust Solange to Do What’s Best for Scottsdale

By Betty Janik

Sadly, elections have become filled with untruths. Such is the case regarding Axon and the Scottsdale City Council race.

Recent attacks have spread further fabrications and questioned Councilwoman Solange Whitehead’s honesty. Here are the facts:

·       When Axon World Headquarters was approved by a previous Council, Solange voted yes – after the residential component was lowered from 2,300 units to 1,530 apartments & 365 condos.

·       When an anonymously funded petition drive led to a referendum to send this development to a public vote, Solange supported having that vote as soon as possible. Barry Graham kept delaying it.

·       When the State Legislature created a bill to circumvent Scottsdale’s vote, Solange  – along with all her Council colleagues – signed a letter opposing it.

·       When the bill passed and Axon had the legal right to build, Solange worked with residents to improve the project and find the best compromise of 1,200 units (600 condos & 600 apartments), with many additional community benefits. The alternative could have been an already approved 24/7 warehouse operation.

·        It’s alleged that Axon is not being required to provide water, which isn’t true. They must meet the 100-year water supply requirement like every developer. Also, Axon must provide carefully monitored self- certification as they build. This is a taxpayer savings other Valley cities successfully use.

·       Keeping Axon in Scottsdale provides an economic benefit that helps keep our residents’ taxes low. It’s an immense benefit to our public safety departments and will make Scottsdale a global destination for law enforcement conferences, as well as research and development.

This is what Solange has actually done. What you need to ask is why her opponents have never disclosed who is funding their anti-business crusade. Why are deep-pocketed, anonymous donors trying to ruin the reputation of a Councilwoman who works tirelessly to represent Scottsdale citizens. Why?

Betty Janik

Former Scottsdale Councilwoman

Sonoran Sage