By Steve Coluccio
I have known Solange Whitehead since 2017, when we worked together to defeat the proposed Desert Discovery Center in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We worked together again in 2024 on Prop 490, which voters approved to fund maintenance and public safety in the parks and Preserve. As a supporter of the Preserve, I value Solange’s steadfast, long-term commitment to protecting Scottsdale’s open spaces.
What impresses me about Solange is not only her support for the Preserve, but also the way she serves as a city councilmember. She listens to a wide range of residents and uses their input to shape positions that benefit all of Scottsdale. City government should be nonpartisan and focused on practical solutions for the community as a whole. Solange reflects that approach.
Many issues facing Scottsdale are complex, including Axon, the North Scottsdale roundabout, the Old Town parking garage, and the city’s long-term water supply. On each of these matters, Solange has shown the ability to weigh the facts, listen to constituents, and lead thoughtfully, even while serving in the council minority.
On Axon, she supported preserving a major economic asset for Scottsdale while significantly reducing the number of apartments and adding community benefits in the project.
On the roundabout, she fought to protect $31 million in federal funding.
On the Old Town parking garage, she called for an updated parking study to determine whether the project was truly needed before the City committed $20 million.
She has also emphasized the importance of securing Scottsdale’s water supply for as long as I can remember.
In all these matters, Solange’s positions have been reasonable and aligned with the needs of Scottsdale residents.
For these reasons, Solange will receive one of my three votes in the city council election, and I will encourage my friends to support her as well.
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