By Mike Vreeland
I’m grateful that in Scottsdale the distance between you and your elected leaders is small. You can ask — and expect — an answer from the City Council to your questions. Most Councilmembers can address the issues and opportunities we face, but the sign of a strong leader is someone willing to ask back, “What do you think?” Time and again, I’ve seen Councilwoman Solange Whitehead listen to residents, hear their concerns, and then ask for their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
And Scottsdale is a city of ideas. The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Spring Training, the city’s acquisition of the Airpark-all resident ideas. A good Councilmember values community input.
I’ve seen Solange with Scottsdale Leadership class members, fielding questions and asking them, “what do you think?” I’ve seen her walk the Greenbelt with residents, asking about their love of our open spaces and where in the parks the city can do better. I saw her advocate for Proposition 490, listening to concerns and answering tough questions about its 30-year vision. Just a few weeks ago she asked questions of experts to address Scottsdale’s water future at a well-attended forum.
Solange listened to residents when she worked to decrease the number of apartments at the new Axon Headquarters. She listened to residents when she pushed to have a referendum vote on Axon as soon as possible, in contrast with Councilmembers who delayed that vote. Solange listened to the business community that wants to keep home-grown revenue producers like Axon in Scottsdale.
This campaign season, ask Council candidates questions! Observe who proposes solutions and take note of those who avoid answers with catchy quips instead of substance. You’ll find that Councilwoman Whitehead is looking for solutions that keep Scottsdale a world-class city, and knows that you are part of the answer.
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