Every community has its dedicated citizens that pay attention more than most to the whats going ons there. In previous days they would submit frequent letters to the editors of local newspapers. Now, they tend more towards an ability to mobilize and influence on social media.
Scottsdale is no exception. Activists like Carla and Jane Rau once upon a time joined names like Drinkwater, Decabooter, Korte, Campana and Manross to forge what became the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
And in 2018 we saw the democratic majesty of so many that came together to oppose an unwise idea called the Desert Discovery Center, ultimately prevailing via the initiative process that became known as Proposition 420.
The success of that grassroots movement, forged by “two guys and a laptop,” led us to think about some of the names that might be in a Scottsdale Activist Hall of Fame. And we say “activist” with all due respect. For whether one agrees or not with the frequency or merit of their critiques, there they are providing a fourth-estate like oversight to those in charge.
And on this Oscars’ weekend the nominees are . . .
*Jason Alexander: Smart, evolving, energetic and one of the founders of NODDC.
*Mike Norton: He helped to not just take down the Desert Discovery Center but revealed trespasses in the Scottsdale Unified School District too.
*Andrea Alley: Keep an eye on her, a rising voice from the south.
*Hannah Goldstein: She struck fear in developers during the mid and late 1990s, at a time when it was much easier to engineer referenda against projects. But then things got weird, and her reputation never recovered from getting caught shoplifting Whoppers and Neosporin, quite the combination, at a local grocery store.
*Howard Myers: Learned. Thoughtful. Most of his efforts have focused on slowing growth in north Scottsdale. It was his idea to pursue a public vote on the Desert Discovery Center matter that ultimately led to the opposition group’s success.
*Bob Vairo: Tough as nails. He presided over the Coalition of Pinnacle Peak (COPP), a slow-growth and powerful organization that largely dominated the north Scottsdale landscape until its resonance declined with the onset of the Great Recession.
*Sonny Kirtley: Presiding over the city-wide successor to COPP she does so in her own informed, quieter, dignified way.
*Bud Sampson & Hazel Watkins: They became the face of southern Scottsdale support to build a hockey arena at what is now the SkySong site, helping to win two public votes by wide margins before a divided council couldn’t implement the will of the people.
*Alan Kaufman: COPP’s legal warrior and for a time, an indefatigable advocate for the group’s positions.
*Linda Whitehead: The worthy cohort and successor to Vairo.
*John Washington: He gets points for longevity but not effectiveness. His runs for public office were decrepit and the salience of his stands was and is diminished by never, seemingly, being for anything. The talent is there if only a semblance of class could match.
*Bill Crawford: We are big fans of the Entertainment District but when something becomes so successful so fast as Scottsdale’s did, challenges can arise. Against many at City Hall and dozens of bar owners Crawford effected reforms that still stand to this day, balancing a tremendous urban achievement with the quality of life of nearby residents and businesses.
*Bob Pejman: A Scottsdale gallery owner and emerging, strong, insightful voice for his business neighborhood and the arts.
*Sandy Schenkat: She has largely replaced Washington for sheer tenacity but unlike him hasn’t made the mistake of always missing a smile or opposing 75 degree days and sunshine.
*Nancy Cantor: An underappreciated voice reminding that Scottsdale isn’t all about country clubs and the best of life. Instead, she has importantly focused on the city’s social ethic, and responsibility.
If we have missed anyone, and surely we have, our apologies. But we look forward to your possible comments and recognition to make up for our deficiencies.
Comments
I think you got most of them (and a few I do not know), but think you left one person out. Emily Austin was a major force in the Prop 420 campaign. She collected almost 1,000 signatures on her own, co-captained the Central Scottsdale team, and then became a major participant in the debate leading up to the election. For the last two years she has done her best to hold city officials accountable for their actions, whether it was the DDC, Prop 420, development projects or the share-ride bikes and scooters. She continues to raise her voice on issues she believes in. Expect her to be active right up to the 2020 election and beyond.
Christie Kinchen – Betty Janek – Emily Austin – Tom Durham – Pat Shaler (how could anyone ever forget her pivotal roles – she almost single handedly launched the lawsuit that made the City pause and call for Prop 420) – Todd Ralsh – Scott Vineberg – Brad Kundle – Nancy Vorhees – Kathy Howard – this list goes on and on. Not everyone stepped in to the limelight to get kicked around or kick back. The City will remain alive in activism because none of these people have slowed down since November. If anything they’re working harder. It’s a cool City to live in once again. Apathy is stone cold dead.
Agreed.
How many superb human beings did you meet in the last 3 years, Steve? Those were painful years and superb years.
Mike, I just got involved at the beginning of 2018, but many quality individuals since then, including all of the ones you mentioned above. It has been a great experience!
Some of my best friends joined in the SUSD and NoDDC efforts, Steve. But most of the best friends I have today are people I met over the last three years
Thanks for the “shout out” to so many great people! Nancy and Brad collected close to 3,500 signatures or more!!!!
A lot of recent activists mentioned, along with some older worthy ones, but a number of people who were involved for so many years that weren’t. Don Schoenau who led the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association for so many years, Marlene Baker, Darlene Peterson, Chet Andrews, Les Conklin (Friends of the Scenic Drive and GPPA) and of course Bob and Kathy Littlefield who have contributed so much for so long, both as council members and helping citizens throughout the community in so many ways. Perhaps these are contributions that aren’t noticed as much, because back then there was no social media to post achievements, but none the less their contributions shaped Scottsdale.
However the person at the very top of my list, who wasn’t mentioned at all, is Tony Nelssen. Tony was a native Arizonan who with Jane Rau formed the Great Sonoran, a group that had a lot to do with the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO), design standards, environmental issues, development in the North, maintaining the equestrian community in Scottsdale, and eventually all city wide issues. The Equidome at West World was named after Tony, because of all his contributions to the city and its equestrian community. In my mind he is right up there with Drinkwater in shaping the city, at least until the current council majority got busy trying to transform it into another big city with no character, western connection, or class. Tony eventually became a council member and in my mind was the best there ever was because he knew everything about the city and its ordinances, so staff couldn’t pull the wool over his eyes. But his real strength was helping citizens throughout the city when they had problems. He is right up there with the Littlefields when it came to helping others. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss him and all he did for all of us and for the city we live in.
These are all people with a long history in trying to keep Scottsdale Special not one or two years. Some of the new people mentioned may contribute as these others have, but they have a long way to go to come up to that level of commitment, involvement, and most of all achievement. The 420 effort certainly brought a lot of good people out and I hope they stay involved as these others I mentioned did. The future of our city depends on it.
Howard, You stand out at the top of the list. Yes, many are newbees but are making a difference. I have been plodding along since 2012 which I would guess you consider as a newbee. I am making strides in better justice for the citizens of Scottsdale one day at a time. Thanks to all on the list for participating in reforming city government. If we all work together, we will have a better Scottsdale for all. Thanks, Sandy
ps. Thanks to the anonymous blogger who normally we would never think would appreciate the efforts by all of us. Better days are definitely ahead in Scottsdale if this kind of acknowledgement is given to the Nay sayers as we are so often referred to. Yes, lots of credit to the LIttlefields for going against the grain for so many years and rising above it all.
your last paragraph is so right Howard. People I’ve met like you, Sonnie, Nancy, Bill…years of dedication and leadership, thank you! And if there is a Tony Boselli among us, that is great too!!
Amen to that, Howard. I certainly don’t feel deserving of a spot on this list given how much good work was done before I ever came along.
Very happy to see that we have pulled together to recognize all the contributions over the years that have made Scottsdale such a great city. Through thick and thin, we all have one thing in common, we are trying to shape the vision that is Scottsdale.
Emily Austin??
I know this one! I’ll take Emily Austin for $2,000 please.🤓
you under estimate your value – I’d bid a lot higher than $2,000
HAHA! I looked up the Jeopardy rules and I believe two grand is the max! : )
