By Mary Manross, Former Scottsdale Mayor and Chairwoman for Vote YES YES Scottsdale PAC
and Carla, Preserve Pioneer and Campaign Coordinator for Vote YES YES Scottsdale PAC
In most campaigns there are winners and losers. Not when it comes to the passage of Propositions 490 and 491 in Scottsdale which happened on November 5th. We believe everyone in Scottsdale wins.
Proposition 490 will help revitalize and maintain Scottsdale’s parks, beginning with the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, and will provide ongoing care and protection for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It will provide funding to prevent and fight fires in and around the Preserve, and funds for increased police rangers for the parks and the Preserve.
Almost sixty years ago Scottsdale had the wisdom and foresight to create the Greenbelt and, thirty years ago, to create the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They are two of Scottsdale’s greatest decisions and treasures. That wisdom and foresight are still with us today as evidenced by this vote.
Proposition 490 contains legal safeguards to ensure the money is properly spent. And we think these safeguards, and the benefits of the measure will win over many who voted no and maybe even some critics. Now that the voters of Scottsdale have spoken overwhelmingly in support of Proposition 490, we look forward to working with the new Mayor and Council to see that it is implemented properly and responsibly.
A companion measure, Proposition 491 will adjust state spending limits, giving the city the ability to spend the money it already has on services and public safety. This measure was sent to the ballot by a unanimous vote of the outgoing Mayor and City Council. We believe Proposition 491 will give the incoming Mayor and City Council more ability to address the needs and wants of all voters.
We would like to take a moment to thank our hard-working campaign volunteers, supporters, and donors. This team overcame a court delay and aggressive opposition with good old fashioned retail politics. Walking and talking; calling and writing; sharing all the future benefits of 490 and 491 directly with Scottsdale residents. A special shoutout to Councilwomen Solange Whitehead and Betty Janik for their tireless work.
We’re extremely grateful to the voters of Scottsdale who supported us. It’s our sincere hope that over time, as this money is spent wisely and responsibly, those who voted no will come to see what wonderful benefits Propositions 490 and 491 will bring to our city.
Whether you voted YES or no on these measures, you still win. After all, much of what makes Scottsdale so special, our parks, Preserve, open spaces, and public safety personnel, just got the resources to keep it that way for many years to come.