Thank you Mr. Kwasman for taking some time to chat with us, and congratulations on your victory. It was quite a year for change with a near complete upheaval at City Hall. Why do you think voters decided on this new direction?
Scottsdale residents rightly realized that this city was on the wrong track. Voters overwhelmingly stated that their elected, municipal representatives were not listening to reasonable concerns regarding public safety, homelessness, roads, reckless overdevelopment, and other critical issues facing Scottsdale. We presented a mature, thoughtful approach to municipal representation, with common-sense policies, prioritizing residents and families first. I am humbled for the trust that the voters placed in me, and I will do all I can to restore the residents’ pride in Scottsdale government.
We’re old enough to remember your time in the legislature. What sort of lessons did you learn then that you think will help you be an effective leader on council?
I was 27 when I was first elected to the Legislature. In the past twelve years, I got married, had four children, and started two successful law practices. I became an observant Jew, and I’ve dedicated myself as a community leader in a non-elected role. To make a long story short: I grew up. I will take the incredible lessons learned from the State House (the workings of our governmental process, coupled with the pitfalls of elected office), and bring in all of my small business experience (hiring and firing employees, seeking efficiency) to effectively serve Scottsdale residents and families.
You’re no stranger to elected office so this isn’t your first time preparing to enter a new role. What are you doing to prepare yourself for city council, and how is this preparation different than when you were elected to the legislature?
This time around, I’m taking a far more inquisitive approach to elected office. I want to meet with as many stakeholders, groups, and residents as possible, in order to listen to their concerns and understand their priorities. I am pouring over the Charter, the Rules of Council Procedure, and getting my “hands dirty” with those affected by City policy, both positively and negatively. I want to hit the ground running on Day 1.
This race turned out to be a pretty contentious one; it might be the first time we’ve ever seen an elected official tell people not to vote for him and instead vote for two other people. Why do you think you became a target?
Notwithstanding a certain failed candidate, who dominated the news, the reality of this past Council campaign was one of candidates’ deep respect and friendship with one-another. I learned a lot from my fellow candidates. I want residents and voters to understand that most people in Scottsdale agree on wanting to solve problems facing the city, and they only want what’s best for residents and families. There is merely disagreement on the processes of how to get to an agreed-upon goal. I’m hopeful that, moving forward, we will continue positive camaraderie among the new Council makeup.
It’s going to be an extremely different city council with a new mayor, and with it comes room for more conservative priorities. What do you intend to prioritize in your first few months in office and what do think you’ll be able to accomplish early on?
This Council will focus on budget transparency, public safety, reducing vagrancy, and making Scottsdale gorgeous and a wonderful place to live, work and visit. We can accomplish much, working with mayor Lisa Borowsky. Her reconstituted Budget Commission will reduce waste, fraud and abuse in our city. We also need to find a permanent City Manager, who will lead the workings of Scottsdale into the future.
Ok, we got the serious questions out of the way; onto some lighter fare. You’re originally from Tucson but got your JD from Arizona State. This is a very important question so please feel free to take some time and get it right…Sun Devils or Wildcats?
Sun Devil football and Wildcat Basketball…and at the end of the day, Roll Wave! (I’m a Tulane alum).
What are some unsung jewels of the city, be it restaurants, shops, or other curiosities, that you think should get more attention?
Restaurant Secrets: The kosher restaurant scene in Scottsdale is kicking! Fata Morgana is the best middle eastern restaurant in the Valley. Milk and Honey, in the JCC was featured on a recent tv program as one of the best dairy cafes in America. Kitchen 18 is your family-friendly staple for all visitors and residents.
Activity Secret: Chapparal park is heavily stocked with trout in the fall. The trout are safe and edible. Take your family fishing! If you want to learn how to fly fish, I’ll be setting up complementary casting clinics with the Zane Gray Chapter of Trout Unlimited and local fly shops!
Secret place to find me on a Monday, late afternoon: Ceder Room, in north Scottsdale. Come say hi to my pop and me, when we enjoy some father-son time with a cigar!
There will be some late nights and some tough meetings in this new job. How do you relax and wind down the end of a long day?
My incredible wife Orit and my four kids are my battery pack. I recharge by spending time with them. I also study Torah, Talmud, and Chassidic thought. It’s food for my soul.