By Lincoln Miller
The Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association Candidates Forum April 13th
wasn’t as contentious as a typical Scottsdale City Council meeting but sparks and punches did fly over hot button topics such as Axon’s planned apartment complex, an Old Town parking garage, and constant infighting among Scottsdale’s current council.
Association President Sasha Weller’s skills as a moderator likely kept the forum civil when compared to a Scottsdale City Council meeting.
Candidate Michelle Ugenti-Rita, referring to the Axon apartment issue, said as a former state lawmaker she has a track record of, “Defending your right to vote in citizen referendums, not getting bullied by special interests that want to take away your vote.”
Incumbent Solange Whitehead touts her record, “We have funded unfractured, we have protected our preserve, we have dedicated new parks.”
Raoul Zubia, an outspoken opponent of the controversial Owl Town parking garage, took aim at the state of the current council, “Right now we have a council that is not listening to the people. We have a council that is determined to do what they want to do when they want to do it.”
Eric Sloan touted his public safety endorsements which include the Scottsdale Police Officers Association, and Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan.
Former Councilmember and current candidate Bob Littlefield, who is leading the opposition to the massive Axon apartment project, reminded the audience of his record fighting similar projects, “I have a 20 year track record of fighting to keep Scottsdale a special and beautiful place.”
Crystal Carroll, an ally of Mayor Borowsky, took issue with the Mayor’s foes on the City Council saying she is not a politician, and she does not have a political agenda.
Ethan Knowlden touts his private sector experience as a “deal guy” for a California biotech firm.
Incumbent Barry Graham highlighted his opposition to the Axon apartment project, “I am the only council candidate running for reelection who listened to 27,000 residents who signed a petition opposing Axon’s Apartments and defended their right to vote on the megadevelopment.”
The controversial Old Town parking garage is opposed by nearly every candidate except Bob Littelfield and Michelle-Ugenti Rita. Both said voters have demanded more parking with Ugenti-Rita adding the issue has been settled and there are more pressing issues facing the city. Littlefield said he had no problem with the garage, “If you build it, they will park.”
Graham and Whitehead went round and round about a roundabout at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Dynamite Boulevard. Whitehead claimed Graham cost the city more than $30 million in federal funds. Graham says residents don’t want roundabouts or road diets and the funding is secure.
Although the council races are technically nonpartisan, Graham, and Ugenti-Rita clearly defined themselves as conservatives. Whitehead and Knowlden own the left of center lanes.
As always growth and apartments were prominent issues, with Whitehead, who favors the current Axon apartment proposal, touting responsible development and Knowlden saying Scottsdale is not experiencing runaway growth.
There was some agreement across the board. All the candidates agreed that Mayor Lisa Borowsky’s proposal to enlist volunteer fire fighters may be well intentioned, but it was not right for Scottsdale.
All the candidates except Ugenti-Rita are opposed to Banner Health’s proposal to build a new hospital near Hayden and the 101.
While they don’t agree on the cause, all the candidates agree that the constant bickering among the current council is a problem with Sloan saying the infighting has gotten out of hand and Zubia adding the current council doesn’t want to lead, they want to fight. To some extent that combative nature was present in most if not all the candidates at the forum. Perhaps that’s a necessity for anyone willing to run for office.