By Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas
You elect us to make tough votes. You elect us to protect Scottsdale and keep Scottsdale special. You elect us to fight for your constitutional rights.
You did not elect us to make excuses or to bow to corporate interests.
Over the past year, you have sent us thousands of emails, asking, begging, pleading with Council to side with the residents. You asked us to protect your city and your voice.
On Monday, Councilman Graham, Councilwoman Littlefield and I stood firmly together. We put you first and fought for your constitutional right of referendum to vote on the Axon project.
Unfortunately, Borowsky, Whitehead, Kwasman, and McAllen voted against you and in favor of a deal with Axon. Read here.
Here’s the Borowsky, Whitehead, Kwasman, McAllen deal:
1) 1,200 housing units. While the contract says 600 apartments and 600 condos, without a voluntary deed restriction from Axon, that split is not legally enforceable by the city. Axon can build 1,200 apartments.
2) No citizen referendum. Nearly 27,000 concerned residents signed a petition to put the Axon project on the ballot and it was certified by the city. The resident referendum is canceled.
3) No lawsuit. The city of Scottsdale will not sue the state of Arizona over the Axon bill SB1543. The city of Scottsdale will not defend your constitutional right to referendum.
4) Self-Certification. Axon will be the first company in the history of the city of Scottsdale to self-certify that its building meets city code.
5) No Water. Axon will provide no additional water to cover its use.
Councilwoman Littlefield, Councilman Graham and I voted to defend Scottsdale and protect your right to vote on this important project.
Yet, I am a big fan of Axon’s products, it’s upgraded headquarters, and the project’s boutique hotel. However, 1,200 units are just too many. Our job is to represent YOU. I promised to always remember you – and to put you first.
