By Councilwoman Betty Janik
Our beloved McDowell Sonoran Preserve turns 30 years old on October 3, 2024. I applaud the vision of our city leaders who recognized the value of the McDowells and preserved it for posterity. I applaud the wisdom of our citizenry who supported the land acquisition with their vote and dollars. The Preserve has grown to over 30,000 acres over the years. It is a treasure for the residents, an outdoor desert adventure for our many visitors, and a refuge for wildlife. Notably, it was a respite for many of us during Covid. Along with the Indian Bend Wash with over 40 parks, our respect for open space defines us as an environmentally conscious city.
I urge you to assume the role of your predecessors and look into the future over the next 30 years. Our parks along the southern part of the Indian Bend Greenbelt Wash are over 50 years old and in need of some tender, loving care. Moving north, this pattern will repeat itself. Our Preserve requires continuing care including wildlife protection. Society has changed and our open space needs addition police protections. With the longer warmer summers, the fire department will be doing more rescues and fighting more fires. Prop 490 will provide funding to preserve and protect our greatest achievements, the Indian Bend Greenbelt and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
With the expiration of the land acquisition tax, Prop 490 replaces it with a new lower tax. It also has unprecedented protections to guarantee the funds are used SOLELY for the items indicated on the ballot.
Prop 491 will lift our spending limits so we can provide needed city services for which we have funding that we cannot spend. This is the first time in 18 years that we are asking you to raise the limit as allowed by the state. It does not raise taxes. It is is not a bond override.
For these reasons, I ask you to support Props 490 and 491 with your Yes Yes vote.
For more information, go to VoteYesYesScottsdale.com
Happy Birthday Dear Friend,
Betty
Scottsdale Councilwoman Betty Janik