By Paula Sturgeon
Paula Sturgeon
By now the word of my departure from the race for Scottsdale City Council has made the rounds. Even Rod Pritchett at The Edge has published the news. I announced it on my Facebook page but wish now to share beyond that circle, both my choice and the reasons therefore.
Recently, a new gentleman came into my life. I was not looking and yet he found me. The possibility of a long-term relationship with him turned out to be more than I had dreamed. The only problem was he lived in Cottonwood and had no desire to move to Scottsdale. I made an easier than anticipated decision. I wanted the relationship and by extension, Cottonwood. As small Arizona towns go this is a great place. I actually worked at the hospital here in the early to mid-nineties.
Scottsdale will always be home to me. Since 1964 I have lived, learned, loved and overall given thanks for such a wonderful city. Our local politics notwithstanding, it is nearly perfect. I even love the heat. Thanks to so very many of you that signed my nominating petition and expressed support for me. I am humbled beyond words!
I recall with fondness the visionary leaders of the past that gave us this marvelous place; from the Fashion Square retail complex to the Indian Bend wash system of parks to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to a water system that is world-renowned. My privilege to serve alongside other great leaders in Scottsdale to bring the 2019 Bond election to a positive result will always be one of my proudest moments. The future can be very bright. Stay awesome Scottsdale!
The journey forward for this great city now lies in the hands of others. My hope is that things other than slogans elect leaders, that voters inform themselves, that the past be honored while the future is embraced, and that those who seek to divide are quieted by the voices of those more thoughtfully engaged.
Time and tide have a way of moving us along. Perhaps one day I will have a chance to return. So for me it is Aloha rather than goodbye.