By Councilmember Tammy Caputi
I’ve always been a strong proponent of our parks, Preserve, and open space, and the value they bring to our city. What makes us great is the unmatched outdoor amenities we provide our residents. I applaud past Councils for the foresight to purchase the pristine desert landscape which would become Scottsdale’s greatest asset.
Council was very busy last week with Scottsdale’s Proposition 490, the “Protect and Preserve” ballot initiative that will be on your November ballot. I support a designated funding source to maintain our billion dollar investment in our preserve and our aging parks.
There is no controversy over the desire to keep our Preserve and infrastructure well maintained. Polls show residents overwhelmingly value our open spaces- it’s what keeps our city special.
I was part of the 5-2 majority to send the question of funding to the voters. I also voted back in the Spring to slow the process and have an extra work-study about Prop 490, in response to concerns over the language that some felt was ambiguous. One more session was worth our time, before asking the voters to approve a 30 year, 1.2 billion dollar tax.
The language of Prop 490 was challenged in a suit by the Goldwater Institute, and after a lengthy process the AZ Appeals Court determined our language needed clarification and revision.
No one likes taxes, but we all recognize their role in our quality of life. Above all else I believe the voters should make the final decision.
The Appeals Court gave Scottsdale the option to revise our language, and I applaud our City Attorney and my colleagues for re-introducing language that will give the voters a clear idea of the issue.
Nonetheless, I was uncomfortable with the last-minute changes. The process all along was slow and deliberate, and at the last minute it became rushed. We went out of our way to solicit resident input throughout the process, only to forego input at the 11th hour. We on Council received many emails expressing a sense of disconnect. It was clear we should pump the brakes.
Some feel this issue falls along partisan lines, with Republicans against Prop 490, and Democrats for it. I am one of the few Independents on our Council. I judge each issue on its merits and put the residents of Scottsdale first. Parks are not partisan; I work with my colleagues on both the right and the left. I believe this issue should be decided by our residents, with transparency and accountability.
If our residents vote in favor of Prop 490, I trust their decision. If they oppose, I vow to work with my colleagues to solve the issue of park and preserve maintenance and public safety.