Representative Joseph Chaplik issued this statement after the House International Trade Committee passed SB1543.
“I speak on behalf of Scottsdale residents in expressing our outrage and frustration at the committee passage of SB1543. This bill is a brazen attempt by one man to overturn the will of voters and retroactively force 1,900 unwanted apartments on the city of Scottsdale, using legislators to do his bidding under the guise of free markets and pro-business policy. SB1543 allows companies to build multifamily units on light industrial zoned land without city council’s or residents’ approval. Scottsdale residents can see through Axon CEO Rick Smith’s transparent manipulation of the political process. We would welcome a business like Axon with open arms, but we have a problem with Axon holding the city and the legislature hostage to build 1,900 new apartments and thwarting the will of Scottsdale residents in the process. My opposition, as I have repeatedly stated, has nothing to do with the company or its founder and everything to do with his refusal to respect the will of voters. 27,000 Scottsdale voters already expressed locally by petition that they want the unwanted apartments put to a vote. SB1543 would take away their chance to be heard on an issue that affects their community and daily lives. I have been actively fighting this horrific policy at the capitol and now I urge Scottsdale residents to continue to make their voices heard. Please stand against this bill to ensure that future developers cannot usurp the will of voters with ease.”
Joseph Chaplik is a member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing Legislative District 3 in Scottsdale.
Learn more about Rep. Chaplik by visiting www.josephchaplik.com; keep up with his work by following Rep. Chaplik on Twitter @JosephChaplik.