Opinion

Posted Tuesday, February 4, 2020 11:30 am

How did City Council become so disconnected? I think it is time to have a healthy discussion about some form of district representation. Scottsdale’s unique neighborhoods, growth, and population density are diverse.

– Dave Ortega

Why did it take a referendum to halt the massive Southbridge Two development, which would crowd the waterfront canal amenity and crush Fifth Avenue businesses and heritage? Why did it take a voter initiative to prevent a sprawling discovery center at the Sonoran Desert preserve?

Because that is how the system works when city government does not listen.

City government has operated with a patchwork of resolutions, after the failure of the 2011 General Plan update. Scottsdale voters rejected the 2011 General Plan update, but rather than working immediately and diligently to revise and reconnect, the City Council raced ahead, testing the limits of rampant development. Leaving residents and businesses behind.

I’m Dave Ortega, a 41-year Scottsdale resident, architect, school volunteer and community enthusiast.

I participated in the last successful General Plan update as city councilman. We met in rotation at Sonoran Hills, Pinnacle Peak, Scottsdale Airpark, Old Town and at the Mcdowell Corridor. Character studies and the environmentally sensitive land ordinance were crafted and refined.

I have seen how councilmembers can listen, work together, share diverse insights and create a powerful citywide blueprint. As mayor, listening and building consensus will be my priorities.

The General Plan is crafted by residents, small businesses, homeowners associations, neighborhoods, developers, sports groups, major employers, school districts, churches --- all stakeholders. Guiding principles emerge and fold into the “virtual city” described by the City of Scottsdale General Plan. T

hey give direction to the mayor, City Council and to city staff. Not the other way around.

Recently, I stood up against a proposed medical marijuana dispensary use permit, located only 250 feet from a thriving school in Old Town. Arizona statutes prohibit medical marijuana siting within 500 feet and Scottsdale ordinance prohibits medical marijuana within 1,500 feet of a school. Where were our guiding principles?

I stood up against Southbridge Two, a 13-story mega project that glided through Planning Commission. I met with the developer to point out the damage to Fifth Avenue businesses, to the waterfront canal amenity, the elimination of the public parking at Rose Garden and disruption caused by private parking under Fifth Avenue.

Yes, some of my objections were discussed in executive session, but nevertheless Mayor Lane, Councilwoman Korte and councilwoman Klapp approved Southbridge Two. They forced our successful referendum. Where were our guiding principles?

We need a mayor who can reaffirm our values and guiding principles, chiseled into the General Plan.

How did City Council become so disconnected? I think it is time to have a healthy discussion about some form of district representation. Scottsdale’s unique neighborhoods, growth, and population density are diverse.

City government must listen to better represent 250,000 Scottsdale residents and businesses.

Scottsdale is our designed environment situated in the fragile Sonoran Desert.

Join with us, volunteer at electdaveortegamayor@gmail.com and keep Scottsdale “the one and only.”

Editor’s note: Mr. Ortega is a former city councilman in pursuit of the mayor’s seat this November