Moore: The Town of Paradise Valley is not for sale

As we move into 2020, our town will continue to need dedicated, experienced, and effective leaders to keep it that way. That is why I have decided to run again for Town Council.

Our town has always been a unique residential neighborhood complemented by some of the most beautiful resorts found anywhere.

As we move into 2020, our town will continue to need dedicated, experienced, and effective leaders to keep it that way. That is why I have decided to run again for Town Council. I ask for your support and vote as I run for re-election in 2020.

I have been a Paradise Valley volunteer for many years. I began as a town volunteer serving on the Board of Adjustment, followed by serving on the Planning Commission. In 2016, I was elected to serve on the Paradise Valley Town Council. In 2019, I was unanimously selected by my peers on Town Council to serve as your vice mayor.

I have not been the most publicly vocal leader, but that’s because I’ve been focused on achieving great results for our residents. As an elected member of the Paradise Valley Town Council my priorities hold true to my record of supporting our town’s values:

• Support public safety and the sustainability of our pension plans for our police officers;
• Uphold fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget;
• Ensure responsible development to preserve the unique residential character of our community and views of our mountains;
• Oppose any local property tax; and
• Fight to gain back local control over short-term rental properties.

Our town is not for sale --- I will fight against excessive density, condo developments, and unregulated transient housing. Maintaining our residential one-home-per-acre zoning, we will ensure

we maintain our open, natural and quiet neighborhoods. With our adjacent neighboring cities pushing for more condo and apartment density, traffic on our streets is only going to continue to increase.

Short-term rentals have become a serious safety and quality-of-life issue with many of our residents. These short-term rentals that are unregulated hotels operating within residential neighborhoods have plagued our neighbors who have reached out to Town Council asking for help.

This is a statewide problem and has impacted so many other municipalities with the same damaging effects this past year. Working hand-in-hand with our Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner and others, I have been deeply involved in the battle to restore the protections for our zoning.

Along with the work I have done in town, we must ensure bills making their way through the Arizona Legislature make sense for the Town of Paradise Valley. I have been proud to appear for the town at the capital to voice our concerns for legislation that may impact all of us and our quality of life.

Enacting responsible legislation at our local level can be challenging at times, but with resident input and my priority to uphold our town’s traditional values Paradise Valley will continue to be one of the most magnificent places to live.

Another critical document that should reflect our town values is the General Plan. Last adopted in 2012, state law requires cities and towns to update their General Plan every 10 years.

The General Plan is a primary tool for guiding the future of the town and its efforts to enhance a livable and sustainable built environment that is sensitive to issues that impact the residents who live in Paradise Valley. It provides a guide for making these choices by describing long-term goals and objectives for the town’s future as well as policies to guide day-to-day decisions.

I plan to be all-inclusive with our residents, my colleges and staff as we work towards updating this very important document. With my continued service, I will make sure the document is kept true to Paradise Valley’s strong identity.

Serving as your vice mayor and council liaison to the Planning Commission came at a very important time when many of our resorts and medical offices were proposing redevelopment.

Also, during this time we were searching for an interim town manager until we found the right fit for a permanent town manager. With a professional background in government and deep experience in land use and entitlements, as well as construction and engineering, I was able to provide valuable insight and contributions on these matters.

I would like to thank the residents of Paradise Valley and ask once again for your support. I welcome the opportunity to continue hearing from you about any issue that may be affecting your quality of life in Paradise Valley.

Please feel free to contact me at smoore@paradisevalleyaz.gov. Please visit me at www.ScottMooreaz.com. Vote early or on Aug. 4 2020.