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Campana: Consensus-building, experience make Korte my choice for Scottsdale mayor

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Virginia Korte has brought informed and sensitive leadership to Scottsdale for decades, and I trust that she will continue to do so for years to come.

I first met Virginia when she was general manager of Korte Chevrolet and through the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, where she ultimately served as its president.

Now as a member of City Council, Virginia’s business acumen continues to shape her valuable contributions to the ongoing conversation about financial stability, strategic development, and quality of life.

Virginia also provided critical direction to serving our city’s most vulnerable population, leading the Scottsdale Foundation for the handicapped’s transition to what is now known as STARS --- and putting the organization on a sustainable and stable path that continues today.

A deep and informed background in science and conservation made Virginia the perfect fit for Scottsdale Community College. She served as SCC’s first director of the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife, which still attracts new students’ curious minds, including my grandsons’.

She was instrumental with partnerships with the City of Scottsdale and the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, including the Preserve’s first revegetation project and wildlife counts.

Virginia recently returned to SCC to provide urgent fundraising assistance, and remains on the President’s Executive Advisory Board.

During her two terms on City Council, Virginia has advocated for the underserved. A public policy enthusiast, she sees Scottsdale through a unique lens --- decades-long volunteerism, businesswoman, non-profit executive, and educator. Her recognition as a McDowell Sonoran Preserve Pioneer, Scottsdale History Maker, and recipient of the Hodge/Drinkwater Leadership award confirms that she has built a reputation for being well-informed and ready to tackle the toughest issues.

My friendship with Virginia began when I was mayor. Sometimes we agreed to disagree, but we both felt satisfied that we had exchanged our best arguments in a civil and productive manner. I know firsthand that Virginia can build consensus, because we did it during my tenure.

Without research, bold investment and optimism, the global pandemic could have a lasting impact on Scottsdale’s tourism. The conversation around equality needs a proven leader who can build civil consensus.

These two issues require urgent attention in order to place in proper context the issues that have been at the forefront of our municipal dialogue during the 50 years I’ve been involved --- such as growth, zoning, and downtown.

Please join me in electing Virginia Korte our next mayor. More than ever before --- leadership matters.

Editor’s Note: Sam Campana is a former Scottsdale mayor and City Council member.