Korte: Scottsdale is the result of forward-thinking leaders

Scottsdale is the result of forward-thinking leaders at critical points of its history. Leaders like Herb Drinkwater and Jim Bruner saw what Scottsdale could become and did what was necessary to ensure its future.

The citizens of Scottsdale want to continue electing leadership that promotes the city as a destination, a place where families want to move, companies want to locate, and people from all over the world want to visit. We have reaped the benefits of forward-thinking leadership, and we have no intention of stopping any time soon.

This is why Bob Littlefield and the culture of “no” is so problematic for Scottsdale’s future. We didn’t become the city we are today because our past leaders said “No!” to everything.

It’s because they figured out a way to say yes to possibilities and potential --- that does not mean “yes” to everything.

“No” is short-sighted. “No” is anti-progress. “No” eliminates the exploration and discussion of ideas. Bob Littlefield has a proven track record of “no.”

Bob Littlefield voted “no” on the incredibly successful SkySong. He has voted “no” on every Capital Improvement Bond Measure for the City of Scottsdale for the last 15 years, trying to withhold essential money for infrastructure improvements.

He has voted “no” on every Scottsdale Unified School District override initiative, thereby withholding essential funding for the improvement of our schools and hindering the education of our children.

And, if Scottsdale is going to continue to be a destination city, then we must say “No!” to the culture of “no” that Bob Littlefield represents.

Herb Drinkwater worked with the citizens of Scottsdale to attract resorts like the Princess to Scottsdale, while also establishing the McDowell Mountain Preserve and the Indian Bend Wash.

Jim Bruner worked to bring baseball and the Museum of the West into the public culture and character of Scottsdale. Art DeCabooter grew Scottsdale Community College’s enrollment from just under 1,000 students to over 12,000 students by the time he retired.

I am running for mayor because I believe in the culture of “YES” and the essential need for forward-thinking decisions to keep Scottsdale a great place to live, raise families, and work. Job creation and strategic development are both things that I care about and want to navigate with an eye towards the future. This is the critical topic of this election and it requires vision, leadership, and civic participation.

It’s important that the Scottsdale voters know what they are choosing when they vote for their next mayor.

Voting “yes” for Bob Littlefield is voting “no” for Scottsdale’s great future. If we say “no” to quality development, we say “no” to the possibility of high paying jobs coming to Scottsdale.

If we say “no” to funding initiatives, we say “no” to great schools and updated infrastructure. If we say “no” to long term environmental protections, we say “no” to a Scottsdale our children will want to live in.

A vote for me is a vote for a fiscally responsible approach to development and job growth. A vote for me is a vote for a Scottsdale our kids will still want to live in. A vote for me is a vote against the culture of negativity and anger that is eroding civil dialogue in our community.

I want what every Scottsdale citizen wants. I want a city other people travel to in order to experience. I want a city that is a great place to live and work. I want forward thinking infrastructure and proactive environmental planning. I want a Scottsdale that builds on the visionary leadership of Jim Bruner, and many others who came before us to make Scottsdale great.

In contrast to Bob Littlefield, I want to see strategic development as the way Scottsdale grows into a great city to live, learn, work, and play. I will work with Scottsdale schools to continue investing in the future of our children.

I will work with citizens to address the backlog of infrastructure maintenance while creating shaded, pedestrian friendly areas in our city and improving bike paths. I will work with you to keep our neighborhoods strong, our community safe, and our quality of life the best in Arizona.

Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric. Bob Littlefield will oppose anything that will help Scottsdale adapt and grow into the future. He is the culture of “No!” in our community that only serves the special interests of a few people set on letting Scottsdale become a museum to a past greatness.

Scottsdale can’t afford to let that happen. Leadership Matters!

Editor’s Note: Virginia Korte is a candidate for Scottsdale mayor, and a current member of City Council.