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Sauerman: Characterization of candidates as for, against development is short-sighted

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Over the past two years, certain candidates have ridden the wave of Prop 420 and the defeat of Southbridge II, taking those two discrete controversies as some sort of mandate.

But Scottsdale’s issues transcend waterfront development and a museum.

Moreover, voters’ positions on those two issues were based on a myriad of different factors. I believe that characterizing voters, candidates, and constituents as pro- or anti- development is myopic, and it sells our city short.

We need a mayor who can adapt to new challenges and circumstances, while taking into account the perspective we’ve gained from our recent past. Having spoken with and observed several candidates, I support Virginia Korte.

While tourism has historically been Scottsdale’s lifeblood, I appreciate Virginia’s vision to diversify our economy and expand the mixed-use business tax base. No one would have ever predicted that the 2020 Spring Training season would be abruptly cut in half, and we are only beginning to understand the impact of the economic fallout.

2020 exposed Scottsdale’s economic vulnerabilities, and it will take someone with Virginia’s breadth and depth of experience to ensure smooth sailing in the months and years to come.

Other candidates have attacked Virginia as pro-development at the expense of quality-of-life, or anti-tourism, but those attacks make little sense in the context of Virginia’s long history of service with the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (recently recognized as one of 12 Preserve Pioneers), and her prioritizing an urban tree-planting program.

I admire Virginia for taking the high road on these issues. Virginia recognizes the need to maximize the quality of our space.

Editor’s Note: Pat Sauerman is a Scottsdale resident.