Log in

Scottsdale City Council candidates opine future of local economic engines amid pandemic

Posted 7/23/20

As Scottsdale voters consider who to cast their ballots for this August, the nine City Council candidates discuss the topic of tourism in the final Independent Newsmedia question-and-answer …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor

Scottsdale City Council candidates opine future of local economic engines amid pandemic

Posted

As Scottsdale voters consider who to cast their ballots for this August, the nine City Council candidates discuss the topic of tourism in the final Independent Newsmedia question-and-answer installment.

Tourism is a key contributor to Scottsdale’s bottom line, as the go-to city funnels millions through tax revenue each year to municipal coffers.

Incumbent Guy Phillips, along with eight challengers --- Michael Auerbach, Tammy Caputi, Bill Crawford, Tom Durham, Betty Janik, Becca Linnig, John Little and Kevin Maxwell --- and are seeking to fill three Scottsdale City Council seats at the Aug. 4 primary election.

The August election is being conducted by mail-in ballots, or voters can go to any voting center to cast their ballot.

To learn your voters status or find a voting center, go to beballotready.vote.

Read below to gain an understanding of how each candidate’s position on tourism amid a COVID-19 world. At the time of publication, Mr. Phillips did not submit a response to questions.

Becca Linnig

•How do you think Scottsdale can evolve to survive the global pandemic of 2020?

We need to consider that this may be a new normal for a while. First and foremost, let’s begin with kindness toward one another. Instead of waiting until the pandemic is over let’s start thinking of ways to prosper during the pandemic. We need to focus on creating a healthy environment and new habits throughout the city. Little habits now develop into more prominent behaviors in the future.

•If you are elected to City Council, how will you champion tourism?

Scottsdale is a destination known worldwide. I have been to several countries and everywhere I have been there are people that are aware of or have been to Scottsdale. We not only sell sunshine but LUXURY sunshine at an affordable price. We have events for all income and age levels and open space available to anyone that visits. I would like to focus on bringing in more diverse cultural events. I used to love the Native Trails weekly performance in the park. It was a powerful program and so beautiful to get a glimpse of the Native American culture.

•What makes Scottsdale a special place for people to visit and how can that message be translated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?

Scottsdale has something for everyone. It has world renowned shopping, international culinary options, unique events and miles of multi-use trails. After a particularly cold winter in other parts of the world (although hard for us to remember now) we have a full dose of Vitamin D every day that can be enjoyed with your partner, family or by yourself. At the beginning of the pandemic we were named “Best City to Quarantine” and there is no reason we cannot regain that designation. We have everything you need to be healthy and happy whether on vacation or your new place to call home.

•When you think about the future of Scottsdale tourism, how do you plan to build that vision through public policy?

It really comes back to a new General Plan that is structured toward the future and not stuck in the past. It is imperative that we continue to upgrade the quality and character of our city. We need to pay attention to and keep up with the condition of our streets, bridges, hotels, resorts, amenities and attractions. Looking forward we need to create less vulnerability by building reserves, promoting dialog on all levels, encouraging cooperation and creating strong partnerships with key stakeholders and residents of the city.

John Little

•How do you think Scottsdale can evolve to survive the global pandemic of 2020?

We better do more than just “evolve.” And our goal better be more aspirational than mere survival. We have a choice: to let this pandemic define the parameters of our lives, or for us to be the architects of new possibilities. In other words, Scottsdale can yield to the disease or we can exploit the disease to imagine new ways, better ways of preserving and protecting our quality of life.

Take just a moment and notice what is happening to the way we purchase things, how we travel, communicate, treat illness, buy cars, order food, educate our children, monitor our health, use office space, “attend” live performances. Every aspect of our life is now seemingly open to new possibilities. We will continue to battle the pandemic and our economic recovery will reflect our success in that endeavor. But in the meantime I am not prepared to “wait it out.” We will need to weave together both wisdom gained from experience and fearless creativity borne of youthful imagination to claim our final victory.

•If you are elected to City Council, how will you champion tourism?

As Mayor Herb Drinkwater used to say, “With the McDowell Mountains, our firey sunsets, vast open spaces, perfect weather and our famous western hospitality, people are going to come.” And while Herb was spot on, I believe we are going to put his assertion to the test over the next three to four years. Sure, visitors will come back to Scottsdale. But will they come here first when they are willing and able to travel again? Will they choose other destinations if they believe other communities offer a more welcoming, safe and secure environment?

I will champion tourism in two very specific ways.

First we should always build on our existing assets and one of our best is golf. It is the fastest growing sport in Asia and incredibly popular in Europe and has a growing fan base in Mexico. We should meet with the LPGA and consider collaborating on a major international golf tournament featuring the best women golfers in the world. We should also leverage our world-renowned reputation as the epicenter of the collector car industry and super-size it.
We should re-invigorate and put more resources into re-capturing the ground we have lost in being one of America’s favorite arts destination and use our status to re-build our art galleries. Canal Convergence, our enormously popular Museum of the West and SMOCA can help lead the way. We must also stop being so parochial and explore new partnership opportunities to work with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community on special events that provide mutual benefits to both communities.

Secondly, we need to focus on ensuring our city infrastructure works for visitors and residents alike. We need to provide transportation options that are safe, convenient and attractive. We need to demonstrate Scottsdale’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Our city must promise that our police and emergency services are trained, properly equipped, responsive and helpful. I will carry the message that “Scottsdale Works”. Our community must renew its commitment to service excellence and hospitality. These days we cannot rely on great weather and big skies alone to promote tourism, we need to make sure all city services are second to none for tourism to work.

•What makes Scottsdale a special place for people to visit and how can that message be translated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?

This may be precisely the right time to communicate that we are striving to be the Healthiest City in America. My wife and I recently embarked on a staycation for our wedding anniversary. As we sat down to discuss where we would go, the first consideration was, “Where will we feel safe?” Where will we find best practices for hygiene, social distancing, restaurant cleanliness and housekeeping. Before deciding we called a number of resorts until we found one that we felt went above and beyond standard practices. I believe Scottsdale is uniquely positioned to capitalize on our reputation as a health destination but we need to put that message on steroids and enlist the help of our health care partners and our business leaders to make “healthy and safe” Scottsdale’s core tourism messaging theme.

•When you think about the future of Scottsdale tourism, how do you plan to build that vision through public policy?

Scottsdale is not an island. We live in a global economy and we market our destination to the world. Our reputation for better or for worse is closely tied to the State. On July 29th 2010, exactly ten years ago the infamous SB1070 anti-immigration law was set to go into effect. And while a court injunction blocked it temporarily, the damage was immediate. Arizona, and Scottsdale were boycotted by major league sports teams. On the day of SB 1070’s passage three major national conferences were canceled and moved to other cities. Travel bans were put into place by Mayors in other cities barring travel to Arizona. Scottsdale does not live in a vacuum. So many of our current policies are sending messages to the world that Arizona is still an “anti” place.
Scottsdale needs to step forward and lead policy changes that reposition our reputation as a “pro” place. There are so many positives we can capitalize on and yet, just when it seems we have gotten beyond SB 1070, careless, mean and thoughtless remarks by a sitting city councilmember sent hurtful messages racing across the national stage landing a punishing blow on our efforts to be a welcoming and safe destination for all. We need policies that promote inclusiveness, provide stronger investments in education, in the arts, that promote business development and that leverage our current assets of open space, world-class resorts, golf and nationally-acclaimed special events.

Kevin Maxwell

•How do you think Scottsdale can evolve to survive the global pandemic of 2020?

As city budgets struggle with reduced tax revenue, they will need to reevaluate what it means to be a city.

Cities may evolve from being government-centric top-down organizations to a flexible, more accommodating type of urbanism. In short, downtown Scottsdale may grow to be more of a hybrid mixed-use commercial model than what we have known in the past. Regardless of the economic prosperity for downtown still looks very bright.

•If elected to City Council, how will you champion tourism?

If elected, I will vigorously protect tourism assets. You can have the best tourism marketing strategy in the world, but if you do not have assets that tourists want to come and consume, what do you have? So, I will protect assets such as spring training, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and our rich western heritage. Also, I would help support Experience Scottsdale. We have the best DMO in the nation right here in our city.

•What makes Scottsdale a special place and how can that message be translated during the pandemic?

This is a community that cares about one another. We have the best public safety, and each one of our residents is a single unit ambassador for the city. Ask any resident what is fun to do in Scottsdale, and each person will happily offer their advice. They may not always agree on the answer, but everyone in this community can point out the one or two things that their family has enjoyed while living here.

•When you think about the future of Scottsdale Tourism, how do you plan to build that vision though public policy?

First and foremost, we need to ensure our visitors that Scottsdale is a safe place to visit. Reinforce the policy that all of our attractions, ballparks, restaurants, and museums are abiding by CDC guidelines and are taking their safety priority. Then we can talk about all of the wonderful amenities Scottsdale has to offer. Remind them of what makes visiting Scottsdale such a memorable experience.

Michael Auerbach

•How do you think Scottsdale can evolve to survive the global pandemic of 2020?

A college professor once asked a class I was in, “What one word would you use to describe the United States of America?” I said, “defiant.” Because both the connotation and denotation of the word apply. The dictionary defines the word connotation as-something suggested by a word. Denotation is defined as- sign or indication.

Looking back on the founding of our nation the clearest example I can imagine is the Boston Tea Party.

The physical act of patriots tossing actual bags of tea into the Charles River symbolize both of the meanings. In time as the country grew and became older our history became replete with examples of one, the other or both. A few that come to mind are Valley Forge, the invention of the production line, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and of course September 11th. At each of these moments our nation not only survived, but we ended up thriving. Coming out the other side better, stronger and more prosperous than before.

The current COVID-19 virus is no different.

It may seem now that there is no end in sight. That not enough is being done. That too much is being done in restricting how, where and when people move. Each of us in our own way has experienced stress and nervousness as well as anxiety regarding this current crisis’s end. Will the company I work for still be in business? How do I pay for the things I must have? When this does end, will I still have the lifestyle I have been accustomed to?

I do, though, have a suggestion. The residents of Scottsdale did recently pass bond measures. While the specific questions did specify what and/where the money was to be spent on, what about taking unprecedented action to help resolve the current situation.

Take a portion of the approved funds and use the city’s Triple A bond rating to turn those into liquidity. Thus, giving a huge cash injection into the general fund. Through the City Manager and City Treasurer those dollars would be dispersed directly to small business owners to help pay their workers, pay their operating expenses and support the businesses who have lost nearly all their income.

•If elected to City Council, how will you champion tourism?

When I am asked on the campaign trail what do you mean by “enhanced tourism” I say that tourism consists of several factors. A destination, lodging, food, attractions, and an experience to take with you. To answer the first part, I mention that Scottsdale is a marketing destination. We host conventions and world renown events. As well, we are a place for sun n’ fun. Some of the best 5-star resorts are located in the city limits of Scottsdale. These luxurious properties provide guests with all the amenities they could possibly desire. James Beard award winning Chef’s provide diners with cuisine second to none. Signature events draw record setting attendance. And we have routinely been chosen to participate in the Superbowl, Final Four Championships and College Bowl Championship games.

Recent statistics show that in 1985 about 35 million people traveled for tourist related purposes. Last year over 1.5 billion did. This third wave of travel tourism is being driven by Google Home, Amazon devices and VRBO. Of the 1.5 billion, almost half went to Europe.

Enter this unprecedented crisis named COVID-19! Cactus League canceled. Hotels empty. Restaurants closed down. The hospitality industry is by far the hardest hit of any industry. Unlike Sept. 11, we cannot see this enemy. Food & Beverage associations have reported close to a 30% insolvency rate among mom and pop restaurants already, with more to fail permanently by July 30th. The termination rate among employees is near 70% in some cities. And Scottsdale has lost nearly half of the $56 million dollars we took in TPT taxes last year. That is a direct blow to the city’s general fund.

Given these facts, I believe that as the ONLY candidate being considered for city council on Aug. 4 who works in the hospitality industry, I am best qualified and have the unique ability to help our city recover economically.

•What makes Scottsdale a special place and how can that message be translated during the pandemic?

Scottsdale is a unique and beautiful part of the desert. Those of us who have chosen to live in Scottsdale value its character, history, landscape, and opportunities for shopping, entertainment, and recreation. We’re invested to improve the city we love. I want to see Scottsdale grow and develop – without sacrificing what makes it special. That’s why I believe in smart growth. But current growth has been haphazard. I will not act as a rubber stamp for every developer. For example, there are appropriate and inappropriate places for a 15-story building. I was proud to oppose the building of the DDC in the Preserve. I know Scottsdale, I appreciate its character, and I value you, the residents. You can trust that I will advocate for the growth and development that will benefit our city and its citizens while preserving its character.

•When you think about the future of Scottsdale Tourism, how do you plan to build that vision though public policy?

I understand both citizen concerns and the inner workings of the tourism industry. With this unique perspective and my commitment to an economically thriving Scottsdale, I will enhance tourism by defending low taxes, ensuring our signature events continue, and prioritizing the upkeep of our beautiful parks, historic areas, and public places.

Scottsdale residents need a government that is limited and held accountable, frees the economy to thrive, and protects our freedoms and values rather than infringing on them. These are the core principles of my campaign.

Tammy Caputi

•How do you think Scottsdale can evolve to survive the global pandemic of 2020?

Eventually we will bring the Covid-19 situation under control and we will recover. We have an opportunity to come back even better, and more capable of weathering future shocks. We need to focus on outcomes, build budgets around long-term fiscal sustainability, run on real data in real time, build trust and accountability, and remain flexible through collaboration and partnerships. We can use this emergency as an opportunity to replace old systems with new and better ones; we can build back more prosperous, more prepared, and more equal.

The world has changed, and we need to look to new revenue sources and economic diversification. We’ve been talking about this since the 1970s but we need to do much more. Attracting technology companies and developing our medical, biotech and higher education sectors is a priority. These industries are better suited to withstand recessions. Scottsdale has to be where these companies choose to locate. Scottsdale must be open for business!

We need to build on our high wage jobs, our livability, and our vibrancy. Our economy is based on retail sales tax: it’s where 47% of our revenue comes from, and we need to make sure it stays robust. Even in our new world, there will be a need for Class A office space and to capitalize on our investment along the 101 and our central valley location. There are 200 software companies in Scottsdale and 30,000 health care workers- we have a huge base to draw on but it needs to be developed more. Now is the time to be thinking ahead, and thinking differently.

•If you are elected to City Council, how will you champion tourism?

We need to make data-based decisions for when it is safe to resume crowd activities. Our first task is to handle our public health crisis. If people don’t feel safe, no amount of marketing will attract them to our city. Experience Scottsdale has launched a “Be Scottsdale Safe” micro-site with information on what businesses are doing to keep people safe. Efforts like this are important.

We are fortunate in Scottsdale to have so much open area; this remains a crown jewel to share with the rest of the world, and something we can capitalize on. We have many activities to offer that don’t require crowds or indoor spaces. We must also work to transform our downtown area into a thriving, vibrant year-round destination for residents and tourists alike to enjoy.

We will need to look for opportunities and innovative ways to support our tourism industry while it recovers. Experience Scottsdale has been hard at work on this, and sends weekly updates with both relevant data and new ideas. They are spotlighting businesses that have implemented new measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. They are rolling out “virtual toolkits” for meeting planners. They have launched an aggressive campaign to encourage visitors who are within driving distance to Scottsdale. Healthcare is a strong segment for Scottsdale, with pharmaceutical and healthcare meetings accounting for 20% of Experience Scottsdale’s bookings last fiscal year. Medical meetings and medical tourism is a segment that can be developed more as the situation improves.

These are all good ideas, again, as long as we take the steps to keep residents and tourists safe.

•What makes Scottsdale a special place for people to visit and how can that message be translated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?

We have outdoor living and activities that are unparalleled by other tourist destinations. People can experience the beauty of our mountains and the fresh air. Covid didn’t change that for Scottsdale. We have more opportunities to innovate, and to create small, intimate tourist experiences. Westworld and other venues have been offering drive- in movies. Many of our resorts have accommodations that spread people out. Meals can be prepared in restaurants and brought to rooms for families and visitors to enjoy. Resorts and hotels can ensure and communicate that they are operating in a way that keeps employees, residents and visitors safe.

For the first time in more than 10 years, a new- build hotel is about to open in Old Town Scottsdale. The Canopy by Hilton will be opening in late September, with 177 rooms, meeting space, and two new restaurants. We are open for business and moving forward!

The best way for this message to be translated is for us to get our public health crisis under control and be an example for others. Seeing in the news that Scottsdale has the situation under control and prioritizes public health would be the most valuable message we could broadcast. We can also set an example and communicate to the rest of the world that Scottsdale is a “Golden Rule” City that is welcoming and accommodating to all.

•When you think about the future of Scottsdale tourism, how do you plan to build that vision through public policy?

Tourism is a critical industry for Scottsdale and always will be. In 2018, Arizona hosted 45 million visitors. Visitors not only stay here at our 50 resorts and hotels; they also shop at our retail stores and dine at our 825 restaurants. For 2018, visitors to Scottsdale created an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion. In addition to sales tax revenue, hotel/motel users contributed an additional $22 million in bed tax revenue in 2018. Bed tax revenue funds tourism events such as the annual Parada del Sol parade and a variety of capital projects at WestWorld, the Scottsdale Stadium, Museum of the West and the Tournament Players Club which hosts the Phoenix Open—all of which, in turn, generate needed tax revenue for the city. Many of these events will have to be reimagined/reconfigured.

Interest in travel is severely depressed amidst the current public health crisis. COVID presents a unique opportunity to bounce back stronger than before. We need policies that protect our open spaces, the rights of all our residents, and provide space for new innovations. The best policies are crafted in collaboration with all stakeholders, use data, are transparent, and keep implementation in mind. We need to decrease the “silos” in city government, and make sure we bring everyone who cares about the city together, working to build a brighter, positive, inclusive future.

Bill Crawford

•How do you think Scottsdale can evolve to survive the global pandemic of 2020?

We are evolving every day. Never underestimate the resilience of our private sector, the business community, and the “Can Do” attitude of the American entrepreneur. City government needs to not interfere with business and let the experts in their fields do what they know how to do with the least amount of government restriction and red tape as possible. We need to be 100% behind our business community. I will do everything I can to keep our businesses and resorts open. Without their success, we are condemned to a catastrophic economic collapse. Our city services, including public safety, exist because of sales tax, bed tax, impact fees, etc. Furthermore, the nonsensical conversation regarding degrading and condemning smart, compatible, balanced, quality growth has no place in our post pandemic recovery. We need economic vitality and we need jobs to ensure our economic survival as the leading city of the future.

•If you are elected to City Council, how will you champion tourism?

Tourism is a critical component to our great city’s future economic vitality. I will support Experience Scottsdale, our tourism marketing machine. I am amazed at the techniques and abilities employed by our “Dream Team” as they respond to market changes and continue to produce winning strategic campaigns, keeping our tourism alive. I will also advocate for resorts, hotels and special events that bring visitors to Scottsdale. I will encourage our city departments to keep the shine on Scottsdale by employing high maintenance standards to our capital assets. As an ambassador for Scottsdale, I will use my influence and my national and international connections to further our tourism whenever possible.

•What makes Scottsdale a special place for people to visit and how can that message be translated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?

We are a close, drivable destination to many large metropolises with large populations, some of which are still experiencing large scale lock-downs. I believe the model for our resorts is perfect to satisfy the public’s desire to spread out and practice safe social distancing. Our many outdoor experiences such as golf, hiking, bicycling, and equestrian activities are perfect fits for recreating in a clean, safe environment. Experience Scottsdale has the marketing and PR situation well-managed and we have already successfully made the pivot. Scottsdale has seamlessly re-positioned itself as an easy to get to, safe and desirable destination.

•When you think about the future of Scottsdale tourism, how do you plan to build that vision through public policy?

I will protect Experience Scottsdale. I will protect our hotels and resorts. I will protect our world class special events. I will protect our valuable treasure, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and I will finish the job by closing the loopholes Prop 420 left open, where the city may sell sections of our priceless Preserve. I will ensure smart, compatible, balanced, quality development so that a project proposed can positively impact our tourism. I will protect and enhance our “diamond in the desert,” Scottsdale Fashion Square, which produced over a billion dollars in sales last year and in normal times produces approximately 8% of our city’s sales tax. I will protect our reputation for having the best restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries.

I will oppose any public policy advocate who would place Scottsdale in a bad light and generate negative reactions from the public. For instance, Councilmember Guy Phillips recently embarrassed our city. If Scottsdale voters re-elect him, our tourism industry will be in jeopardy and we could run the risk of boycotts, being branded as a bias-racist community, and potentially face more riots. I will support our highly trained public safety professionals who keep our citizens and visitors safe. Under my watch, Scottsdale will be known as the premier tourist destination of the west, where visitors will enjoy the finest resorts, shopping, dining, events, and outdoor recreation activities in a clean and safe environment.

Tom Durham

•How do you think Scottsdale can evolve to survive the global pandemic of 2020?

One trend in the wake of COVID is that people want to live in less urban spaces, especially as more people work from home. Scottsdale is in a great position to take advantage of this trend. We have all the attractions of an urban environment, but in a less dense, more open setting. And with our mountains, open skies and vistas, and great climate, who wouldn’t want to live here? Scottsdale is already a hub for medicine and technology, and more people will come to live here as these fields grow. Scottsdale is a great place to work because it is a great place to live. As people are untethered from their offices, we can expect more people will come here to work. So, I think Scottsdale can not only survive in a post-COVID environment, but it will thrive.

•If you are elected to City Council, how will you champion tourism?

Some Council candidates think we should decrease our reliance on tourism. I think that would be a mistake. While COVID has put a huge dent in our tourism, this will be temporary. The assets that bring tourists here--the mountains, the climate, the resorts, the golf courses, spring training--aren’t going anywhere. They will be here, ready and waiting, as soon as COVID dies down. And people will be looking for a break post-COVID. Tourism in Scottsdale may increase, as people looking for a break may look closer to home, rather than going to Europe. And driving vacations may become more popular. Experience Scottsdale is already working on new strategies to attract tourists in this new environment, and it is likely they will continue their past success.

•What makes Scottsdale a special place for people to visit and how can that message be translated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?

When I first visited Scottsdale, I was knocked out by the open vistas, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the low density, the high design standards, and all the other things that make Scottsdale special. These attractions aren’t going away. They will be here, ready and waiting, when the public is ready to travel again. Scottsdale, by its nature, presents an open, healthy environment.

Experience Scottsdale is pushing that message, featuring pictures of the open desert and trails and giving good advice on how hotels are protecting health.

•When you think about the future of Scottsdale tourism, how do you plan to build that vision through public policy?

If elected to the Council, I would be a strong supporter of the tourism industry. Regular communications would be the key to making sure the tourism industry. I would oppose policies that would harm tourism such as the development of dense high-rises and accompanying traffic and congestion. Tourists can go anywhere in the US to visit dense, overcrowded urban cores. We need to preserve the qualities that make Scottsdale unique if we want to continue to attract tourists.

Betty Janik

•How do you think Scottsdale can evolve to survive the global pandemic of 2020?

As a scientist and mother of three health care providers, I have spoken on this topic many times since COVID-19 erupted in the United State. Follow the basics guidelines to stop the spread of the disease - wear a mask in public places, wash hands frequently, and social distance to the best of your ability.

I think we now realize the importance of our health care providers and hospitals. Let’s continue to work for advancement in this critical sector of our economy, the Cure Corridor. Insure that the supply lines for necessary drugs and PPE are available in the USA. Encourage companies to move here for production and distribution of these materials. We have top notch medical institutions in Scottsdale that can facilitate this activity. Let’s work with them on these projects.

Finally, the Scottsdale vision of open space, low density housing, and our McDowell Sonoran Preserve has proven once again that our past has provided the ideal pathway to our future. Recent national reports have revealed that COVID-19 has triggered a market for single family housing in lower density neighborhoods that accommodate working from home. Scottsdale is ideally situated for these requirements.

•If you are elected to City Council, how will you champion tourism?

Tourism is our primary economic engine. As a City Council member working full time for the City, I will continue to showcase the amazing beauty of our Sonoran Desert and the diversity of our environment. I will work to preserve the unique features of open space, view corridors, historic downtown, luxurious resorts, and the outdoor enjoyment of our McDowell Sonoran Preserve. I will ensure that the General Plan recognizes these attributes and protects them now and into the future. I have had meetings with Experience Scottsdale and they have plans for enhancing tourism in the near term with advertising to nearby locations for drive vacations. In the longer term, they continue to work on booking conventions to our City. I also proposed the idea of allowing restaurants to expand their tables onto the sidewalks and streets as available to help with profitability. The city followed through on this. Our tourism business will rebound quickly once COVID-19 is under control.

•What makes Scottsdale a special place for people to visit and how can that message be translated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?

Tourism keeps our city safe, clean, and innovative. This in turn keeps us as a top tourist destination locally and nationally. We should continue as we have in the past with high quality design and unique architecture. Our downtown features a unique blend of options - Old Town, lively art district, entertainment area and first class shopping. Our open space is a perfect respite from the COVID pandemic. Tourists from the crowded east coast and Midwest cities will want to kick up their feet in an uncrowded paradise.

Additionally, Scottsdale is ideally situated to work from home and play nearby. This is where people will want to move after the pandemic subsides.

•When you think about the future of Scottsdale tourism, how do you plan to build that vision through public policy?

Tourism will be recognized as an economic driver in our new General Plan. This will preserve the prominent role it plays in our economy. We also have the bed tax, which is a voter approved dedicated funding source. These revenues are used to fund our advertising campaign through Experience Scottsdale and offset costs of special events that drive tourism to our city.

An example of Scottsdale Public Policy is the helping hand provided by the passage of the GO Bond in 2019. We provided support for WestWorld to modernize the facility and continue to draw major world class events to our City. We need to continue our partnership with the San Francisco Giants, Waste Management Open, and Barrett - Jackson Auction, and Arabian Horse Show. Similarly, our city sponsored renovation of Giant Stadium is another example of how public policy continues to support tourism. Public Policy will continue to support our key events by keeping our facilities up to date, clean, and vibrant.