Stanton: Paul Dembow needs to get out of the cheap seats

I oppose unregulated short-term rentals and I believe they pose a significant threat to Paradise Valley. However, Mr. Dembow continues to make false claims by trying to paint me as a rogue supporter of unregulated short-term rental properties. Nothing could be further from the truth and frankly, his claims are laughable.

Paul Dembow is entitled to his own opinions on candidates running for Town Council, but he is not entitled to misrepresent the facts. Politics can be very ugly sometimes, including here in Paradise Valley.

Fortunately, our town has a long history of campaigning on the issues that matter most to our residents and not mudslinging.

Sadly, for the past number of years, Mr. Dembow has regularly deviated from the coveted civil political discourse of our town. It’s troubling and unfortunate, especially in these times of uncertainty and unrest.

First and foremost, I am proud of my track record on our Town Council. Since my first day in elected office, I have remained dedicated to maintaining our quality of life and protecting our town’s unique character and charm. My commitment to our quality of life and safety will remain steadfast.
Unregulated Short-Term Rentals:

• I oppose unregulated short-term rentals and I believe they pose a significant threat to Paradise Valley. However, Mr. Dembow continues to make false claims by trying to paint me as a rogue supporter of unregulated short-term rental properties. Nothing could be further from the truth and frankly, his claims are laughable.

In fact, I started working with Paradise Valley residents and town officials on the issues of unregulated short-term rentals in 2016, when I convened a meeting with concerned residents, then Town Manager Burke, Town Attorney Miller and Police Chief Wingert, so the residents could voice their issues on unregulated short-term rentals.

That led to my vote, with a unanimous Council in March of 2018, to adopt the Unruly Gathering Ordinance, in an early effort to address issues with unregulated short-term rentals in our Town.

• The entire Town Council, including Mr. Dembow and I, have been solidly unified in supporting meaningful regulations for short-term rentals. My voting record has been crystal clear on the issue.
• I have personally advocated at the state capitol, along with many of my fellow council members in support of legislation that would establish short-term rental regulations to help assure safety in our neighborhoods and to protect property values.

The town has taken important steps towards that end, but the broader solution must come from the state, either through establishing statewide regulations or permitting municipalities, such as our Town, to establish our own controls on short-term rentals.

Professionally, and unrelated to my volunteer role on Town Council, I am honored to serve as the President & CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. We support over 1,000 businesses that provide tens of thousands of jobs and help drive economic development in our state.

I am proud of our role serving and enabling Arizona’s job creators. The Chamber is a non-governmental, not-for-profit, member-based organization that started in 1947.

Again, Mr. Dembow’s perch in the cheap seats must have obscured his view of the facts when it comes to conflicts of interest.

• As is the responsibility of every elected official, I am extremely cautious to declare a conflict of interest if one arises.
• In two instances in the past three years, outside legal ethics counsel has determined that I do not have a conflict, yet, I have recused myself from a Town Council vote to ensure there has not even been the appearance of a conflict of interest in my role with the Chamber of Commerce.
• For the record, voting on short-term rental regulations in Paradise Valley is not a conflict to me legally or ethically. (PV Independent, “Stanton cleared of conflict-of-interest suggestion in dual public role” January 24, 2020)

The Five Star --- Ritz Carlton Development:

Four years ago, I joined with the majority of council members voting in support of Five Star’s Ritz Carlton development. Since then, I have worked with all council members to support the successful completion of this complex project.

As usually happens in large projects of this nature, there are disagreements along the way between developers and municipalities; this is the normal course of business. But let me be very clear, I have been united with my fellow council members on the Town’s position to resolve any disputes. Our Town has operated in good faith to live up to our terms in the Development Agreement.

We have been responsive and cooperative in finding solutions.

As a town council member, I have been a strong advocate for enhancing Paradise Valley’s public safety services and ensuring our police officers and firefighters have what they need to keep our Town safe. My commitment to protecting public safety will never waver. Furthermore, growth in our Town must be balanced and responsible and I will remain diligent in protecting our low density, single-family residential community.

My family moved to Paradise Valley more than 50 years ago. I am now raising my family here. This is my home; I am proud of my record and my volunteer service to our Town.

Important tasks lie ahead. Working on behalf of all town residents, I will continue to meet these challenges and resolve issues honorably, truthfully, and transparently. That’s the PV way.

I would be honored to have your vote for Town Council.

Editor’s note: Mr. Stanton is a member of Paradise Valley Town Council and CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce