Log in

Opinion

Whitmer: Can Scottsdale trust Ortega?

Posted

Having known David Ortega for more than 25 years, he has always been a bit of an exaggerator, but lately his qualification claims are more like the Jon Lovitz’ pathological liar skit.

First, he claims to be a huge supporter of the Preserve and Prop. 420, but want us to ignore his opposition to expanding the preserve in 2004. He claims that he was a supporter of the Prop. 420 “No DDC” but admits to living out of state during the campaign.

Most recently, he is attempting to take credit for “negotiating for 20-square miles of free state trust land” for the preserve, only that land was acquired years after he was voted off the council.

He also claims to have fought a downtown medical marijuana dispensary in 2019 but was a paid lobbyist to so. Ultimately, he was fired from that effort.

He claims to have led the Southbridge II referendum. After asking to be paid the committee turned him down. As the referendum manager, I asked David to volunteer in the office — he declined.

However, he did collect a whopping 30 signatures, and showed up for a photo-op at the turn-in.

Most concerning is that when he was on the City Council, he had his business card printed on the back of his City Council card and continued to represent clients before the city.

Scottsdale needs an ethical mayor we can trust, not one who has problem telling the truth.

Editor’s Note: R. L. Whitmer is a Scottsdale resident and business owner.