Over the years, John distinguished himself as a tireless advocate for citizens and people in Scottsdale who needed an extra hand.”
Grant Woods, former Arizona Attorney General
By Grant Woods
Some people have described this time of political discourse as the “post-truth era” when fact checking happens real time before some politicians have finished stirring up their base with their opening remarks.
Honesty and integrity have given way to misinformation and even outright lies, distortion and character assassination. I believe the future of democracy may well hinge on our ability to rediscover the roots of civility and service to others.
One such candidate that comes into view is the dynamic former city manager in Scottsdale who now seeks a seat on the city council, John Little.
I met John in 1995 when he was working as Herb Drinkwater’s aide and I was serving as Arizona’s Attorney General. I recall John as personable and efficient.
He possessed many of Herb’s best qualities and even had a mustache nearly as distinctive as the mayor’s white beard.
Not too many years ago I recall him having to defend his values and reject a request that he take an action that would have violated his oath of office.
He refused and it cost him his job. Not many years before that, former County Supervisor and City Councilmember Jim Bruner did the same thing when he took a stand that cost him his seat on the county board.
It seems courage runs deep in Scottsdale. And as most readers will know I’ve been known to stand my ground from time to time as well, at some cost.
Over the years, John distinguished himself as a tireless advocate for citizens and people in Scottsdale who needed an extra hand. He lived by Herb’s expectation that no one should ever leave City Hall feeling defeated because there is always something that can be done to help. We need more people in elective office like John Little and I am proud to offer my support to him.
Editor’s Note: Grant Woods is a former Arizona Attorney General.
