Local Government Needs You

The Arizona Republic clearly captioned the current controversy invented by the Scottsdale City Council’s majority, here.  “Scottsdale poised to give up $31M to cancel roundabout,” the headline reads.  Honestly, cancelling the Axon project in its tracks, eliminating the city’s sustainability plan and eliminating equity in hiring aren’t enough?  Apparently, not.

If the above link is paywalled, to find out more, here is another bit of coverage.

Making matters worse in all of this is that Barry Graham took to social media to tout the roundabout cancellation without a formal vote by the council.  Was this a unilateral move on Graham’s part or did he work with other council members in violation of open meeting laws?  Former council member Tom Durham, has filed a complaint with AG Mayes to find out. 

The vote on the roundabout will happen on Tuesday night.  You’ll find it on the Council Agenda, item #13 here.

You know this drill by now.  Read one or both of the links above and, in your own words, make a public comment at Tuesday’s meeting.  If you can’t attend, please send the council an email at this address: citycouncil@scottsdaleaz.gov

In other distressing news, the Council is also poised to cancel the wildlife bridge (aka the Rio Verde Overpass) in the Preserve which is already funded and was approved by voters.  If this project is cancelled, by law, the funds set aside for it cannot be used for any other purpose.

If you are interested in circulating petitions to maintain this funding, the signup form is here.  If you wish to sign a petition, you may do so at the Gateway Trailhead every Sunday from 7 - 11 am throughout April.  The deadline for submitting petitions is May 4th.

Thank you for all you do in support of local government.  These battles are important.  The more of us who become involved in them, the more attention they’ll get - a crucial first step in making change.