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Julie Pace’s new year observations

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The beginning of a new year is the time for both reflection and goal-setting. In Paradise Valley, we are fortunate to live in a unique community that preserves our special quality of life, committed to public safety, operates in a fiscally responsible manner and has gorgeous iconic mountains to protect and enjoy.

There are challenges ahead because of the pressure of development and commercial businesses encroaching on neighborhoods, but together we continue fostering the benefits of achieving improvements in responsiveness to residents and transparency and accountability in town governance. Storm water management, preserving open space and mountain views, safeguarding our low density, one-house per acre residential character continue to be high priorities.

I am optimistic about the new year. I am sorry to not be in person for the Jan. 12 celebration and installation of new Councilmember Christine Labelle, who PV overwhelming elected last year. Our council welcomes Christine.

Christine is bright, independent and stands up for residents and our community. And she has superb family and neighbor support as she has already made a difference in PV.

Also, a big congratulations to the re-election of third-generation PV Councilmember Ellen Andeen. Ellen has high integrity and is a financial whiz who always pays attention to the money.

Ellen strongly supports public safety and served as PV police volunteer. Ellen’s passion is also preserving the mountains, just like her father did when he served on council many years ago. The family legacy is strong to support our town’s core brand through the generations.

Come down and congratulate them on Jan. 12 at PV Town Hall when they both are sworn in. And send them a note to thank them for their service in a tough election cycle, they won with extremely high votes.

I applaud them both, along with all volunteers and my peers who serve to make our community better and demonstrate by their actions the goal of preserving Paradise Valley and preventing it from turning into subdivisions, density and commercial enterprises.

I will toast them while I am on a 10-passenger expedition boat in Antarctica, a COVID-delayed journey to my seventh continent. It is a 72-foot-long boat that will traverse Antartica for 14 days and go to shore each day that weather allows. And no Drake passage because we fly in and out, so more time in Antarctica.

Penguins, icebergs, whales and tranquility will be plenty, just like the peace and quiet we desire in our homes in PV while we enjoy the natural beauty.

The 90 plus countries I have visited provides fresh appreciation for our community and rejuvenates my energy and passion for preserving Paradise Valley.