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Opinion

Janik: Why I’m running for Scottsdale City Council

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As I begin this final phase of the election for Scottsdale City Council, I am humbled by the strong support I have received from you the citizens who made me the top vote-getter in the primary.

In addition, I am reminded of a question a neighbor posed to me when I asked him to sign my nominating petition. He said, “Why would anyone want to run for City Council?”

To be sure, it is not for the income which does not even cover the campaign costs. For some it is the power to shape the future of Scottsdale, for others it may be to enhance their personal business opportunity and a few may use it as a stepping stone to higher political ambition. For me, it is to serve the citizens and represent their vision for the future of Scottsdale.

With my volunteer efforts to Protect Our Preserve, serve on the Coalition of Greater Scottsdale Board, and become an active participant in Scottsdale governance, it was obvious that the current City Council majority was at the control switch passing every developer request for zoning changes in the past four years.

The situation was so dire that citizens raised and spent nearly $500,000 to demand that their voices be heard. We were successful! However, we, the citizens, cannot afford to legally fight every unwelcome project.

The best way to turn the tide on the unwelcome zoning changes is to change City Council. With that I decided to run for a seat on City Council to tip the balance of power in favor of the citizens.

There is no question that everyone, including me, wants a strong vibrant community with strong neighborhoods, good schools, a healthy tourism industry, revitalization of Old Town Scottsdale, and growth of the Cure Corridor and technology sector.

The voices of the citizens need to be valued as we move forward. The citizens need to be included in the development process. Thoughtful growth, preservation of our character and brand, and a mutual respect with representation of all parties — citizens and businessmen alike — is what will sustain and unify Scottsdale now and in the future.

That’s why I want to be your next City Council person. That’s why I ask for your vote on Nov. 3. Together we can realize our Scottsdale Vision.

Editor’s Note: Betty Janik is a candidate for Scottsdale City Council in the upcoming Nov. 3 general election.