Scottsdale has an unmatched quality of life because our community came together with a
vision. Thanks to that vision we have built a world-class park system, a beautiful greenbelt through the middle of the community, and a one-of-a-kind McDowell Sonoran Preserve. I was here for every one of the challenges those big ideas faced and we prevailed.
All of these proposed amenities were criticized using the same small-minded, untrue accusations which we face today. Scottsdale has the second lowest property tax rate of eight large cities in the Valley. It has the third lowest sales tax rate of 12 cities in the Valley. If Mesa passes its tax hike in November, Scottsdale will have the second lowest sales tax rate. We have AAA bond ratings. Still, we enjoy a very high quality of life because our residents have, from the beginning, had a long-term vision for our community.
Today we need to stand up, again, to protect and sustain our entire open space and recreational network. Our vision is, again, on the ballot. We must make sure that network is taken care of every single year, not just when a particular council decides to fund a repair or address a maintenance issue in a park or the Preserve.
The smartest way to fund those needs is through sales tax, so every Scottsdale visitor will help pay for maintenance, repairs and projects outlined in detail in the propositions, including important improvements for our police and fire departments. Plus, the city sales tax rate will remain low when these ballot measures are implemented. There will be complete accountability and transparency.
Scottsdale needs the same discernment today that it has exhibited in the past. Make the right decisions for Scottsdale’s future and all of our crown jewels! Vote YES YES for 490 and 491.
Mary Manross is the former mayor of Scottsdale and chair of Vote YES YES Scottsdale PAC. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
