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Opinion

Robbins: What will Scottsdale’s election results say about us?

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Embrace today! The past is over, the future is unclear.

One famous quote says, “You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” After everything we have experienced the last six months, today is what we have, let’s make it count.

Scottsdale’s heritage is important. What Winfield Scott did to breathe life into this little patch of desert is truly inspiring.

Those hearty souls who scratched out a living together with little water, no electricity, and no air conditioning were remarkable. Our early city leaders had a vision to see that tourism, retail, hospitality, and healthcare could become a winning combination for our city.

Thankfully, our citizens demanded good schools, parks, recreation, safety, and amenities second to none. These amazing attributes of Scottsdale did not happen by accident. But, that was yesterday.

What are we going to do today? What is important to our citizens now? What do we value as a community? Our country seems evenly divided 50/50 and offers no real help. Our citizens split five ways in the mayoral primary election.

Each candidate received roughly 20% of the vote. This result suggests our city is going in at least five different directions.

The old saying that “elections have consequences” will certainly hold true in November. Our citizens will elect four new council members. What direction are we headed? What will the results say about us?

Do we value meaningful open space, safe neighborhoods, economic vitality, sustainability, improved transportation, and our unique lifestyle and character?

These six guiding principles at one time governed how Scottsdale moved forward. Do we still value these ideas or are we changing our direction? If we do value these ideas then we will vote for candidates that subscribe to these principles. If we want to change direction then candidates with different views will be elected.

We as a community are not going to stay the same. We never have. How exciting is that! Think of the possibilities! Embrace Today!

Make a statement in November. Tell the world what you want Scottsdale to look like.

If we want to be a world-class city, we have to earn it every day. We have to work harder every day.

To be a great city will require nothing less than blood, sweat, and tears from everyone who cares. Who wants to be a part of a remarkable tomorrow? If you do then show up today and make it happen.

Editor’s Note: Dennis Robbins is executive director of the Scottsdale Charros.