Scottsdale council candidate Q&A with Guy Phillips

By Melissa Rosequist
Twitter: @mrosequist_

What does Scottsdale City Council candidate Guy Phillips — the only incumbent seeking reelection this cycle — think about the city’s development?

Leading up to the Nov. 3 general election, the Scottsdale Independent is hosting an ongoing question-and-answer series with the candidates for local government.

This week’s topic is development — a hot issue in the 2020 election — as many people talk about factions of Scottsdale being pro-development, or pro-growth.

Related to city development, Mr. Phillips talks about the difference between recent high-profile projects; judging projects on their own merits; and proposes an idea for allowing public comment back into City Council meetings during COVID-19’s social distancing guidelines.

1. Museum Square, the Marquee and now maybe, if it comes to fruition and is approved, the Scottsdale Collective. Are you supportive of the revitalization that’s happening in Old Town Scottsdale, which includes all of the downtown area?

Revitalization is a natural progression, but we have to look at each project to decide if it fits in the area, has enough public benefit, and when it comes to Old Town, has enough character to continue or increase tourism. In the case of the Marquee, I saw no public benefit. It is way too tall and dense and does not fit in with the area.

The Museum square, on the other hand, will increase tourism with its arts theme connecting to the Museum of the West and the art school. We were also able to negotiate ample parking, which is critical in the downtown area.

The Collective remains to be seen how it can be incorporated into the downtown without creating too much traffic like the Southbridge 2 project would have, and the parking plan needs to be scrutinized for maximum benefit to the area.

2. The residents of Scottsdale have used their collective voice twice in recent years to stop Desert Edge and Southbridge Two. Is a message being sent by the residents? And, is it being listened to?

When the majority of residents disagree with the council vote they have every right to oppose it by whatever means they deem necessary. I was an integral part of both of those projects, first voting no, and then aligning with and helping the residents in opposition. The message is clear: The residents of Scottsdale take pride in their community, and if the council majority goes against what they think is detrimental to the community you will hear it! There are those who, once elected, feel they were elected because they know more than the average person and so we should just bow to their will, but time and again the people have shown we will only put up with so much before we act. I hope that the next council will heed this message.

3. Do you believe multi-acre, mixed-use developments, such as Museum Square or what Southbridge Two was planned to be, is what is needed in Scottsdale?

Again, each project has to be judged by its merit. You cannot lump everything into a collective basket and decide that’s what is good for Scottsdale. That is what the Council is for, to represent the residents and businesses in determining what is good for an area and what isn’t. I have been frustrated as of late at the council’s decision to not allow public comment.

4. What is a misconception the public has about development in Scottsdale?

A trick question? I think in general the public has a very good handle on how the city should grow and be governed. I take advice from residents and local business owners regularly as they are the ones who have to live with our decisions. To me, the general consensus is that responsible growth is good but we have to say no to bad development, which includes aesthetics as well as the height and density of a particular project. Weighing that with any economic benefit a project produces creates a city with great amenities while providing good jobs, education, and a world-class destination for tourists.