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Whitehead: My endorsement of Tom Durham, Betty Janik for Scottsdale City Council

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I am enthusiastically endorsing Scottsdale leaders, Tom Durham and Betty Janik.

I worked alongside both of these candidates and personally witnessed their commitment to our city. Under their leadership, our McDowell Sonoran Preserve --- Scottsdale’s $1 billion crown jewel --- is protected now and forever.

Janik’s commitment to our Preserve spanned two years. From start to victory.

Janik negotiated many legal hurdles, managed hundreds of volunteers, and united Scottsdale to protect the Preserve.

As Protect Our Preserve PAC treasurer, Durham kept meticulous records that could not be challenged and provided crucial legal expertise throughout the process.

Durham and Janik’s campaigns are funded by people, not special interests. They will champion great development, negotiate up good development, and send subpar projects packing.

They will ensure tax dollars benefit taxpayers, prioritize infrastructure, protect city programs and services, and expand public open spaces.

Janik is a chemist turned teacher and Durham is a retired tax attorney. They have the skillset and commitment to develop and approve policies, contracts, and budgets that protect our quality of life and future prosperity.

The successful 2018 Preserve vote demonstrates the importance of electing citizen-backed leaders in 2020.

There was a lot at stake in 2018 as a City Council majority supported a proposal to develop Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve for private benefit. A project that would divert $70 million to construction, not preservation, using taxes not approved for such a use. The biggest threat to a Preserve or any public land should be the elected leaders entrusted to protect it. Honesty always matters.

Tom Durham and Betty Janik are proven community leaders and will serve all of us at City Hall.

Editor’s Note: Solange Whitehead is an elected member of Scottsdale City Council.