Meet the Candidates: Full pack fight for elected Scottsdale position

By Melissa Rosequist
Twitter: @mrosequist_

Several residents have thrown their hat into the ring vying for a spot atop Scottsdale City Council this year.

There are four total spots available during this election, as current councilmember seats for Suzanne Klapp, Virginia Korte and Guy Phillips are up for grabs, as well as the mayor’s position.

Mayor Jim Lane has reached the local term limits after serving Scottsdale for 12 years.

At the time of publication, nine people are seeking candidacy to City Council, while five people are fighting to be mayor.

Those seeking one of three spots on City Council are: Michael Auerbach, Tammy Caputi, Bill Crawford, Tom Durham, Betty Janik, Becca Linnig, John Little, Kevin Maxwell and Guy Phillips, who is seeking re-election.

Mayoral hopefuls are current City Council members Suzanne Klapp and Virginia Korte, with former City Councilmembers Lisa Borowsky, Bob Littlefield and David Ortega challenging.

The deadline to file petitions and forms to be nominated to appear on the ballot is April 6. To become an official candidate paperwork includes at least 1,000 valid signatures.

Scottsdale will hold a primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 4; a general election shall be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to fill any elected offices that remain unfilled after the primary election.

To be elected at the primary election, a candidate must receive a majority of all of the legal votes cast for that candidate’s race.

The Independent is offering readers an opportunity to “Meet the Candidates” below by including city issues most important to them. Candidates were asked to keep their responses brief; as the election season progresses, additional Q&A sessions and public debates are expected.

Mayoral candidate hopefuls

Lisa Borowsky

Lisa is a Valley native and lifelong Scottsdale resident. Her family moved to north Scottsdale in the mid-70s to pursue their passion for horses and the “western” lifestyle. Lisa graduated from ASU and went on to earn her Juris Doctor from St. John’s School of Law in New York.

She has been a licensed Arizona attorney since 1995, and has primarily focused in the areas of commercial litigation, homeowner association law, and general business. Her favorite professional experiences have been serving on the Scottsdale City Council (2009-2013), and more recently, serving on the Board of the Scottsdale Charros.

Top three campaign issues:

1. Bring back Scottsdale’s high development standards in order to protect and promote our upscale, luxury destination brand.
2. Restore openness and transparency at City Hall.
3. Develop citizen based solutions to address our traffic issues.

Learn more at http://lisaborowsky.com.

Suzanne Klapp

Suzanne Klapp’s career has been in business management and public service. She owned companies in manufacturing and retail and worked for a large manufacturer in the midwest in both staff and operations management. She was general manager for a world-wide distributor of picture framing products in L.A. before moving to Scottsdale 22 years ago.

She was elected to the council almost 12 years ago. Suzanne has earned a reputation for getting results by working collaboratively with other Council members and residents. No other candidate for mayor successfully led on all three ballot measures approved by Scottsdale voters in recent years.

Priorities:

1. Continue moving Scottsdale forward with smart growth that creates jobs, improves property values and encourages tourism
2. Maintain low taxes and advance cost-saving measures while continuing to provide high quality and efficient city services
3. Improve resident representation by putting the unity back in community.

Learn more at https://suzanneklapp.com/

Virginia Korte

Virginia Korte is a native of Phoenix, Arizona and received her BS and MS, in Biology, at NAU. Formerly a Chevrolet automobile dealer in Scottsdale (Ray Korte Chevrolet, sold in 1998), Korte now is Principle of Korte Group, LLC, a property management firm. From 2007 to 2014, she served as President/CEO of STARS, a nonprofit organization providing services and programs for developmentally disabled individuals.

In 2002, Korte served as President/CEO of Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Mesa Community College and Scottsdale Community College, where she taught General Biology and Environmental Biology.

Currently, Ms. Korte is serving her second term as Council Member on Scottsdale City Council, elected in 2013 and reelected in 2016.

Virginia Korte is a current city council and long-time member of the Scottsdale community. She has owned or led multiple businesses, such as Korte Chevrolet and the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, worked to develop the McDowell Mountain Preserve, and helped lead multiple infrastructure and education bond and override initiatives.

She believes that Scottsdale needs fiscal responsibility, strategic development, and improved quality of life through infrastructure and urban forestation improvements if it is going to remain a great place to live and work. Leadership matters to Scottsdale’s future and Virginia Korte has the leadership experience and vision to lead Scottsdale into the future.

Learn more at https://www.kortescottsdale.com/

Bob Littlefield

• Arizona resident for 55 years
• Scottsdale resident for 40 years
• Married 49 years to wife, Kathy
• Vietnam combat veteran
• 20 years working with Scottsdale’s kids as a youth soccer and baseball coach, soccer referee and soccer club board member
• Eagle Scout
• Graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Engineering
• Founder and President of a successful Scottsdale-based computer company
• Elected three times to the Scottsdale City Council
• Council Budget Subcommittee (Chairman)
• Council Subcommittee on Water Issues (Chairman)
• Audit Committee
• Economic Development Subcommittee
• Joint Scottsdale Unified School District and City Council Committee
• Papago Park Executive Committee

My top three platform issues for Scottsdale are fiscal sustainability, quality of life and preserving Scottsdale’s special character. All three of these qualities have deteriorated in Scottsdale over the last eight years due to the unbridled development my two major opponents have supported --- even encouraged --- as incumbent councilmembers.

As you drive around Scottsdale you can see firsthand the negative effects unbridled development has on Scottsdale’s special character and high quality of life --- increased traffic congestion, blocked views, stressed infrastructure and lack of parking. But there is another way unbridled development is hurting Scottsdale citizens, and that is money. Your money. Specifically, your tax dollars.

Last year city staff told City Council that Scottsdale had over $800 million of “unfunded” infrastructure projects; some observers believe the amount is actually much higher. Staff asked the City Council to put a bond issue before the voters to fund these projects. The City Council concluded the voters would never approve such a large amount and opted for a smaller $319 million package.

That brings up the question: how did an affluent city like Scottsdale find itself hundreds of millions of dollars in the hole? The answer is simple; unbridled development doesn’t pay; it costs.

If I am elected mayor, I will, as I did when I was a councilman, support only quality, character-appropriate development that pays for itself. And I will apply that standard to all parts of our beautiful city. And, of course, I would appreciate your vote in the upcoming city election.

Learn more at www.boblittlefield.com.

David Ortega

In 1978, I came to Scottsdale as an apprentice architect, married, started a successful architect business and we raised our family. We engaged in schools, church, sports, business organizations, civic boards and in the arts. All Scottsdale family experiences are interwoven together!

I was elected city councilman in 2000. At that time, some developers sought huge cash-subsidy bailouts. Today, subsidies and bailouts take the form of height and density waivers --- up to four times vested rights. I spoke out against the SouthBridge Two project, which would crowd the canal and jeopardize adjacent businesses. We cannot sacrifice Scottsdale to speculators.

Top issues to accomplish as Mayor of Scottsdale:

1. Public Safety and City Services: Assure priorities in this COVID-19 crisis environment.
2. General Plan 2035: Reclaim citizen-driven values to direct the Council, not other way around.
3. Voting Districts: Citizen-driven discussion to seek fair and equal representation.

Learn more at Electdaveortegamayor.com.

Council candidate hopefuls

Michael Auerbach

I’m Michael Auerbach --- a Scottsdale resident, small business owner in the hospitality industry, and lover of our country and our city. Like many of you, I’m concerned about Scottsdale’s future. We face challenges on many fronts.

• Former Parks and Recreation Commissioner, and Vice-Chair of Neighborhood Advisory Commission, City of Scottsdale.
• Precinct Committeeman Legislative District 23
• Political Director U.S. Congressman Steve Horn
• Assistant Finance Director U.S. Senator John Seymour
• Collegiate Debate Squad Captain
• Bachelor Degree in Communications from California State University Fullerton
• Legal Assistant Certification Georgetown University
• Culinary Arts Degree New England Culinary Institute
• Dale Carnegie Graduate

Scottsdale. It’s the city we love and chose.

From the McDowell Mountain Preserve in the north to iconic Old Town in the south, Scottsdale is a truly special place. We, the residents of Scottsdale, embody its rugged individualism and frontier spirit.

To meet these challenges, we need enhanced tourism, smart growth, and leadership that will protect our individual liberties and values. As we go into a new decade, I see a bright future for Scottsdale. We can preserve our unique character and grow for the future!

That’s why I’m running for Scottsdale City Council.
Scottsdale needs:

1. A leader with the discernment to know how and where to grow – and where not to grow
2. An advocate committed to protecting our signature events and open spaces
3. A voice for the principles that encourage a thriving economy and respect individual liberties

Let’s protect all that made us love and choose Scottsdale --- and keep it thriving and growing for the future.

Learn more at mikeforscottsdale.com.

Tammy Caputi

I’m running for council to make Scottsdale even greater for my children than it’s been for me. I have loved living in Scottsdale for 20 years.

We need council members who govern with facts and open minds, who build consensus and drive collaboration. Councilmembers who exercise good judgment and emotional intelligence for big issues and small ones. I will help guide us as a diverse, vibrant, resilient community that works for all residents.

I just completed a three-year term on the Development Review Board, overseeing the quality of development in our city. I have an economics degree from Wellesley College and an MBA, and successfully run a multimillion-dollar business I founded here in Scottsdale. I have three children in our local public schools. I’m ready to serve our community.

My No. 1 issue is our future: our livability and quality of place, where our families can prosper and raise their own families. I will promote economic vitality and foster high-tech jobs that diversify our economy, generate revenue, and complement our robust tourism industry. Let’s enhance our transportation system, from our highways to our local streets. I’ll work to balance traffic solutions in neighborhoods with trip-reduction options and shuttles in our downtown.

Our future includes overseeing quality development that provides public benefits like open spaces or workforce housing. Development should always consider preservation and livability as its goals.

Finally, our future must include closer communication and mutual support with our top-notch education systems: public, private, charter, and higher ed. I want to create a city where residents can go to school and find quality jobs from hire to retire.

Scottsdale is an amazing city and our future looks bright. As a positive, forward thinking council member, I will help light up the way!

Learn more at tammycaputi.com.

Bill Crawford

I’m a proud husband, father, grandfather, community leader and small business owner.

For more than 22 years, I’ve had the privilege of owning and operating a successful small business in downtown Scottsdale with my wife, Debbie.

In addition to my business experience, I’ve spent the past two decades taking on tough city issues, resulting in wins for our residents, neighborhoods, and businesses.

I care deeply about Scottsdale and I want to keep our city moving forward.

I encourage you to learn more at CrawfordForScottsdale.com.

Quality of Life

• I’ve spent 22 years fighting to protect and enhance Scottsdale’s high quality of life as a community leader.
• As a Councilman, I will ensure our city continues to provide a high quality of life by:
• Protecting our unique brand;
• Keeping crime and taxes low; and
• Maintaining our strong and vibrant economy and business-friendly regulatory environment

Smart and Compatible Growth

I’m not averse to growth, but I understand that quality trumps quantity.
Growth is not a zero-sum game, where one side must lose for another side to benefit.

We need smart and compatible growth, and on City Council, I will bring people together from all sides to ensure development is both balanced and quality.

Financial Future

In this time of crisis, we need to unite and stand together as a community.
We must put an end to the political shenanigans and anti-growth sentiment causing unrest and division across our city in order to protect Scottsdale’s fiscal future.

It’s time to stop playing politics and put our residents and city first.
My ability to bring residents together and unite them to solve problems is desperately needed on City Council.

As a councilman, I will work to unify Scottsdale by bringing the different factions throughout our city together to keep Scottsdale moving forward.

Learn more at crawfordforscottsdale.com.

Tom Durham

I grew up in Iowa but attended law school in New York City. I then joined a law firm in Chicago where I specialized in tax disputes and was named as one of the top 25 tax specialists in the U.S.

In 2013, my wife and I visited Scottsdale as part of a college trustee meeting.

We were enchanted by Scottsdale’s unique environment. After four days, we decided to move to Scottsdale! We became permanent Scottsdale residents after my retirement in 2015.

In 2017, I was chosen to serve as treasurer of the Protect Our Preserve PAC, which successfully protected the Sonoran Preserve from development. I joined this movement because the plans for the Desert Edge were contrary to Scottsdale’s charter and the will of the citizens. I am proud to have played a part in protecting this precious jewel.

I am running to restore trust in our City Council and to provide a strong voice for citizens. Twice in the last two years, citizens have been so upset with the council majority’s actions that they placed initiatives on the ballot to overturn the council’s actions. In these two instances --- the Protect Our Preserve movement and Southbridge 2 --- citizens collected thousands of signatures to make their voices heard by a council majority that refuses to listen. We must elect a council that respects residents’ views so that these citizen uprisings are no longer necessary.

Second, Scottsdale must develop and approve a General Plan that guides development in a manner reflecting residents’ desires. In recent years, there has been entirely too much “seat of the pants” zoning with variances handed out on a regular basis.

After the development of the General Plan, variances should be granted only when there is a direct benefit to the public, and not simply a benefit to favored developers. Scottsdale citizens should be able to determine the type of environment in which they live.

Finally, I support thoughtful growth that preserves and enhances Scottsdale’s enviable reputation and character. Some voices in Scottsdale are arguing that we need 15-story towers, higher density, and advertising pylons along the 101, or else Scottsdale will turn into Sun City West. These voices are obviously contrary to recent articles highlighting Scottsdale as having the nation’s strongest jobs market.

I strongly disagree with those who favor growth at all costs. Some of my opponents have claimed that I am in favor of no-growth, but that is clearly untrue. Scottsdale will continue to grow and provide high-paying jobs, but we must ensure that this growth preserves and enhances Scottsdale’s unique character. We must protect the enviable character that has led to Scottsdale’s growth, or else we will be no different from dozens of other fast-growing cities.

Learn more at durhamforthecitizens.com.

Betty Janik

• BS in Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago
• Pioneer Research GD Searle -focus on blood chemistry
• Publication of research - International journal.
• Science Teacher – middle & high school including outreach programs and “No Child Left Behind”.
• Realtor - Scottsdale, AZ
• Volunteer
  
  • Over 6 years Arizona Science Center, three awards.
  • HOA boards Chicago, Denver, & Scottsdale.
  • Formed the Protect Our Preserve Corporation - guided the successful passage of Prop 420.
  • Past President of Coalition for Greater Scottsdale
  • Bond pack Steering Committee member for successful passage of Scottsdale GO Bonds.
• Married 47 years, 3 children and 8 grandchildren.

My platform as a member of City Council:

1. As a member of the City Council, I will call for consistency in land use policy. Scottsdale citizens are very much opposed to the noticeable shift from open space and sweeping views to a landscape of greater height and density. This has occurred because of continual approval of zoning changes proposed by developers. As a member of City Council, I will be responsive to the citizens. I will follow existing zoning, minimize variances, and maintain uniformity of designated areas. I will work to achieve a balance between new development/redevelopment and open space that is acceptable to the citizens and maintains the special character and ambiance of Scottsdale.
2. I will promote a General Plan that represents the citizens’ vision of Scottsdale. We are 10 years overdue. I will assemble a new task force to pen a new GP that will represent the citizens. I will recommend formation of citizen committees with the task of providing valuable input to be incorporated into the GP. Individuals with vested interests need not apply. A strong general plan will help control the runaway up-zoning.
3. I will champion fiscal responsibility. This has been a guiding principle for me with HOAs, swim teams, and personal finances. It has served me well and it will serve Scottsdale well. Bonds are for special projects, not routine expenses. Approve projects where all costs are disclosed and covered by new income from the project proposed. Minimize new debt.

Learn more at votejanik.com.

Becca Linnig

I am Becca Linnig a candidate for Scottsdale City Council 2020. I am running because I believe all of Scottsdale should be represented. We have not had a council member south of Shea for over 15 years and I live in south Scottsdale. I also have children in school and run a successful full-time business.

In 2018, I was the President of the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors and continue to serve on committees there as well as the board of directors for the state and national levels. As a Realtor for the last 14 years protecting property rights is my priority.

My husband, my oldest son and I moved here from Chicago 22 years ago. We also have a 21-year-old daughter and a son who is 14. All of our children were raised in south Scottsdale and attended Scottsdale Unified School District.

Top three platform issues

1. Collaboration between council, city departments and Scottsdale citizens
2. Efficient Government performing core services at exception levels
3. Protecting property values and the future of Scottsdale

I am excited that so many people are passionate about serving our residents. Thank you in advance for your hard work in highlighting the candidates.

Learn more at beccaforscottsdale.com.

John Little

I first moved to Scottsdale in 1985. My entire career has been dedicated to public service. In 2007, the City Council appointed me city manager. I was promoted nine times and served with distinction twice earning the prestigious Bill Donaldson Leadership Award.

In 1997, I was selected as Mayor Drinkwater’s top aide and later led critical city departments including Transportation, and Downtown Development before being given responsibility for the 2,600 employees and a combined budget of $3 billion dollars. Civic contributions include: President Scottsdale Leadership, Scottsdale Charros and Board of Directors, Miracle League of Arizona.

Top three issues:

1. Preserving Scottsdale’s traditions and history while being proactive in diversifying and growing our local economy and tourist base. Having a vibrant downtown is critical for future community well-being.
2. Expanding citizen engagement and participation in updating the General Plan. I am proposing citizens consider adding an “Education” element as our children and quality schools are the building blocks of a sustainable community. It is also not enough to merely have a plan. It is critical that it be implemented and respected.
3. In the midst of this pandemic it should be an important reminder of the important role public safety and health play in our quality of life and our future. Safety and Security will always be the most important responsibility for elected leadership. Without a commitment to public safety we could not maintain property values, insure the delivery of quality services or keep our reputation as the desert jewel of the southwest.

Learn more at johnlittlescottsdale2020.com/

Kevin Maxwell

During 30 years as a Scottsdale resident, serving our community has been a consistent passion for me. Most recently, I am a Scottsdale Leadership Class 29 graduate and served on its board for three years.

I served on the Airport Advisory Commission for three years, helped launch FUEL Scottsdale and am the technology advisor for the Scottsdale Coalition of Today & Tomorrow. I contracted with the Scottsdale Area Chamber for over one year and serve on the board of Family Promise, Scottsdale’s only homeless shelter. I work as a technology analyst at a major insurance carrier.

Growth will be the focus for many voters in this election and there will be time to talk about it in the months ahead. Here are three other areas of focus for me, issues where I will bring innovation and new ideas to solve difficult problems.

First is airport noise.

When I served on the Airport Advisory Commission, north Scottsdale residents often would tell us how noise from Scottsdale Airport was disrupting their quality of life. I have a three-part plan that involves working with the Federal Aviation Administration to implement solutions that will not require federal approval or changes to any laws or regulations. I have heard from the residents there and will work to resolve their concerns.

The second is a traffic safety plan called Vision Zero. Its goals are to reduce pedestrian traffic fatalities to zero. It’s ambitious, worthy and doable. It involves expanding bike lanes, re-routing traffic lanes and creating new pedestrian through fares. Vision Zero has been adopted by nearly 50 cities with similar challenges as Scottsdale. I will be its champion and help make it happen in our city.

The third idea is to strengthen our special-needs community. Many quality groups serve our community but they often are segmented and siloed from each other. My wife has worked for the Scottsdale Unified School District for 25 years serving special-needs students. Nonprofit groups such as S.T.A.R.S. help adults. Scottsdale’s adaptive center offers quality services. These are just a few. The city could bring all our stakeholders together to offer a comprehensive safety net for our special-needs families, a population that is growing. I will work to build that safety net.

These ideas are innovative, actionable and accountable. I will be a city council member who works with city staff and resources to deal with issues as they emerge, not react to them after they become problems.

Learn more at maxwellforscottsdale.com.

Guy Phillips

Guy Phillips grew up in Phoenix and moved to Scottsdale in 1986.

Guy owns and runs an A/C repair business and likes to rebuild muscle cars in his spare time

He is running for a third term on the City Council. During his last two terms Guy has worked diligently to keep Scottsdale the special brand that we all love and enjoy. He has helped bring to Scottsdale such iconic projects like the PT-17 Biplane at the Scottsdale Airport, the Parada Museum downtown, chaired the successful Bond 2019 and most recently created the establishment of Scottsdale’s Veterans Advisory Commission.

The three issues Scottsdale needs to address are to submit a new General Plan 2035 to the state, which should incorporate a plan for buildout in 2050 that includes responsible growth and protects neighborhoods.

Another issue is government spending that threatens to put Scottsdale’s General Fund in arrears in the years ahead unless council makes wise and prudent choices in the budget now.

A third issue is keeping our neighborhoods safe and protected from proliferation of multinational short term rentals which I am currently working on with the Arizona Legislature and unwanted and unwarranted height and density across the city that threatens our tourism industry, creates heat islands, and diminishes our cache as the West’s Most Western Town.

Of course there are alot more issues coming up which is why you need an experienced councilman you can count on.

Learn more at electguy.homestead.com.