Log in

Lay of the land: Fight for the reins of The West’s Most Western Town

Scottsdale mayoral candidates discuss essential campaign points

Posted 4/9/20

The race is set for Scottsdale mayor at the August primary election as potential figureheads begin to sharpen their political spurs in pursuit of the proverbial reins of The West’s Most Western …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor

Lay of the land: Fight for the reins of The West’s Most Western Town

Scottsdale mayoral candidates discuss essential campaign points

Posted

The race is set for Scottsdale mayor at the August primary election as potential figureheads begin to sharpen their political spurs in pursuit of the proverbial reins of The West’s Most Western Town.

Five candidates have emerged, the Scottsdale City Clerk’s office reports. They are:

  • Incumbents Suzanne Klapp and Virginia Korte.
  • Challengers: Lisa Borowsky, Bob Littlefield and David Ortega.

Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane is leaving office due to term limits having served the municipality as an elected leader the past 12 years.

The City of Scottsdale hosts a primary election Tuesday, Aug. 4 meanwhile a general election looms if needed, which would be Tuesday, Nov. 3. To be elected at the primary election, a candidate must receive a majority of all of the legal votes cast.

At the close of business Monday, April 6 all municipal political candidates became official pending valid signature requirements were met. Ms. Borowsky collected the most signatures at 1,955 for the mayor’s race while Mr. Ortega obtained the fewest at 1,281 signatures.

Independent Newsmedia reached out to each mayoral candidate seeking key-points of why they are pursuing the elected office, what they want to accomplish if elected and why they are the right choice for Scottsdale.

The No. 1 goal

For Ms. Borowsky, the return to the political limelight is welcome illumination.

“The No. 1 goal, well, there are short- and long-term goals,” she explains of concerns around signature-gathering amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

She points out in 2016 state law allowed for online signature-gathering practices, but the City of Scottsdale largely remained dormant on the prospect of changing local ordinance on the matter.

“Given what we have been through now, this would have been much more prudent,” she said.

“It has been four years and I was really surprised to learn there was no initiative from the council to press upon the Secretary of State to get that up and running. That may seem like it’s a minor thing. It is a major thing as it is indicative of not just letting things happen at the city level --- the passivity.”

Furthermore, Ms. Borowsky says as the global pandemic unfolds she is ready to help jump-start the tourism economy once life returns to a version of normal.

“Long-term goals, obviously, would be to immediately jump-start the hospitality industry, hotels and restaurants. Work with every event producer to get back on the calendar,” she said. “I think a strong mayor and someone who is really keen on that kind of thing is a great person to be a cheerleader for the community and business community.”

--- Lisa Borowsky

Ms. Klapp says her No. 1 priority is helping to weather the economic storm and current public health threat.

“Beyond addressing the immediate health, safety and economic needs here associated with the effects of coronavirus, my top priority is to restore economic prosperity for Scottsdale and to help employers save jobs and create new employment opportunities,” she said.

In tune with pending economic concerns, Ms. Korte contends strong leadership is absolutely vital --- something she says she feels in her bones.

“To lead us out of this economic contraction that we are experiencing today,”

Ms. Korte said immediately after being asked what her No. 1 goal would be if the station of mayor is attained: “We are in uncertain times, local economists are predicting a deep recession for an unknown time period and they are predicting a 23 to 25% economic downtown.”

Although current economic predictions are dismal, Ms. Korte says the community she knows will rally, adapt and overcome.

“Scottsdale is a resilient community, but 35% of our economy is based on tourism and the impact remains unknown at this time,” she said. “What we need to be prepared for is looking at ways to reduce our expenses and we need to do it today. We need to let our citizens know we are willing to make those tough decisions.”

--- Vriginia Korte

In contrast, Mr. Littlefield says his No. 1 goal if elected to the station of mayor is the same it has always been.

“The No. 1 goal is the same one when I was first elected in 2002, which is fiscal conservancy,” he said. “I have always felt there are two issues with the Scottsdale budget.”

Mr. Littlefield says City Hall spends too much and unbridled over-development is a plague upon the city and its residents.

“We spend too much and, number two, by allowing this unbridled over-development and not making it pay for itself --- I think the taxpayers of Scottsdale have get done in these two ways. They are getting screwed. That would be my No. 1 thing I would want to achieve and I have wanted to stop that for about 18 years now.”

Bringing people back into the fold at City Hall is Mr. Ortega’s No. 1 goal if elected to the station of mayor.

“My campaign is about reconnecting City Hall with Scottsdale citizens,” he said. “The other one is reconnecting Scottsdale citizens with City Hall. It shouldn’t take a citizen referendum to get the attention of the City Council.”

Mr. Ortega, like Ms. Borowsky, has served on Scottsdale City Council years ago --- but he contends his local advocacy never stopped.

“I did support the 420 campaign and I was in early opposition to the Southbridge Two project. I am a calm person and I have a steady hand. I have a lifetime of urban design experience right here in Scottsdale. That is a huge asset that I am bringing forward with my leadership to give to the city.”

The right fit for Scottsdale leadership?

Why is Mr. Ortega the right person to lead Scottsdale? Because he will be a full-time mayor, he says.

“I have said that I will be a full-time mayor with 100% of my focus on it,” he explained. “I will apply my skills as an architect for the future appeal of Scottsdale. Scottsdale needs a new face and a new personality.”

Mr. Ortega says he is that personality.

“A person who can listen and involve everyone in the process that will make our city and the projects that come forward at the city the right fit,” he said. “I will give everyone a fair shake.”

Mr. Ortega says the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is an opportunity for residents --- and elected leaders alike --- to use technology to connect resident and municipality.

“This is causing us to open up other communication skills and yet I think it is also exemplified by the disconnect that citizens have felt from City Hall for too long,” he said. “I look forward to overcoming that. I am a positive and constructive person.”

Mr. Littlefield says he has just the right attitude and demeanor for leading Scottsdale into the 21st Century.

“I am the best prepared in terms of knowledge and experience. And, I am the best person in terms of attitude,” he said. “The current crew, for the most part, are not standing up. It is time to say, ‘no’ to some stuff. I mean, [Ms.] Korte and [Ms.] Klapp have been part of the problem now for eight to 12 years.”

--- Bob Littlefield

Mr. Littlefield says he doesn’t see a quick and neat end to the ongoing pandemic.

“Nobody knows how long we are going to have to stay locked down due to the coronavirus,” he said. “We could be locked down to next year --- our tourism industry could be done --- Not too busy at Fashion Square today; we just don’t know how long this will take. We are going to have to prepare for very, very bad scenarios.”

Mr. Littlefield says now is the time for strong leadership.

“You need someone who doesn‘t moisten their finger and stick it in the wind,” he quipped. “That person is me and that is why I am the right choice.”
Ms. Korte says she has the right stuff to helm the City of Scottsdale during what appear to be headed toward turbulent times.

“I believe that I am the right person because of my longstanding community commitment and community engagement,” she said. “I also have the business experience and acumen that sets me apart from the other candidates.”

From community boards of directors to statewide utility governing bodies, Ms. Korte has been preparing for this role the majority of her adult life, she says.

“If we look at today’s crisis, and my experience, that is going to be important moving us through this crisis,” she said. “The 20 years of my work at RayKorte Chevrolet taught me how to lead by example through many downturns and recessions.”

In times of uncertainty, Ms. Klapp contends, the right person to lead City Hall is one who pulled herself up by her bootstraps.

“I am the right person for mayor because, like many residents, I am a self-made entrepreneur, and my life has been one of swimming against the tide to create opportunities,” she said.

“I know firsthand how to be fiscally conservative while remaining optimistic and visionary by creating strategic plans for success and working with others to achieve prosperity. I have done this since childhood. I have overcome huge personal obstacles --- abject poverty and debilitating injury --- and have always seen the opportunities and have ultimately succeeded. Scottsdale needs a mayor who can get things done by building consensus and seeking realistic solutions.”

--- Suzanne Klapp

Ms. Klapp points out she has dedicated 12 years of her life to making Scottsdale a better place for residents and the business community.

“In my council position, I have committed 12 years to our city and have helped guide the council and staff through the Great Recession and now into the current health and economic crisis,” she explained.

“During that difficult time and the aftermath of the 9/11 panic before, I have successfully run my retail business without any government handouts or other outside help. I am the only candidate for mayor who has started and run a brick-and-mortar employee-based business in Scottsdale that can bring that type of experience, perseverance and agility to the office.”

Ms. Borowsky contends she has been humbled by the amount of local support she has gained since announcing her candidacy.

“A tremendous amount of people have come forward to support me,” she said.

“I think we are going to see a tremendous amount of an influx of people who want to live here especially after this health crisis. I would look to how we promote Scottsdale and we are already in the national spotlight. I believe there is a lack of representation for what really drives Scottsdale and who the people of Scottsdale really are.”

Why now and underlying questions

For some, the aspirations for the station of mayor are obvious while others, like Ms. Korte, say it has been a lifelong calling.

“I have had my aspirations to be mayor in Scottsdale since we sold the dealership back in 1998,” she recalled. “I love the community, I love the people and I love the community’s potential --- it’s that future potential that is what drives me to be mayor. I think our potential is big I think that is where my leadership skills matter.”

Ms. Klapp says the station of mayor is more than a mere political figurehead.

“The mayor is not just a figurehead, a cheerleader or a crusader,” she said. “Being mayor is a full-time position that carries with it the need to be everywhere in the community, communicating the city’s strategies and goals, and guiding the council through many difficult and complex decisions.”

Ms. Klapp says she will not waiver from her mission and remain steadfast to the dedication of improving the day-to-day lives of Scottsdale residents.

“I am 100% committed to Scottsdale and the city’s mission and will provide steady, thoughtful guidance and leadership,” she said.

“I have a long and successful track record on the City Council and have demonstrated my ability to work with others and find common ground. Community service has been part of my DNA for many decades, but my most successful and enjoyable service has been as a councilwoman. I can translate my vision into results. I am neither a daydreamer nor an agitator. I am a realist who will get things done and ensure that our city is on a steady and sustainable course.”

When asked if two Littlefields are too many, Mr. Littlefield replied, “it is really sexist to say Kathy is going to vote the way I tell her --- that is just laughable.”

However, if Mr. Littlefield were to be elected mayor, there would be two members of one household --- Kathy Littlefield serves on City Council today --- atop the local dais.

“Frankly, you ought to be more concerned that [Ms.] Korte, [Ms.] Klapp and Milhaven and Lane vote more in lock-step than Kathy and I do,” he said. “There is not a dime’s worth of distance between all of them.”

Mr. Littlefield says calling concern around his campaign because of his wife’s station is nothing more than an emotional argument.

“I think that is an emotional reaction. People are not concerned about that,” he said. “I think that people are going to judge me on my record just as people judge Kathy on hers. I don’t think that is going to be as big for us to overcome as our opponents would like it to be.”

Mr. Ortega points out the last time he was in office, the cowardly terrorist attacks of 9/11 had transpired, which taught him leadership in times of great distress.

“I was in City Hall at 9/11,” he said. “I have withstood the crisis of budget constraints and all the unknowns --- I feel very capable and ready to tackle the position.”

--- David Ortega

For Ms. Borowsky, the timing just feels right, she says.

“It is really great timing for me,” she explained since her time as an elected leader. “I never lost my passion for Scottsdale.”