Log in

Opinion

Little: My closing letter to Scottsdale voters

Posted

From the moment I arrived in Scottsdale 35 years ago, I have taken immense pride in calling our city my home. My wife and I raised our family here. I made lifelong friends here.

Like all successful cities, Scottsdale is a center of innovation, creativity and excitement. But if you want laid back and remote, we offer that too. Scottsdale offers a rare combination of experiences not found in many other cities anywhere in the world. We live in this space together, as a thriving community.

Whether you live in the sprawling northern reaches or the near the bustling hub of south Scottsdale, we are all equal shareholders in the future of our community. It matters not if you are rich or poor, young or old, pioneers like my wife and her family or recent arrivals. You may own your home or rent, you may love the color red or the color blue, you may be a teacher, grocery store clerk, retiree, or a business owner — whoever you are, your voice is important.

In an era when negativity abounds in politics, now more than ever, our city’s residents need elected leaders who view Scottsdale’s future positively. Leaders who understand that residents should have no reason to be anything but optimistic about Scottsdale’s future, regardless of whether you reside near McDowell Road or Pinnacle Peak.

If elected to Scottsdale City Council, I vow to lead with optimism, integrity, and transparency. I believe this strong personal sense of optimism and honesty will not only help us overcome tired cynicism, it will ensure that our progress continues and that every corner of Scottsdale flourishes.

I knew at a very young age that all I ever wanted to do was build communities — great places for people to live. I wanted to help create a city that was vibrant and beautiful, welcoming and compassionate. I was blessed with a career at the City of Scottsdale that fulfilled all my dreams and aspirations for over two decades. While that job is finished, the next one awaits. It would be an honor for my next assignment to serve you on the Scottsdale City Council.

So I thank all of you for asking me to run and am grateful for the outpouring of support I have received. You asked me to run because you trust me. You trust me with preserving our heritage and trust that I will help build an even better city for future generations.

In spirit and vitality, Scottsdale is still a teenager — rambunctious, fearless and curious. It’s one of the reasons our city is so appealing. But Scottsdale will be here long after we are gone. In that time, those who follow us will reflect on what we did here today in our time. And I believe they will say, “well done.”

We and Scottsdale, one of the greatest cities in the world, will survive these uncertain times and prosper. I’m so excited to roll-up my sleeves and dive in to get to work for you and alongside you.

Editor’s Note: John Little is a candidate for Scottsdale City Council in the Nov. 3 general election.