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Shapiro: You and I have a lot in common

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I’m not looking for a candidate who is ramrodding a special issue. I’m looking for a qualified, conscientious leader who can make a difference on a wide variety of issues or challenges.
– Gary Shapiro, Scottsdale resident and community advocate

I know we share a lot in common.

All of us met our spouses on a blind or first date. That date turned out to be magical. We knew we had discovered someone special.

We may have lots of friends but we only have a handful of really close friends.
When we first meet people, we get a strong gut feeling about whether we should pursue the relationship or do business with them.

When we talk to some people, we can’t wait for the conversation to end. In other rare instances, we’re thrilled when the dialog lasts longer.

Too many people occupy our time telling us about them. Too few people take an interest in us and actually listen.

If you’re anything like me, you honor and respect the personal qualities of being genuine, authentic, and normal.

You wish more people possessed certain qualities and strengths.

So, what’s this got to do with our upcoming city election? How do personal traits factor into our decision making process?

We’re not going to date or marry them. We don’t necessarily need them to be our friends.

I’d like you to consider the fact that the innate personal traits, strengths and qualities of our elected officials are of the utmost importance.

I’m not looking for a candidate who is ramrodding a special issue. I’m looking for a qualified, conscientious leader who can make a difference on a wide variety of issues or challenges.

That person needs to be a critical thinker and an emphatic listener. That person needs to have the energy and horsepower to take a genuine interest in all of his or her constituents.

That person needs to have the experience, background and skills to tackle anything that will come up.

For almost four decades, I’ve watched current City Council candidate John Little in action as a city employee and manager, community advocate and leader. We’ve served together in an assortment of projects and endeavors to enhance Scottsdale.

The highest compliment I can pay anyone is to label him or her as “normal.”
John, you’re “normal,” actually you’re extraordinary. You’ve got my vote and my confidence you’ll do an awesome job on our City Council.

I hope others will join me to support you and encourage our friends and neighbors to vote for you.

I’m Gary Shapiro and I approve this message.

Editor’s Note: Gary Shapiro is a long time Scottsdale Realtor and community champion. He is the co-founder of Scottsdale Leadership and an advocate for the Scottsdale Unified School District.