Together we can make our great city even better.
Citizens expect us to make decisions about both short-term and long- term policies based on the best and most accurate information available. In short, it’s our responsibility to do our due diligence by exploring every option before reaching a decision on each policy.
Residents continually tell us that the most important issues for them involve transportation -- including traffic congestion and how quickly they can travel from one place to another.
On Tuesday evening, July 5th, the Council will be approving the Transportation Master Plan, http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/transportation/studies-reports/master-plan. This is the document that will guide how the city responds to our transportation needs for the next 20 years. I regret to report that the majority of the Council has not only eliminated any reference to “light rail,” they will not even be considering potential rail routes.
That means the current version of the 20-year plan will not include all transportation options – which is like a company creating a long-range business plan while choosing to ignore all the factors in the market that could foster growth, prosperity and success. No responsible business leader would do that.
This issue should not be about whether or not our community supports or opposes light rail. It is about those of us on the City Council doing our jobs and making decisions for our future.
Ultimately, I believe it boils down to creating a good transportation policy versus a poor transportation policy.
PS: If you care about planning ahead for our transportation needs for the next 20 years, I encourage you to express to the mayor and council members your concerns about the current version of the Transportation Master Plan. You can contact all council members using the following email: citycouncil@scottsdaleaz.gov
