Scottsdale election: City Council candidates share ideas on development, vacation rentals and homelessness

Seven people are running for three seats on the Scottsdale City Council in the Aug. 2 election.

Early ballots will go out July 6.

Scottsdale residents can cast votes for three City Council positions, choosing from seven candidates who have thrown their hats into the ring.

Six of the top vote-getters on Election Day likely will progress to a runoff election in November. If any candidates receive the majority of citywide votes cast in August's election, they would win a seat without having to compete in the runoff.

Scottsdale election: 3 City Council seats open in August primary election

Voter registrations were due by July 5 and those on the Early Voting List who also belong to a political party will automatically get ballots in the mail. Other voters must request a mail-in vote online or call the Maricopa County Elections Office at 602-506-1511.

Replacement ballots will be available at Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park and Indian Bend Wash Visitor Center, where residents who don't want to vote by mail can also cast their ballots in person starting July 6.

Among the candidates are two incumbents, Kathy Littlefield and Solange Whitehead, and five newcomers, Pamela Carter, Barry Graham, Daniel Ishac, Tim Stratton and Raoul Zubia. At least one new council member is guaranteed as Linda Milhaven is not seeking reelection due to term limits.

2022 elections: Here’s who wants to be your next city council member in metro Phoenix

Scottsdale's council candidates must get a majority of votes plus one to win outright in the August election. Otherwise the top vote-getters move on to a runoff election in November.

Those who choose to vote by mail are advised to mail their ballot by July 26 or drop it off at a ballot drop-off location or voting location by 7 p.m. Aug. 2. Search the Maricopa County Elections Department website to find a location near you.

The Arizona Republic asked candidates to share their views on key topics in Scottsdale. Here are their answers.

Opinion: Why is Kari Lake afraid of a Republic reporter moderating a debate?

Development in Scottsdale

Where do you stand on increased development in Scottsdale, particularly in Old Town? And what should that look like?

Pamela Carter: "I am a native Arizonan and grew up in Scottsdale, for this reason, I am opposed to high-rise, high density apartment development in Old Town. I am in favor of residential builds of 25-36 feet in alignment with city codes and zoning. We must preserve our historical roots and Western flare, which attracts millions of tourists each year. We are a world-class vacation destination."

Barry Graham: "I advocate sustainable, quality development in appropriate places. We need to encourage more resident input on projects — then respect their opinions and factor them into decision-making about what’s appropriate and where.

"It’s important for quality development and sensible growth to reflect residents’ values and our city’s unique brand.

"Old Town is the heart and soul of our city. Its uniqueness must be protected from encroachment of wrong-sized and out-of-character development. As a major tourist attraction, this special area should be preserved."

Daniel Ishac: "We must be thoughtful about the amount and the areas of future development.  I believe in upholding Scottsdale's strict standards for development everywhere within the city, and limiting height and density in many areas, particularly the historic old town.

"Any development in that area must blend in with the surroundings by managing height, setbacks, style, etc.  In other parts of Scottsdale, while upholding our quality standards, we can be more flexible with height to allow mid-rise buildings, while still preserving the beauty and open space that make Scottsdale great.

"We must have some development to stay economically viable. I will evaluate each project based on our quality standards and characteristics such as height, density, transition, set back, style, impact on resources and infrastructure and whether the development benefits the city and its residents. Thoughtful, fact-based decision making with input from residents."

Kathy Littlefield: "Overdevelopment has always been bad for Scottsdale residents because it clogs our streets with traffic, overtaxes our infrastructure, blocks scenic views and degrades our city's special character and high quality of life. But now there is an even bigger reason to oppose overdevelopment — drought!

"Arizona is in the middle of an unprecedented drought and the water levels in the lakes we depend on for our water supply are dropping rapidly. While our water department does a great job of conserving water, they cannot make new water out of thin air. Water saving methods should be a given and expected on all development projects. But we cannot conserve our way out of this drought crisis — we must stop adding additional demand whenever a developer asks us to approve a new tall, dense apartment project."

Tim Stratton: "I believe every great city needs high quality and appropriate development in order to grow and prosper. Scottsdale is no exception.

"Scottsdale has always been a leader among cities and relies heavily on our tourism and retail sectors to provide the city with revenue to pay for all our amazing services. This allows us to keep tax rates for residents low.

"Historic Old Town is special and its ambiance should be protected. The rest of downtown should be open to high quality, great development that enhances our tourism and retail experiences."

Solange Whitehead: "Scottsdale has an internationally recognized brand that attracts visitors from around the globe. While the city has a diverse economy, it is our bread and butter. Tourists pay roughly 24% of our sales taxes and pay for what residents enjoy every day.

"I oppose the blanket height approvals of years past. It is imperative that infill development enhance the downtown’s character with lower heights, higher designs, and add value with open space, public art, robust landscaping and pedestrian corridors. On the flip side, we must guard against blight and the crime it attracts. Many of the projects that I have approved remove blight and meet and exceed Scottsdale’s high expectations.

"Development aside, I have focused my first term on public investments for our downtown, including replacing missing trees to create a tree canopy, designating a new park, adding EV charging stations, and creating downtown path system dubbed the ‘emerald necklace.’"

Raoul Zubia: "We all want responsible growth, but that looks different in various parts of our community. We cannot have a “one size fits all” type of mentality. The north needs to retain its rural feeling. The south and central needs to retain their suburban feel.

"Business growth should happen through investment in redeveloping our existing commercial areas and along the freeway corridor.

"Multi-family housing should be in and near commercial areas where they do not intrude on single family neighborhoods and where they are convenient for people who work in the area.

"The conversation should not be about IF we should grow but about HOW we grow to maintain and enhance our quality of life and our financial strength.

"'No growth' may sound good on a bumper sticker, but it is not a realistic option because when communities stop growing, they get stagnant and decline."

Homelessness

What new steps would you take to combat homelessness, if any? Has the city done enough in recent years?

Carter: "We have social programs in place in Scottsdale, working with agencies like the Phoenix Rescue Mission and have included $2.1 million for social services in our budget called Scottsdale Cares for seniors, families and youth.

"General Fund monies are part of the city’s operating budget. Allocations go toward services such as shelter assistance, crisis intervention and counseling. Some of the agencies funded:

• Catholic Charities Community Services - $40,000

• Central Arizona Shelter Services - $40,000

• Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence - $9,000

• Community Legal Services - $24,650

• Duet: Partners in Health and Aging - $21,175

• Family Promise Greater Phoenix - $40,000

• Jewish Family & Children’s Service -$25,175."

Graham: "The city cannot solve the homelessness issue alone. But it can, through leadership, strengthen and coordinate the network of organizations with the skills and services to address the problem.

"Scottsdale is a tourism-centric city, so it’s important to ensure that it’s a place visitors want to return. And it’s important that residents feel safe at public parks and around the city.

"If the city makes addressing homelessness a priority, it can be reduced."

Ishac: "We must be compassionate, especially during these summer months. Homelessness is not just a Scottsdale issue, nor did Scottsdale create it.

"Scottsdale has shown an appropriate balance in addressing the issue. We train public safety officials on de-escalation tactics to allow appropriate outreach without jeopardizing the safety of the homeless, the officers or the public. We have a referral process to provide housing, substance abuse treatment and mental health services through so many great Valley and faith-based resources such as the Phoenix Rescue Mission, St. Joseph the Worker, etc. And some of the resources provide assistance in exchange for effort by the homeless such as the "Brick-by-Brick" program.

"We should not be building shelters within Scottsdale or providing any local housing for the homeless when we can’t even provide housing for essential employees of our businesses and the city. And we must remain safe for residents and visitors."

Littlefield: "Scottsdale has contracted with several different agencies to make more solutions available to folks. We work with the Phoenix Rescue Mission which has led to placements in shelters, residential programs, and even some permanent housing placements.  A successful program in collaboration with the Mission is called  “Scottsdale Works Brick by Brick”. People earn $60/day in wages for making the earthen bricks and receive case management help with other employment, housing and stability needs. They also meet with our career staff at Vista del Camino for specific job-related services.

"Our Police Department works with the homeless to assist them to find appropriate city services for their individual needs. And, we are working with various faith communities on our Day Relief Center program. This provides food, clothing and other needed services. To date, according to our city records, over 160 homeless individuals have found housing through these efforts."

Stratton: "The city should continue to work with our social services and faith based organizations to give residents facing homelessness assistance so they can stay in their homes. I am not in favor of the city spending taxpayer dollars to build a regional homeless shelter. I am also not in favor of using the Rosegarden as a homeless park as one of my opponents have suggested."

Whitehead: "Homelessness has increased. Scottsdale is focused on providing assistance to prevent homelessness, services to provide permanent shelter and jobs, and the city is also protecting public parks and spaces from homeless issues seen in other cities.

"Keeping vulnerable people in their homes is humane and makes economic sense. We’ve increased emergency repair grants and provide utility and food assistance. These services help many but not enough to combat steep rent hikes especially impacting seniors. This is where I will advocate for more resources.

"For those experiencing homelessness, the city works to get people sheltered, fed, and job-ready. Scottsdale has retired professionals serving as volunteer coaches, some city-funded jobs, and coordination with many jurisdictions and non-profits.

"On the flip side of this crisis, Scottsdale is focused on protecting our community from the types of homeless issues undermining the safety and quality of life in cities like Portland and San Francisco."

Zubia: "As chairman of the Scottsdale Human Service Commission, I have been incredibly involved with the city’s efforts to address homelessness. The city contributes to and invests in successful programs that provide services to the homeless.

"Social workers and police collaborate to work with the homeless to connect them with services and programs that will address their immediate needs for a safe place to sleep and eat, as well as to provide services to address the underlying reasons for their homelessness.

"When city staff reach out to homeless individuals, they do not always accept the help. In that case, we respect their legal right to use public spaces. City staff will then be diligent and make frequent contact with these individuals in the hope of building trust and that they will eventually accept help. We must continue to collaborate with our regional partners for ways to address homelessness."

Vacation rentals

Are short-term rentals in Scottsdale being properly regulated? What would you do differently?

Carter: "As I am talking to voters in Scottsdale, I am hearing more complaints about the out-of-control atmospheres surrounding their neighborhoods. Blaring music, party buses, alcohol and drugs are pouring into our serene neighborhoods. 3-4 a.m. pool parties, escort services and loud music are turning our otherwise peaceful, family-oriented suburbs into obscene and vulgar refuges for holiday bashes and vacationers.

"I do believe in the property rights of homeowners, but the rights of their neighbors are being violated in some cases, nightly or weekly. All legal residents deserve justice and the peaceful environments they have enjoyed for years. The AZ Senate has introduced a bill, SB 1168, that would put more of a responsibility on owners and penalizing violators who violate our “noise ordinances” and zoning requirements. Fines for violators should be instituted. SB 1168 passed the Senate and is awaiting a House vote after amendment details are finalized."

Graham: "Regrettably, the state Legislature has severely limited what cities can do about the "short-term rental" problem. However, it’s critical that the city, especially our Police Department, aggressively enforces the regulations that are in place.

"In the meantime, the City Council and management must relentlessly lobby the Legislature to transfer more authority to cities to manage the problem."

Ishac: "The state has made regulation a challenge, and we all need to tell the state that this overreach is bad for our housing situation and bad for our neighborhoods when rentals become a nuisance.

"Scottsdale has taken the allowable steps, especially around emergency contact and response requirements. We also actively enforce our municipal code and ordinances against bad actors.  The recent establishment of a Short Term Rental Task Force within our Police Department is another excellent step. I would like to see that task force fully funded and staffed, especially as we approach next year's peak season and the potential for increased issues around the Super Bowl.

"And we should work together with other municipalities to put pressure on our State Legislature to change the statute and give the power to regulate back to the municipalities (and Home Owners Association) where it belongs."

Littlefield: "Unfortunately, state government has limited the ability of cities to regulate short-term rentals. However, recently, we on the Scottsdale City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amendment to require "short-term rental" and vacation owners to provide to the city contact information which includes names, email addresses and phone numbers.  To not do so, owners can be cited for noncompliance and fined.

"Those listed as the contact for a short term rental must be available to go to the house in person should a violation occur at the house.  A time limit was set as within 1 hour of a call. Also, these houses may not be used for non-residential purposes such as restaurants, event centers, commercial businesses, etc. To do so is cause for a citation."

Stratton: "Short-term rentals have created many problems in Scottsdale. Our residents deserve better. We should use existing noise and occupancy ordinances to aggressively police problem properties. We should also work with other municipalities and the state to strengthen the ability of the city to police and shut down problem rental properties. I applaud the creation of the new short term rental enforcement unit but question why it took so long to show leadership in this issue. I have been working with other municipalities to address this issue."

Whitehead: "State law SB1350, the Airbnb Law, has flooded Scottsdale with short-term rentals and undermined the safety and integrity of our neighborhoods. These investors, many out of country, have spiked home prices and created a housing shortage.

"Since my election, I have approved two ordinances that have stopped party houses, created a registry for owners, added a police short term rental task force, and shed light on those operators not paying taxes. When there is a disturbance, an owner or a representative with authority has one hour to arrive at the property.

"We’ve done what we can but it is imperative that the next governor restore local control to cities and towns. We can reverse the damage by implementing a “3 strikes you’re out” law, implementing a city-based registration requirement with fees that fund the needed enforcement officers, and discretion on who and where STRs can operate."

Zubia: "There are over 6,000 short-term rentals in Scottsdale. The average short-term rental is three-bedroom, two-bath. That is over 17,000 bedrooms appropriated for vacation housing. By contrast, multifamily residents in Scottsdale averages 1.5 bedrooms per apartment. Families with children prefer a three-to-four-bedroom home. The short-term rental boom is consuming the three-to-four-bedroom home and the multifamily residential construction cannot keep up with the demand. Moreover, neighborhoods are becoming toxic to families with children due to the concentration of short-term rentals.

"Recently, Scottsdale created a police unit specifically to respond to community complaints related to short-term rentals. We must continue to improve our enforcement of the new ordinances. We must partner with other cities and towns to create a statewide coalition that can successfully lobby the Legislature for new laws that allow more local control."

Housing affordability

What, if anything, would you do to increase affordable housing stock in Scottsdale?

Carter: "I am not in favor of Section 8 housing in Scottsdale. We do have state and federal monies available for those in need of shelter. This would bring down the value of property in Scottsdale and would affect business owners and tourism. We have assistance already in place in the General Fund."

Graham: "I do not believe the city can or should meddle with housing prices. In fact, over the past 15 years, we’ve all seen record housing construction in Scottsdale matched by record rental price increases.

"For workforce housing, including for members of public safety, healthcare and education, we should encourage and persuade developers to set aside units. We’ve had a good start on that, but still have a long way to go before it becomes a development standard."

Ishac: "The reality of the current economics is that Scottsdale will not have housing that meets the need of the full range of the socio-economic ladder, but we can do more to make housing more attainable for a broader group.

"Allowing some development is the most obvious step, but we must adhere to our development standards and be sensitive to density and resource use. I was pleased that some developers have offered (with a little persuasion by city staff and the council) to set aside units for a broader spectrum of employees, such as educators, public safety and health care workers.

"And we also have to undo the supply drain that resulted from short-term rentals. It became too easy to remove housing units by allowing largely unregulated "hotels" in our city, which ultimately hurt our neighborhoods and impacted affordability."

Littlefield: "The supply of homes is being reduced by short-term rentals and corporate buyers squeezing families out of the housing market. Developers want to build apartments where they can gain both a high rent and capital appreciation. Single family homes and condos, which allow for the capital accumulation of wealth for the individuals and families, are not being built.  As the price of homes and the rental rates for apartments go up, fewer people can afford them.

"Eventually the market will correct, but it is a painful process. I believe we need to develop available land in accordance with our current zoning and protect our current residential subdivisions and Home Owner's Associations. If we don’t, our residential areas will be changed forever and our citizens’ lifestyle will decline."

Stratton: "Housing prices are a simple function of supply and demand. More people want to live in Arizona, and Scottsdale in particular and there is not enough housing stock to satisfy the demand. We must increase housing inventory of all types to create more supply. Cutting bureaucratic regulations and creating an inviting atmosphere will attract new developments and help us to satisfy the demand on our terms, by encouraging quality projects that fit within the character of the city."

Whitehead: "There are a number of factors that led to the surge in pricing which include the COVID-driven influx of new residents, the conversion of over 4,000 residential properties into “hotels”, and the thousands of approved housing units that are not yet built.

"While I have negotiated reductions in height and density, I have added performance stipulations to speed up construction. This is a first in Scottsdale. As a result, approved projects are getting built. Another first for Scottsdale, I have approved two projects with dedicated units with deeply discounted workforce housing ...

"Workforce discounts and there are some excellent concepts to increase affordable housing for seniors."

Zubia: "Housing affordability is important so that our children can build lives in their hometown, so seniors can age in the community where they raised their children and so that businesses will be attracted to Scottsdale, contribute tax revenue, and keep our tax rates low.

"Economists tell us that in Scottsdale, and across the region, housing starts have not kept pace with our population growth, and it will take years for us to catch up with demand.

"Scottsdale is reliant on tourism and real estate, two sectors that are extremely sensitive to boom-and-bust cycles. Diversifying our business community adds strength, stability and certainty.

"We must continue to support quality projects that provide more housing options, both for sale and for rent, across many price points. For our seniors, who are being priced out of their homes, the city should look at federal grants to help."

Scottsdale's biggest issue

What do you see as the other biggest issues facing Scottsdale? What would you do to help the situation?

Carter: "I am fiscally conservative and will be a good steward of our taxpayer dollars by protecting our history and our serene way of life. I am a Native Arizonan and grew up here. I was a business owner of the largest sports medicine and weight training facility in the nation in Scottsdale, rehabilitating injuries of the NFL, Phoenix Suns, ASU, and others.

"As your councilwoman, I will always put the rights of homeowners, local business owners and residents as top priority. I love Scottsdale and its people and will not stand by and see the urbanization of this city by approving the unnecessary development of high-rise, high-density apartments flooding our skyline. The approval of current council of narrowing our streets and bringing in more mass transit is out of alignment with the vision of Scottsdale and its residents who have earned the right to raise their families in safe neighborhoods without intrusion."

Graham: "Scottsdale has no shortage of big issues, including potential water shortage, height and density of development projects, and traffic.

"The biggest issue that the overwhelming majority of residents share with me is that their opinions about growth and development are being ignored by the City Council.

"I am committed to changing that situation by respecting resident’s input and ideas and factoring them into my decision-making on the City Council."

Ishac: "The biggest issue by far is our economic sustainability. While I’m sensitive to the concerns of development, the reality is that Scottsdale cannot remain the great city with many amenities, services and low taxes if we stop moving forward. Economic strength is necessary to provide all of those things, along with maintaining our infrastructure and addressing  longer term needs like water conservation.

"The potential for an economic downturn is even more reason to ensure we have a plan for growth, as well as expense management. Our businesses need to weather the next downturn, new investment must come in, our city revenues must grow as rapidly as our expenses.  And the fear mongering of 50,000 proposed units, water restrictions, mass transit, etc. do nothing to help us stay strong. They actually hurt us. Let’s not give in to the same false narratives and fake data that are dividing our nation."

Littlefield: "The most pressing problem facing Scottsdale today is overdevelopment. Overdevelopment is bad for Scottsdale residents because it clogs our streets with traffic, overtaxes our infrastructure, blocks scenic views, and degrades our city's special character and high quality of life.  Residents clearly don’t want this.

"In the last two city elections voters sent a clear message: STOP overdevelopment, particularly the tall, dense, high-traffic apartments approved by past council majorities. I am not against all development; if a project offers real tangible advantages to the citizens of Scottsdale, I support it.

"Unfortunately, most of what has been presented to the City Council recently are oversized apartment complexes designed simply to put money in the pockets of the developers — little care or concern is given to increases in traffic, water usage, or city cost increases for police, fire, trash pickup, park maintenance that current residents of Scottsdale must pay."

Stratton: "The biggest challenges facing the city are water, maintaining our financial stability and our competitive advantage.

"Water is a regional issue and we must encourage conservation and work with the state and other municipalities to address water usage on a regional basis.

"We also need members of council who understand government finance and how to maintain proper budgets and use taxpayer dollars wisely.

"Lastly, we must be champions for Scottsdale and work to attract new businesses to Scottsdale. We have a great story to tell and we need an engaged council that understands how to best position Scottsdale to be a leader in Arizona."

Whitehead: "Water, short-term rentals, and overdevelopment.

"Conservation and recycling are our future’s new water sources and Scottsdale has invested in both for decades. Today, Scottsdale treats up to 20 million gallons a day to a water quality that exceeds that of bottled water and have 5.4 billion gallons to our water portfolio by treating contaminated well water. From technology to septic tank conversions and providing statewide leadership, Scottsdale has the ability to ensure Arizona has a sustainable water future.

"Reigning in short-term rentals will increase housing inventory and restore strong community ties that are core to all our successes as a city. It will also diffuse the justification for overdeveloping the city by making some of the 4,000 STRs available to residents. Scottsdale also has 8,000 or so approved multifamily units that have never been built. Getting these projects built will also relieve housing pressures."

Zubia: "Keep Scottsdale financially strong. We must ensure that we keep taxes low, that residents get value for their tax dollars, that quality of services are high and that our decisions strengthen our financial security. A large part of our financial strength comes from the strength of our business community. Job creators choose Scottsdale because of the ample economic opportunity and ability to attract top talent. Our future financial strength will rely on our ability to balance investments from our business community with maintaining and enhancing our quality of life.

"Provide workforce housing. Healthy communities provide a variety of housing options across many price points. It is important to provide housing for people who want to build lives in the town where they grew up in, for young families, for young professionals, for people who work in our community and for seniors. … New projects should be encouraged to provide attainable housing options."

Reach Sam at sam.kmack@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @KmackSam.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Scottsdale election: Q&A with City Council candidates