e_Peak Article March 13 2012 Special Election

Pondering how you will vote in the City of Scottsdale's March 13th Special Election. You're not alone. There are nine items on the ballot and they all require the thoughtful consideration of Scottsdale voters. GPPA is publishing this article as a community service. First, you will find information from the information pamphlet mailed to residents by the city. We've included all the pros and cons for each ballot measure. Next, we'll present a brief recommendation for each ballot measure.

"Registered voters can cast a ballot for the March 13 Special Election in-person at Scottsdale City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. In-person voting is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, through Friday, March 9. Voters will consider a General Plan update, a franchise agreement and seven City Charter amendments in the election.

** The General Plan update guides development and growth in the city for the next 10 to 20 years. Cities and towns are typically required to update their plans every 10 years.

** The franchise agreement, if approved by voters, would allow Southwest Gas to continue using the City's rights of way for pipelines and equipment.

** Seven charter amendments are carryovers from 2010 and did not make it on the 2010 ballot. The amendments would seek to change or clarify the charter, which is the document that defines the City's roles and powers.

View a sample ballot. Request an early ballot by Friday, March 2, by contacting Maricopa County Elections at (602) 506-1511, or the City Elections Office at (480) 312-7844. Get more information about the ballot items and election online, or by calling the Scottsdale City Clerk's Office at (480) 312-2411."

Voting Booth
Memory Jogger

Question 1. Gas Distribution Franchise. Vote No.

Prop. 430. Approve General Plan. Vote No.

Prop. 431. Change Powers of City. Vote No.

Prop. 432. Change Duties of Mayor. Vote No.

Prop. 433. Changes Related to Boards and Commission. Vote Yes.

Prop. 434. Changes Related to Administration of Finance and Taxation. Vote Yes.

Prop 435. Changes Related to Execution of Contracts with City. Vote Yes.

Prop. 436. Changes Related to Franchises. Vote Yes.

Prop. 437. Changes Related to City's Public Records. Vote Yes.

Fortunately, Bob Cappel, GPPA's Vice President, has invested many hours studying and discussing the questions and propositions on the ballot with other individuals who are active and knowledgeable about city government and ballot-related issues. He's invested time and made recommendations for each of the eight ballot measures.

Shall a Franchise be granted to Southwest Gas Corporation, a California Corporation, to maintain and operate a natural and artificial gas distribution system in the City of Scottsdale and future additions thereto, in accordance with the Franchise Agreement submitted by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, to the qualified electors of said City?

With no additional information available in the ballot literature, voters might wonder why a specific Franchise Agreement would be necessary with Southwest Gas Corporation, since Southwest Gas already provides this service. Reading the Franchise Agreement shows why voters should be concerned. Read More. Residents are urged to vote “NO.”

Proposition 430 asks voters to approve the City's new General Plan. The General Plan is the policy document that sets forth Scottsdale's long term objectives, principles, and expectations for future growth and development. Read More. Residents are urged to vote “NO.”

Proposition 431 asks voters to approve changes to the Powers of the City. Currently, the City is required to control surface and flood waters so as to “PREVENT” the loss of, or injury to, lives and damage to property. This Proposition would change the word “PREVENT” to “LIMIT”. The City should be held accountable if the staff & Council allow developments that produce flooding, resulting in loss of lives and property damage. Residents are urged to vote “NO.”

Proposition 432 asks voters to approve changes to the duties of the Mayor. These changes expand the powers of the mayor, allowing the Mayor to appoint members of the Council to represent the Council in intergovernmental relationships and appoint members of the Council Committees. These duties should remain with the all the members of the Council, not just the Mayor. Residents are urged to vote “NO.”

Proposition 433 asks voters to approve changes relating to the City Council’s Boards and Commissions. These changes would remove the Mayor and the City Manager on all Boards and Commissions. Decisions of the Boards and Commissions should be independent of the Mayor and City Manager. Residents are urged to vote “YES.”

Proposition 434 asks voters to approve changes relating to the administration of finance and taxation.

These changes would remove the ability of the City Council from changing items in the budget once the public meeting has occurred and requires the City Manager to consult with other city officials when making the budget. Residents are urged to vote “YES.”

Proposition 435 asks voters to approve changes relating to the execution of contracts with the City.

These changes would allow the City Council to amend the execution of contracts with the City and allows the City Council to exceed a budget for emergencies or other unexpected events without oversight from the State. Residents are urged to vote “YES.”

These changes would require that the cost of the publication and election be estimated by the City Council and that the utility requesting such a Franchise Agreement must first deposit this amount with the City Clerk. This change makes the Charter consistent with current State law. Residents are urged to vote “YES.”

Proposition 437 asks voters to approve changes relating to the City’s Public Records.

These changes would require the records of every office, department or agency of the City be open for inspection pursuant to all applicable laws. Residents are urged to vote “YES.”