Scottsdale bracing for early election season

By Curtis Riggs | August 20, 2008

Sept. 2 primary coming soon
SCOTTSDALE – Voting will come early this year with voters heading to the polls the day after Labor Day.

manrossThree candidate for mayor and eight candidates for city council will square off in the Sept. 2 primary and then the Nov. 4 general election, if necessary. The timing of this year’s election is significant, as traditionally municipal elections in Scottsdale have been held in the spring, with the primaries held in March and the general elections taking place in May.

The political tension between candidates for mayor, incumbent Mary Manross, Councilman Jim Lane and write-in candidate Bill Crawford has ratcheted up early this season because of the change in the election dates. While Manross – a two-term mayor – has been touting her experience, Lane and Crawford said it is time for a change because of her management style and past mistakes.

jimlaneThe irony of the political battle for mayor is they disagree about what they all agree on – establishing the open-space preserve in north Scottsdale.

Lane says the cost of completing the preserve is still unknown while calling it the “largest capital outlay in Scottsdale history.”

“The acquisition planning seems to be non-existent or carried out in secret,” Lane said about how the completion of the preserve has evolved under Manross’ leadership. “Most experts say it could cost up to $2 billion, but our mayor says she can’t predict what the costs might be.”

billcrawfordCrawford advocates moving forward and “prioritizing” the acquisition of the preserve lands while providing access for all with a revenue-generating tram.

Manross touts the building of the preserve as one of her major accomplishments in her eight years in office.

Eight candidates for council will also be on the Sept. 2 primary ballot. The seats of council incumbents Betty Drake and Ron McCullagh are open this year as is Lane’s because he opted to run for mayor. Lisa Borowsky, Joel Bramoweth, Oren Davis, Tom Giller, Suzanne Klapp and Nan Nesvig are running for city council. Drake and McCullagh are both seeking re-election.


Top Photo: Mary Manross
Middle photo: Jim Lane
Lower photo: Bill Crawford

Courtesy photos