“Scottsdale City Council candidates are asked their thoughts about civil rights and political movements --- ranging from gay rights to the Black Lives Matter movement --- happening now across the country in the latest Q&A series provided by Independent Newsmedia.” — Melissa Rosequist, Scottsdale Independent

•It’s often said that people don’t believe their government “hears” them. Is there a way to change this public opinion? And if so, how?

People don’t feel they have a voice in government when they are disconnected from the decision making process. We need to make sure we have diverse representation on our council, and on our boards and commissions. We need to increase outreach and leverage technology to make sure everyone who cares about the city has a voice in the process, working with council to enhance our livability and quality of place, balancing respect for neighborhoods and open spaces while developing our economic drivers. Successful efforts like the recent passage of the bond package and school overrides show that when everyone is included and feels represented we can have positive results for our city. An overwhelming majority of Scottsdale residents love our city and feel it is moving in the right direction.

•Our world today is in the midst of some monumental changes: the national Black Lives Matter movement; seeing rights upheld for the LBGTQ population; and the DREAMers ruling overturned. Will these movements/rulings change Scottsdale?

Of course outside events will impact Scottsdale. We are not a desert island; we are affected by the communities and world around us. These movements and rulings that encourage and inspire people to be kinder, more open-minded and more inclusive will move our city further in that direction as well. We are already a world-class city; these changes will make us even better.

•If elected, how will you show Scottsdale’s youth that their voices are valued?

I have 3 school-aged children and my entire campaign is focused on the future of our city, which means valuing young voices and making sure our city is even better for them. I am the chair of SCOTT, an organization that is hosting a “Young Voters Engage the Candidates” forum next week. This forum is designed to give younger voters a chance to get to know the candidates and where we stand on issues that are important to them. I strongly support issues that are important to young voters, like education, attainable housing, equality, and open, healthy spaces.

•The Supreme Court’s ruling on LGBTQ rights only covers anti-bias in the workplace. Do you believe Scottsdale should implement a non-discrimination ordinance that allows the gay, lesbian and transgender population the same rights as others?

Of course we should implement a non-discrimination ordinance that allows all our citizens to enjoy the same rights. Scottsdale is a golden rule city. We should be “open for business” and welcoming equally to everyone in all aspects of life in our community. It’s the right thing to do and the right message for our city. Since the legislature cannot agree on a state-wide law, I support and advocate for an LGBTQ ordinance to be developed in Scottsdale.

•What is your opinion on the Black Lives Matter movement?

The Black Lives Matter movement has been instrumental in bringing national awareness and engagement to the issues of justice and equality for all; issues that demand our attention as we strive to continually improve and make our nation a “more perfect union”.When a group of people cannot count on the machinery of justice to treat them fairly, and are victims of systemic racism or sexism, our country is not living up to its ideals. I support the message behind Black Lives Matter that we all deserve to be treated equally under the law. None of us is free unless all of us are free.We must also remember that justice is not a zero sum game- one group doesn’t have to lose in order for another group to gain. Justice is not a finite resource- we can all win. I support justice and fair treatment for all, balancing the needs of all of our citizens, which also includes our dedicated and hard-working public safety/police officers. I am proud of the measured response our Police Department has taken in balancing the needs of community safety, property rights, and first amendments rights to peacefully protest, and proud to have the endorsement of the Police Officers of Scottsdale Association.

This article was originally published in the Scottsdale Independent. See the full article at Equality, BLM and Unity