The recent protests about systemic racism have brought 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 can’t 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. We all deserve to be treated equally under the law. None of us is free unless all of us are free.
We need to reach higher as a city. The tumultuous events going on around the world are also felt here at home --- too close for comfort lately. This is a wake-up call to do better, not just talk about it.
Scottsdale is a “Golden Rule City”; we state that we embrace the values of kindness, empathy, respect and civility. Our city leaders have a responsibility to uphold and model our city values.
A current member of our City Council recently degraded the city nationwide and beyond. Particular responsibility to speak out lies with our civic leaders, who must include consequences in their condemnation.
Those aligned with Councilmember Phillips should separate from him, following the examples of the Coalition of Greater Scottsdale, the Police of Scottsdale Association and the United Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association.
As suggested by Governor Ducey, resignation is the appropriate remedy. If Councilmember Phillips will not do the honorable thing, then the City Council should condemn his conduct publicly.
Leaving this to the voters misses the point and abdicates responsibility. We must disassociate Scottsdale from these terrible remarks, whether he is re-elected or not.
We need leaders who will govern with facts, and have the courage to take a stand when it matters. Silence is acceptance. We got to this watershed moment because no one helped a man who was being choked to death. We can’t simply stand by while others do something immoral, illegal, or unsafe --- it’s our duty to stop it.
Scottsdale must be “open for business” and welcoming equally to everyone in all aspects of life. It’s the right thing to do, the right message for our city, and the right remedy for Scottsdale’s brand. We need to leverage this moment of increased awareness of systemic injustices to make our city even better. And re-attract tourists and businesses to our city.
Specifically, we should immediately pass a nondiscrimination ordinance that allows all our citizens to enjoy the same rights. We shouldn’t wait for others to take the first step. Scottsdale is a golden rule city, and a business and tourism leader; let’s own this message.
Next, we need to create a more robust Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The department has only one employee, in a city with over 2,000 employees. It’s buried four levels deep on the city org chart, next to entry-level tech support.
We have a Human Relations Commission that could lead on this topic if the mayor and councilmembers made it a priority.
Our neighbors in the City of Tempe lead Arizona in discussing systemic racism.
They have invested in a larger staff to support their efforts. They are starting an initiative called “The Right to Breathe,” which will examine the areas where there are gaps so they can better address the underlying issues going forwards.
They are bringing fresh eyes to core city services like schools, courts, and discrimination complaints. We can collaborate with other cities, share the best ideas through MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) with programs that could be consistent on a regional and state level.
These are three specific steps that create real solutions.
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 fair treatment for all, balancing the needs of all of our citizens, and our dedicated and hard-working public safety/police officers.
I am proud to have the endorsement of both The United Scottsdale Firefighter’s Association and the Police Officers of Scottsdale Association. I support the measured response our police department has taken in balancing the needs of community safety, property rights, and first amendment rights to peacefully protest, and I stand with our fire department as well in their efforts to keep our community safe.
The reputation of our city has been damaged and businesses and tourists are being deterred from coming to Scottsdale, when we are desperate to revive our economy and look to the future. Let’s be proactive. Let’s be leaders.
Scottsdale must be presented in the best possible light to the rest of the world.
We need to heal the wound and move forwards as a community, better than ever.
