Howard's Letter

Howard Myers has studied issues related to Proposition 410 and 411 and attended numerous meetings where 410 and 411 have been discussed. In the following letter, Howard gives his reasons for supporting the two propositions. We have added sub-headings to the letter to facilitate your cyber-reading.

Proposition 410 and 411  by Howard Myers

What are Propositions 410 and 411?

There are two important propositions on this year's ballot that relate to preservation, which is important to all of us. Prop 410 guarantees that land purchased for preservation and recreation can't be used for anything else by the city. Prop 411 allows the excess McDowell Mountain tax to be used to purchase the open space extending from the McDowells north to the Tonto National Forest.

Why are 410 and 411 important?

Most of this additional land is State Trust land which will be turned into "Master Planned Communities" if not preserved. It is imperative that the city purchase this land not only to prevent it from being developed but to preserve it for recreation, wildlife, and open space. We have already lost too much lush desert, mountain views, and overall quality of life to development. Now we have a chance to stem the tide and at the same time preserve what is left of the Sonoran desert for us and all future generations to enjoy.

Proposition 411 will not increase taxes

Prop 411 will not increase anyone's tax, but rather will just extend the area which can be purchased with the money collected from the tax. While all this is good, it should be understood that the tax alone will not be enough to buy all 19,370 acres in the study boundary, but it is certainly a good start. Other funding mechanisms are being explored, but the purchase of all the land may require additional revenues, however that will require another vote. Even without additional revenues, significant land can be purchased, which is better than nothing.

Many reasons to vote "Yes"

I have studied this whole matter and concluded that there are no reasons no to vote "Yes" on both Prop 410 and 411 but there sure are many reasons why we all should. The mountains, the desert, and open views are crucial to the quality of life we all are fortunate enough to enjoy here. We should do all we can to preserve them.   Approval of these two propositions are a necessary step along the way to accomplishing just that. For these reasons, I urge all Scottsdale voters to vote "Yes" on Prop 410 and 411.

Howard Myers