Mayor Drinkwater's  Support Remembered

January 1, 1998

     In the next few months we will see important improvements made to the Scenic Drive including new drive entry signs, a visitor exhibit and removal of power lines and poles.  Like so many good things that have happened in Scottsdale, Herb Drinkwater had a positive impact on this project from the beginning.

     Three years ago we were organizing the  restoration of the Scenic Drive.  On the evening of January 8, 1995, I sent a fax to Mayor Drinkwater describing our progress.  I was amazed when almost immediately the fax shown to the right came in on my machine. It was from the Mayor who I had only met briefly on a couple of occasions.

    Herb wrote, "Both the city and myself are prepared to help you if there is a need.  Thanks and good luck.  Best of the New Year."   Herb

     Mayor Drinkwater's encouragement was very helpful in building support for the project.  His assistance did not end at the fax machine. He took part in several of our "celebrations", played a role in Tourism Development Commission donating money to give the old monument sign a new look, and supported the formulation of the Improvement District that will result in the power lines being buried along most of the Scenic Drive on Scottsdale Road. In his own way, Mayor Drinkwater made things happen.

     Actually, his good deeds for the Drive started in the early 1980s after Scottsdale annexed the area containing the Drive.  Jo Walker, former president of the Cave Creek Improvement Association, has described how she always called Herb Drinkwater if there was a problem with the Drive. Even before fax machines, he responded.

     In the years to come many people will enjoy the results of Mayor Drinkwater's labor when they live in or visit Scottsdale.  It's too bad they will not be able to personally enjoy his positive attitude, humor and human responsiveness.  I'm glad I saved the fax; reading it again was a great way to start 1998!

Les Conklin, Friends of the Scenic Drive