November 1998. Key Preservation Vote on Tapballot box

 

Just Say "YES"  to  Expand and Protect Preserve!

 

About Preservation Survey About Proposition 410 About Proposition 411

Frequently Asked Questions  Howard's Letter

A recent survey indicated overwhelming public support for preserving Scottsdale's desert lands.  As a result there will be two propositions addressing the city's preservation plans on the ballot November 3.   A "yes" vote on both propositions will enable the City of Scottsdale to expand the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and ensure that that will preserved land will be protected in perpetuity. A vote for preservation funding in November is critical, since key lands -- including Browns Ranch -- are under immediate development pressure. Friends of the Scenic Drive enthusiastically endorses both propositions.  No matter how popular an issue is there are always questions and objections.  Visit Frequently Asked Questions to get additional facts regarding these propositions.  Finally, Howard Myers of Friends of the Scenic Drive has carefully studied  both propositions and has written an excellent letter explaining why he supports the measures - visit Howard's Letter. 

About Preservation Surveythumbs up

In June 1998 Mike O'Neil Associates conducted a public opinion poll for the City of Scottsdale. The City wanted to measure voter support for acquiring additional land for preservation before investing further resources in the effort. The poll results overwhelmingly supported an expanding the Preserve.

  • 96% of Scottsdale voters thought it was important to preserve open space. The three reasons given most for preservation are to protect natural desert from development (95%), to preserve the area for environmental reasons and wildlife habitat (95%), and to preserve the area for scenic views (96%).
  • 95% of Scottsdale voters were in favor of expanding the Preserve.  The 5% opposing the expansion cited cost most often as the reason for their opposition.
  • 95% of Scottsdale voters favored amending the City Charter so land can not be removed from the Preserve without a public vote.
  • Respondents were given four funding strategies.  The strategy which most voters favor is retaining existing property taxes for the next four years and using excess funds for the Preserve expansion; 65% strongly favor this option. 

About Proposition 410

Proposition 410.  To ensure preservation of acquired preserve land.  This proposition ballotwould add provisions to the City Charter that are needed to protect preserved land in perpetuity. The new provisions would add language for designating preserve lands, prohibiting conveyance of preserve lands or interests in them, and establishing limitations on the removal of preserve land designations.

A "yes" vote will have the effect of revising the City Charter in order to legally protect preserved lands in perpetuity.

A "no" vote will have the effect that only existing legal provisions will protect preserve lands from being sold or transferred for other uses.

Friends of the Scenic Drive recommends a "yes" vote on Proposition 410.

Vote "YES" on Prop 410. The Board of Directors of Friends of the Scenic Drive enthusiastically endorses a "yes" vote on Proposition 410.   There has been much public discussion about the importance of ensuring that preserve lands be preserved in perpetuity. Various approaches to achieving this objective have been studied by City of Scottsdale staff and the Preserve Commission. The approach of adding the necessary provisions to the City Charter is straight-forward and has been employed successfully by the City of Phoenix for its preserve. It ensures that no preserved land can be sold or tranferred without approval by the Scottsdale City Council and Scottsdale voters.    

About Proposition 411

Proposition 411. To provide funds to expand the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  The wpe6.jpg (20969 bytes)proposition would authorize use current preservation tax revenues to also purchase adjoining desert with monies not needed for the McDowell Mountains. In the past, Scottsdale voters passed a sales tax increase of two-tenths of a percent to acquire land within the original recommended study boundary.  This proposition will enable the City of Scottsdale to also use the money to acquire land within the extended recommended study boundary.  

A "yes" vote will have the effect of allowing the use of tax revenues designated to acquire preserve land to be used within the extended boundary.

A "no" vote will have the effect of requiring that revenues designated to acquire preserve land be used only within the original recommended study boundary.

Friends of the Scenic Drive recommends a "yes" vote on Proposition 411.

Vote "YES" on Prop 411.  The Board of Directors of Friends of the Scenic Drive enthusiastically endorses a "yes" vote on Proposition 411. A recent survey showed that an overwhelming majority of Scottsdale residents support desert preservation and the expansion of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Proposition 411 provides a straight-forward mechanism for obtaining revenue to expand the preserve. It is a proven approach that has been effective in establishing the McDowell Mountain Preserve.  It makes good sense to use the same approach to add to our preserve lands.

A "yes" vote for Proposition 411 will help

  • Protect and maintain the beauty of the Sonoran Desert
  • Provide a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, biking and horseback riding
  • Preserve wildlife habitat, historic places and archeological sites
  • Maintain natural links and connecting trails between the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, McDowell Mountain Park and the Tonto National Forest
  • Reduce population growth by preserving land that might otherwise be developed.

In addition, Proposition 411 represents a necessary investment in Scottsdale's economic future. Tourists and other visitors generate approximately 55% of Scottsdale's sales tax revenues, as well as employment for numerous residents. Many local businesses depend on the tourist industry. A marketing survey submitted to the Western Task Force for Scottsdale's Tourism Development Commission in December, 1994 emphasized that the #1 reasons tourists come to Scottsdale is to enjoy the Sonoran Desert. Therefore to maintain this critical revenue source, we must preserve our desert character, natural area open spaces, and western character.

We urge Scottsdale voters to keep Scottsdale a "special" place for present and future generations of visitors and residents. Vote "yes" on Proposition 411.