District 4 Candidate Forum Responses

There are over 180,000 registered voters in our District 4 and the turnout is expected to be somewhere around 5-6% who will actually cast a vote!

Kathryn and I went to two District 4 Candidate Panel discussions. Those running the discussion asked audience members to submit written questions, which both Kathryn and I did. When the discussion was drawing to a close the Moderator said that they only had time for one question and then asked the panel something about infill. I was upset and called them on this. I had a specific question that was not answered, as well as other audience participants did too. They didn't listen to my complaint, didn't ask my questions, and closed the discussion. I commented that if you are not going to use the questions from the audience in the future, then don't ask the audience to take the time to write questions and submit them. Poor management of the discussion IMHO.

Later I corresponded with several of the candidates. Here are their responses:

If elected, what would you do with the 15 acres at Steele Park and do you have a conflict of interest that would require you to recuse yourself from the deal? 

Laura Pastor: Thanks so much for your question, and for your interest in this important election. I'm happy to answer your question. Like all of our vacant lots, we must explore uses for the 15 acres at Central and Indian School that add value to our community, are beneficial for the surrounding businesses and residences, and build onthe investment we've made there, namely light-rail and Indian School Park. Most importantly, I would actively engage neighborhood leaders in developing options for this space. It is absolutely vital that the people living in the neighborhood are a part of the decision making process. For this vacant lot - and any other - we must explore arts and cultural amenities, parks and open space, housing, businesses that would enrich the area and any other option that would add value for the area. I don't have any conflicts of interest that would cause me to recuse myself from working or voting on the matter, and I very much looking forward to working collaboratively to find an excellent solution for the community once elected.

Justin Johnson: (He did not specifically answer what he would do with the property but in earlier discussions he was in favor or a National Code Talker Memorial at the site, along with a land swap for several acres in downtown Phoenix. He is the one who is raising concerns for the property as it relates to Indian Gaming Casinos. I specifically wanted to know if he had a conflict of interest. Here's his answer to my email.)

I am terribly sorry your question wasn't answered as it would of given me the opportunity to point out something completely untrue. I do not have any vested interest in Central and Indian School and neither does anybody in my family. I was happy to sit up there and continue to answer questions, but unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to do so. I am happy to hear you say you are going to do what you can to stay involved and more specifically, involved in this issue. It is a big issue and it will take community involvement. Thank you again for coming and sorry they didn't let you ask your question. I hope you had a great weekend.

In another response to an email about the 15 acre parcel and his views I received an email from Dan Carroll who outlined his thoughts in this area:

Dan Carroll: What I do believe is that the development community will never have a problem being heard at City Hall. I have had the great pleasure of sitting across the table from them and saying NO when they try to do something TO our neighborhoods, rather than something FOR our neighborhoods. Our strongest neighborhoods are also those most attractive to development when times are good. They've also learned how to fight the bad and negotiate for the very best. It is our distressed neighborhoods that concern me as well because there will be a temptation to accept whatever development comes along rather than demanding the very best we can get. I humbly suggest to you that I am the best choice to insist upon quality, responsible development and I am not afraid to reject projects that fall short of those goals. It will be my great honor to amplify the voices of those who know how to fight for themselves and act as the voice for those who do not. If you have received your early voting ballot, please send it in now so that you won't forget. If you vote at the polls please be sure to go. 

Last Candidate Forum for City of Phoenix District 4

Kathryn and I went to the candidates forum downtown at the ASU campus last evening. Several of the candidates talked about what they would recommend for the 15 acres of property next to the Park at Indian School and Central. It is the most heavily trafficked corner in Phoenix I believe with perhaps 120-130 cars a day. We talked briefly with most of the candidates. Justin Johnson said that 40% of the votes will be cast via mail by this next Sunday. He also said that there will only be approximately 8,500 voters who will vote in this election from District 4 out of approx. 185,000 eligible voters. That seems pathetic! Pasadena Candidates' Forum WHEN August 10, 2013 at 9am - 11am WHERE AmeriSchools 1333 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85013 United States

The Collier Property at Indian School and Central (NE corner)

I received the following in an email from Tom Simplot: Central Ave. & Indian School Rd. Update In 1996, Barron Collier Companies and the Federal government entered into a 30 year agreement regarding the land at Central Ave and Indian School Road. As time has passed and the economy has shifted, the details of this deal have remained the same, but the property is now valued far below its original appraisal. Barron Collier has stopped making payments to the government and tribes and the future of the site is not certain. Congressman Ed Pastor, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema, Mayor Stanton and I have been working on this since last November, and we will continue to seek a more active role in the negotiations. We are working collaboratively with our delegation in Washington, DC and will be meeting with the Administration on this issue this fall. Given what has happened in Glendale, and is ongoing in the Courts, there is always the possibility that a Tribe could try for a casino, but at this time they would not have control of the property without an act of Congress. We are doing everything possible to be part of a comprehensive solution that protects our residents, Steele Indian School Park and this signature corner. At some point in time our residents will need to decide if, or how much, public funding we are willing to invest to gain control over this important corner.

Please Share Friends of Steele

We are doing our best to provide a way for citizens who use our park to interact with City of Phoenix Park Management. To that end Friends of Steele Indian School Park Alliance has been created. You can contact us at friendsofsteeleisp@gmail.com with comments and suggestions, concerns, or praise for park employees.

Bobby Parker

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