OPINION

Send your opinions to opinions@scottsdale.org

Scottsdale.org

l

@ScottsdaleProgress /ScottsdaleProgress

Questions why post-riot patrols were so light

I have stood armed and guarding the corner of Main Street & Marshall Way for two evenings and early mornings.

Each of these times – 10:30 p.m. Saturday through 4:30 a.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Sunday through 12:30 a.m. Monday one and only one police vehicle came through the area.

We have businesses already on the brink

Letters

due to COVID19 and the loss of our season.

Now, businesses have to spend money – which I am sure many cannot currently afford – to board up their storefronts. Why is there NO law enforcement presence in one of the most crucial parts of Downtown? And, respectfully, please do not use the excuse that they are occupied elsewhere.

I am willing to bet that their presence was not lacking in the Entertainment District the past two evenings and early mornings. Watching vehicles from Utah, Texas, California and Nevada pull onto Main Street and park was, to say the least, very interesting.

Observing them stalking the shops and galleries was even more interesting as we all know they were not here to shop.

The one and only reason that the Arts District, 5th Avenue, Marshall Way & Craftsman’s Court were not torn to shreds was due to the fact that we had approximately 20-30 armed citizens and militia members staged in those areas. The volume of groups of two to �ive dressed in black, wearing masks and gloves, roaming those areas would have surely done major harm if we were not present.

Businesses pay sales taxes to be protected

Police Chief Rodbell should be �ired for failure to perform his duty to protect Scottsdale citizens and businesses. Citing the fact that the police were “outnumbered” by criminals, the Scottsdale PD ran away from criminals. Rodbell reported that the 80 of�icers were not enough. Okay, then who made the decision not to deploy the other 280 of�icers of Scottsdale PD. Better yet, was Chief on the scene to help �ight off the criminals?

I/we are not looking for any type of recognition, not even a thank you, this is our civic duty. However, I go back to the concern of the lack of police presence. This is absolutely no disrespect to Local or any law enforcement, their service is appreciated beyond recognition. This question is directed to you, our leaders. -Brian Moore

The businesses of Fashion Square mall plus the Mercedes dealer pay more than $15 million a year in sales tax to the city of Scottsdale. In exchange, the businesses and citizens of Scottsdale expect and demand police protection.

Terminate Chief Rodbell, then I guarantee his replacement will never let this disgrace happen again.

It the city cannot protect us, we business owners will start a grass roots effort to withhold payment of Scottsdale’s portion of sales tax, then use the funds to hire a private security force to do the job of protecting us.

Saddened by what happened to businesses

As a resident who lives a little over a mile away from the location where businesses were vandalized, I am saddened. I went to the clean-up effort Sunday morning to bring water to the generous volunteers helping to clean up. I spoke to a few business owners, paid construction workers, and Scottsdale residents who were sweeping away broken glass and boarding up windows in preparation for what might happen tonight.

What do we have do lose? We already know that Scottsdale PD will not arrest us or anyone else. -Jerry Grover

The economic loss to surrounding restaurants and bars because they had to ask their customers to leave because of rioting is a second punch in the face.

First, COVID-19 and then, just as these businesses re-open, anarchists who have no connection to our great city show up and in- �lict physical damage forcing these law-abiding owners to close early.

We don’t want to see this again, ever. Lack of a quick response is partly to blame. I am grateful that no serious injuries occurred. I pray that if there is a repeat anywhere in Scottsdale, that no one is.

Under my watch, I would do everything possible as your city councilman to make sure that our police department is proactive. The idea that hoodlums were able to gather at a site in Scottsdale with their only goal, chaos, and not be challenged by police is something I would not allow on my watch.

These rioters were lying in wait for the text to “go now” to ATT and Apple.

Damned if we do, damned if we don’t

After a presentation from Experience Scottsdale this morning it is clear that they are working overtime to rebuild our local economy. Targeting markets that are within driving distance to take advantage of our open desert spaces, outdoor activities and overall healthy environment. The majority of our visitors have come from California who still have heavy restrictions in place.

This past weekend we saw how attractive our city is and one would be quick to compliment the marketing for a successful campaign. While they have seen success, in reality, the overwhelming demand for pool time and a night out came from more locals than tourists. We assume if the hotels are booked it is from someone out of town. That is not always the case.

After attending several hours of hearings at the Capitol late last year it does not surprise me that there is new legislation (HB2672) introduced by Representatives Kavanaugh and Brophy McGee to tighten up the allowances Governor Ducey approved in 2017. The new bill allows cities to restrict rentals and prohibit events that would otherwise require a permit (think weddings and banquets). The most signi�icant change in the new law is that homeowners using their property for short term use MUST register and provide contact information to the city. This will allow �ines imposed for violations such as noise complaints to be issued more ef�iciently.

After more than 20 cities where rioting was taking place, how could Scottsdale not be ready? I didn’t see the proper police presence. Where were they?

I would make sure there is a large enough force to deter the enemy. I will name the enemy. I will be the voice of deterrence. I would ask the mayor and governor to deploy the National Guard. We cannot have a delayed response. The curfew is nice, but I would call for arrests after 8 p.m. -Mike Auerbach

My husband and I personally witnessed, while on our daily walk, ALL the short-term rentals in our neighborhood in South Scottsdale were occupied. I had a conversation with Bobby Brush, Manager of Vacasa last week and he said they had the single largest booking day of their company’s history. They are in approx. 700 markets and rent homes for short term stays (less than 30 days). The amazing weather we have had is also a contributor to extending our season.

The demand for bookings results in an injection of money into the local economy which will allow us to recover quicker than other cities. However, while we see recovery on the horizon we just need to be cognizant of the health risks in “too much too soon”. We were voted “Best City to Quarantine”and we want to stay #1. -Becca Linnig

Learn how better hearing can improve your life.

Schedule your appointment and FREE technology demonstration today!

602.910.2908

Phoenix

4545 E Shea Blvd, Ste 174

$500 OFF

your hearing treatment plan. Expires 6/30/20.

Georgine Ray, Au.D., Doctor of AudiologyAu.D., Doctor of Audiology Amanda McInroy, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology

Elaine Slepak, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology

HearPhoenix.com

GRAND REOPENING - NEW LOCATION Call Or Check LostAndFoundResale.com

The Lost and Found Resale Interiors is a mid to high end consignment shop, specializing in a wide range of consignment furniture and accessories. We carry everything from Mid Century Modern, to antiques, transitional, and Contemporary furniture at prices discounted 60-80% off of retail. Please visit our website gallery to see the majority of our inventory. 15530 N Greenway-Hayden Loop #100 • Scottsdale, AZ 85260

480.588.7006 | lostandfoundresale.com