When I sought re-election in 2012 I asked you to consider the “Reform, Results and Recovery” that we employed to have Scottsdale emerge from the tough times to better times. 

We erased a $47 million budget deficit without raising your taxes following the Great Recession and returned to being a city on the move. We are a city of great resilience and our response to that crisis is one of the reasons why I believe ours is the “Best City in America.”

You responded with an election victory for me in the primary. Thank you for your support. The margin of victory was substantial, and if anything that endorsement has made me work harder for our city. That is why I announced recently that I would seek my third term as your Mayor. 

And this time my goal is to take Scottsdale from better times to the best of times.  Judging from past successes I think we can get there.  Here’s why: 

* The McDowell Road corridor is resurging, with developments ranging from large projects like ASU’s Scottsdale SkySong, Mark-Taylor built apartments and numerous other investments in commercial office, housing and supporting retail business properties. It is revitalizing Scottsdale’s southern spine with new energy, opportunity and attractions. 

* Further up the street in the Downtown envelope, commercial facilities like the Galleria Executive Center, which has turned into a green machine that is a hub of technology companies with thousands of jobs for the “live, work & play” technologists.

* Mercedes-Benz opened up a state of the art dealership adjacent to Fashion Square to further build on what maybe the most significant downtown retail area in the State.  It serves to create millions in new sales tax dollars to help city services and infrastructure, and of course the quality of life for our residents.

* Also in downtown the long-planned Scottsdale Museum of the West - Western Spirit - finally became a reality, opening to rave reviews.

* Scottsdale’s Downtown Entertainment Area has favorably evolved, to an area of national renown and an attraction for an exploding number of entrepreneurs.

* Further north we are seeing all-time attendance records for Barrett-Jackson, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Waste Management Phoenix Open fueling our all-important tourism industry that now brings some 9.1 million visitors to Scottsdale each year.

* Not too far away our “Cure Corridor” along Shea Boulevard to and through the Airpark is thriving, growing organically and building national notoriety.  Healthcare and bioscience now account for 20% of all city jobs.

* Further north, massive expansion of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve has continued, adding thousands more acres while saving $86 million in the acquisition cost. Some 120 miles of trails in an area nearly the size of Washington, D.C. are now open.

* Our public safety first responders continue to do an outstanding job, particularly in light of the 9.1 million annual visitors   They do an excellent job of protecting our community and assisting residents and tourists alike.

* These and other reasons are surely why Scottsdale is described as one of top 10 best run cities in America by 24/7 Wall Street.com.  We were also voted as one of America’s best cities by Livability.com, one of “America’s Thriving Cities” by The Daily Beast, the best place in nation for retirees by MSN Money, and was also acknowledged by Google as the “E-City of Arizona”.

* Scottsdale has maintained the best possible credit ratings which translate into less money from taxpayers to finance community improvements. 

* Ours is a great city but not without its challenges.  In my State of the City address I highlighted Operation Fix It, a program that helps the aging, disadvantaged or those who may have just fallen on some hard times with upkeep to their homes. This last State of the City event raised some $25,000 for the cause. You see, we are a wonderful community where we help our fellow citizens while always working in our own ways to make and keep Scottsdale the best city in America. 

I hope you agree and will keep working with me and all of our fellow citizens towards our finest possible future.

Mayor Lane’s campaign website is www.lane4Scottsdale2016.com. 

Paid for by Lane4Scottsdale2016