Scottsdale political notebook: 2nd chamber election mailer addresses questions

The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce has sent a new campaign mailer showing whether the mayor and council candidates agree with the public and chamber on 16 issues asked of registered voters earlier this summer.

Goddard’s support of Manross challenged by foes

At first glance, the spreadsheet layout appears to be far less controversial than an earlier four-page mailer that has sparked a barrage of complaints.

Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross, Councilwoman Betty Drake and council candidate Suzanne Klapp - who are all being endorsed by the chamber - agreed with surveyed residents on every single issue asked by the chamber. The chamber also agreed with every question.

The chamber's other endorsee is Councilman Ron McCullagh, who agreed with surveyed residents on every issue but one. McCullagh disagreed with the need to provide for workforce housing commensurate with the workforce in Scottsdale.

The only candidate not endorsed by the chamber who filled out a survey was Nan Nesvig, who disagreed with the chamber on five of the 16 issues. Nesvig did not agree it was sometimes appropriate to provide incentives, and was against allowing greater heights in return for more open space.

The majority of Scottsdale voters surveyed agreed with all of the chamber's issues.

The question with the lowest support - 55 percent - asked whether respondents agreed with the statement that in order to provide open space, parks and a people-friendly environment downtown, it's appropriate to allow greater height.

The only other issue statement that had less than 60 percent approval was "The city is at a crossroads."

Councilman Jim Lane, and council candidates Lisa Borowsky and Tom Giller all had similar reasons for not responding.

Lane said the primary reason is because of the dispute over the first chamber mailer.

Borowsky said she wasn't comfortable because she did not know how her answers would be used.

Giller said he would only respond if the chamber responded to his questions about their first mailer, which did not occur.

The chamber has also started running television commercials highlighting the four candidates it believes supports its economic policies, which debuted before the Sept. 2 election.

LANE, KIDDER CLASH

Lane and Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce president Rick Kidder had some harsh words for one another during a recent e-mail exchange.

Kidder wrote: "I was outraged this morning to read the disgusting and inflammatory ads placed in this morning's paper. Since you are the only candidate mentioned by name in the first ad placed by the Republicans for a Bright New Day group, I am led to assume that their actions reflect your views and that you condone such activity on your behalf."

Kidder went on to write: "If by any chance you truly do not share the views expressed in those advertisements, then I would expect a full, public apology and a strong condemnation of Republicans for a Bright New Day and their tactics, in writing, for publication within the next 24 hours."

Lane responded with an e-mail to Kidder: "Your e-mail, though preposterous, is fully in keeping with your misdirected and divisive leadership of the chamber. As you full well know, I have not in the past, do not currently, and will not in the future have any relationship at all with the organization you reference. Your attempt to smear my campaign by association is offensive at best and reprehensible at worst."

Later in the e-mail, Lane writes: "You seem more determined than ever to tear Scottsdale apart and engage in questionable campaign tactics for some mysterious and selfish end."

Lane also sent an e-mail to the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce board alerting them to the e-mail exchange.

Kidder told the Tribune he later sent a private e-mail to Lane to apologize.

"Actually my concern was misdirected - my concern never should have gone to Jim, my concern was the tone of advertising coming out of Republicans for a Bright New Day."

The ads attacking the chamber, and in some instances promoting Lane, are being produced by Lane supporters, with the financial backing coming from a strong anti-Manross duo - Michael Fernandez of Pottery Paradise and Henry Becker, who is known for his north Scottsdale displays and political signs.

It would be illegal for Lane to consult with the independent expenditure committee.

ANOTHER CANDIDATE FORUM

The Community Council of Scottsdale is having its mayor and council forum at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road. The public is invited.