By Melissa Rosequist | Your Valley
One of the biggest issues across the Valley of the Sun this year is the state of housing. In Scottsdale, housing values are reported to be among the highest in the metro area.
For the second iteration of our Scottsdale City Council candidate Q&A, candidates were asked their viewpoints on the issue of local housing.
There are seven candidates seeking three open seats on Scottsdale City Council. Of the candidates, Solange Whitehead and Kathy Littlefield are incumbents seeking reelection.
As the primary election on Aug. 2 nears, the Independent is conducting Q&A questions with each candidate to get their opinion on various topics dealing with the city of Scottsdale.
As the election nears, keep an eye on YourValley.net/ScottsdaleIndependent and the print edition of Scottsdale Independent for more from our Q&A series.
Barry Graham
• It’s no secret that Scottsdale has some of the highest home values in the Valley, along with high rental prices. Criticism of the city has been that Scottsdale isn’t affordable for people like teachers and police officers, young adults and professionals about to start their families. How do you view this issue?
The criticism that our city is becoming a less affordable place to live — including for teachers, first responders and young families — is warranted. I don’t believe the city can or should meddle with housing prices. I disagree with those who try to convince us that escalating prices are simply a result of supply-and-demand. We have added record numbers of apartments and condos, yet prices keep skyrocketing.
