The following op-ed by Paul Johnson appeared in the Scottsdale Independent.

Here is a secret: as the mayor of Phoenix, I always envied Scottsdale’s commitment to open space and parks. Phoenix has worked hard to protect its own open space. But the model for our state is Scottsdale. Your commitment to parks has improved your property values as well as your quality of life.

Scottsdale’s beautiful open spaces and the decades-long commitment to the protection and preservation of the desert requires long-term investment to ensure future generations the same benefits. Scottsdale voters have an opportunity this November to continue this tradition by passing Propositions 490 and 491. I am writing to join former Mayors Mary Manross and Sam Campana in full support of both propositions.

Read Paul Johnson’s entire op-ed by clicking here.