Quality matters

Editorial

If Phoenix is going to grow, it has to pay the price.

Quality growth requires adequate infrastructure, including well-trained and properly equipped police and fire protection. Quality growth requires preserving the character of the desert Southwest. Open spaces, playgrounds and trails relieve the monotony of urban sprawl.

Quality growth requires Phoenicians to remember the past. This necessitates the preservation of historic buildings and sites. Quality growth requires public cultural educational attractions, among these the Valley Youth Theatre and an upgraded Arizona Science Center.

Quality growth requires places of learning. New and expanded libraries are vital tools enabling children and adults to access the information revolution.

Quality growth also requires safety and security. As the city expands, deteriorating lots and boarded buildings can be purchased and family service and senior centers constructed. Quality growth also requires us to care for our seniors, many of whom struggle in poverty and homelessness. This can be done in part by expanding city-owned housing and building a regional homeless shelter.

On March 13, Phoenix residents have a chance to accomplish this, and more. A "yes" vote on all 12 bond measures will raise $753 million to improve the growing city's public facilities during the next five years. The small percentage increase the bonds will cost the voters in property tax levies will yield substantial dividends in quality of life for Phoenix residents.

But a word of warning of what awaits voters on March 13. As you vote "yes" 12 times, remember to vote "no" once. Reject proposition 202, which would amend the city charter to prohibit the council from enacting certain funding measures over $3 million using the city's "emergency clause." The council members and mayor have already adopted an ordinance maintaining a 30-day window for citizens to review such legislation before it is enacted. There is no need to bind the hands of future Phoenix councils.

Phoenix is the best-run city in the world. On March 13, vote to continue to keep it that way.

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