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May 14, 2004/Iyar 23 5764, Vol. 56, No. 34
Scottsdale candidates weigh inSTAFF REPORTThe city of Scottsdale is holding run-off elections on May 18 to elect the mayor and three city council members.In preparation for the run-off, Jewish News asked the candidates the following two questions:
Candidates for mayor:MARY MANROSSReligious institutions in neighborhoods: I fully supported the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus and the Islamic Center of the Northeast Valley mosque and have been actively continuing my support. Some of my own ancestors had to flee from religious persecution in Russia. There is no place for this type of atti-tude in America. Illegal 'drop houses': Clearly, this is a problem and it must be addressed. As many leaders have proposed, it is important that some type of guest worker program be instituted to address these human needs. Mary Manross has served as mayor of Scottsdale for four years. DAVID ORTEGA Religious institutions in neighborhoods: Religious institutions, parks and schools are part of neighborhoods, forming the fabric of our community. I support them, although concerns can arise about traffic, buf-fering or massing. By design, the Ina Levine Jewish Com-munity Cam-pus has ex-ceeded all expectations. I believe the mosque will also resolve concerns and become a positive community asset. Illegal 'drop houses': I am concerned that " drop houses" are, in fact, in-humane or unsafe for those who come for a better life. My experiences at Camp Anytown reinforced my commitment for mutual respect and justice. I support Metricula Consular iden-tification for the working poor, who previously built wealth for others, anonymously. David Ortega was elected to Scottsdale City Council in 2000. City council candidates:WILLIAM CRAWFORDReligious institutions in neighborhoods: I would say that in the United States we strongly support the freedom of religious expression. I would defend the right for people of any religion to practice their faith, which includes building community centers, mosques, churches and schools in any neighborhood permitted by law. Illegal 'drop houses': I believe in lawful immigration. All laws should be obeyed, and there should be a consequence for law-lessness. I support the documentation and lawful processing of legal immi-grants. I also support the concept of creating a comprehensive guest worker program for those who want only to work in the United States but have no desire to immigrate here. William Crawford is a private businessman and former chairman of the Council Districts for Scottsdale. JIM LANE Religious institutions in neighborhoods: I am only aware of the concern by neighbors of the call to prayer that is normally broadcast from the mosque. I realize that religious houses of worship are subject to more lax zoning code. I can only say the city zoning and ordinances that apply to any such house of worship should apply equally, consistently and fairly to all of them. Illegal 'drop houses': I believe that immigration laws, like other laws, should be enforced equally, consistently and fairly. If these illegal services have become essential to our residents and busi-nesses, and no legal em-ployees can be found to perform them, then we will need to petition our federal government to make some allowance for this em-ployment condition. Jim Lane is a private businessman. RON MCCULLAGH Religious institutions in neighborhoods: Diversity must be recog-nized as an asset to Scottsdale. The Jewish community campus and the Islamic center make valuable contributions to their res-pective com-munities. I believe the community campus has proven to be a good neighbor and that the mosque will do the same. Illegal 'drop houses': "Drop houses" are un-acceptable anywhere, in-cluding in Scottsdale. Un-documented workers pose a challenge to our state and national lawmakers. They are working to reconcile Arizona's labor needs and taxpayers' rights with the human rights of undoc-umented workers. In the meantime, Arizona should enforce the laws that we have. Ron McCullagh is a former university professor and is retired from the financial services industry. TONY NELSSEN Religious institutions in neighborhoods: Neighborhood dissension over places of worship should focus on development issues and not religious bigotry. Topics for discussion are traffic impacts, architectural standards, infrastructure needs, etc. Bigotry must not be toler-ated, but rather be diffused with logic, reason and compassion. Illegal 'drop houses': Immigration laws must be enforced in a fair and balanced manner or changed to allow legal working status. Illegal immigration is a drain on local resources and fosters an increase in crime. Currently, local authority is limited to alerting federal authorities and as resources permit, they process the complaints. Tony Nelssen teaches computer arts at Paradise Valley Community College. KEVIN OSTERMAN Religious institutions in neighborhoods: The campus and mosque have been designed and developed with sensitivity to the surrounding neighbor-hoods, and I ask Scottsdale citizens to treat both of these important cultures with the same tolerance and acceptance they would expect. Illegal 'drop houses': The vast majority of illegal immigrants are here to seek work, and there is a significant demand for their services. As a country, we have a res-ponsibility to stem the flow of illegal immi-gration. Kevin Osterman is a full-time Lieutenant Colonel with the Arizona National Guard, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and an experienced mediator.
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