By Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Julie Pace, Paradise Valley Independent Candidate Q&A
I have a passion for preserving our quality of life and have fought for years to preserve our iconic mountains, open space and ensure safety. Our town is at risk with the pressure of higher density, an influx of short-term rentals and timeshares, and an increase in traffic congestion and noise.
I have a strong compass regarding quality of life and working for residents’ interests. I am the canary in the coal mine to alert residents and solicit their input when something arises that could harm our town’s quality of life. I am seasoned and experienced to handle and support community conversations and involvement.
I have a reputation as a hard worker and a doer. During the general plan, I advocated for the inclusion of protecting dark skies, open space, natural washes, mountains and safety.
My consistent voting record demonstrates the strength I bring as I fight for quality of life including:
1. Stopping party houses and restricting short-term rentals.
2. Restricting traffic and advocating for traffic calming options.
3. Keeping open space and opposing the mayor’s efforts to reduce front yard setbacks from 20 feet to 10 feet for view and combo fences on 15 miles of roads in our town. The mayor is still pursuing this setback reduction despite the planning commission and residents opposing it.
4. Successfully led residents to stop the 64-foot high structure proposed to be built high on Camelback Mountain.