LeMarr: The real setback — election-season scare tactics

By Former Mayor Scott LeMarr, from the Town of Paradise Valley Independent:

Recently, mayoral challenger Julie Pace and two council candidates she supports have stirred some confusion and discord by making ominous statements about open space and setbacks in our town.

Please review the facts, and don’t be fooled.

Contrary those scare tactics, thanks to the efforts of Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner along with the majority of our current council, our town continues to be heading in the right direction.

I know our community’s standards and goals for setbacks, open space, and building quite well, having served on the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, General Plan Committee (Chair), council, and two terms as your mayor. I appreciated the opportunity to serve the town I love and I worked diligently to ensure we protected our unique residential character. That’s still my desire.

Last year, after the dangerous looting and rioting in neighboring communities, the Town Council was appropriately responding to citizen safety concerns and code ambiguity by discussing whether three-feet of see-through, high-quality metal fencing (not chain link or “rebar”) could be installed on top of long-allowed three-foot-tall front yard walls on certain busy streets, in addition to Tatum and Lincoln where this has long been allowed.

Town Staff confirmed that this proposal would not have reduced open space.

And it would not have applied to homes along local neighborhood roads. That’s the whole issue.

In the end, no changes were made. And, to be clear, the council did not discuss changing any standards for solid walls, building setbacks, lot sizes, building areas, building heights or any similar subject.

There are important issues citizens should monitor to protect our quality of life. But the issue of “setbacks” as presented by Ms. Pace is not one of them.

It’s a red herring designed to agitate and divide, and should serve as a warning to anyone who cares about keeping our town stable, successful, and in good hands.

I will be voting to re-elect Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner, Vice Mayor Anna Thomasson, and Council Member Paul Dembow this summer — each has shown positive energy, successful teamwork, and commitment to the public rather than a personal political agenda.

Opinion: Working with a Paradise Valley leader

By Sandra Scanlan, William Hunter, Scott Fey, Tim Dickman and Dave Mason from the Town of Paradise Valley Independent:

The Town of Paradise Valley has been very fortunate to have some talented individuals serve in our local government.

Our mayor, Jerry Bien-Willner, has provided exceptional public service to our town. His focus, determination, and clear understanding of the issues has kept Paradise Valley moving in a strong, forward direction while preserving the unique character of our town. Jerry’s legal and business background has been invaluable in resolving issues and creating solutions.

We have watched Jerry tackle a number of community issues and he has always responded promptly with professional and knowledgeable solutions.

Four years ago, when we were considering taking away our individual right to choose our own trash hauler, then-Vice Mayor Bien-Willner spoke from the dais cutting through the anger and public outcry on both sides of the issue to articulate a clear, rational solution.

Just two years ago when rioters were looting Fashion Square Mall, less than a mile from town while planning further unrest, our mayor was quietly working around the clock with our police department and his many business contacts to creatively gather resources to help our police protect our town. He humbly does not talk about his sleepless week, but he kept working for us. We thank his wife Robyn and their two children for sharing him with us during that difficult period.

Most notably, since 2019 Jerry has been a tireless leader and coordinator of the town’s efforts to manage short term rentals. We have worked with a small citizen group to lead the town’s lobbying effort at the state legislature. Our group is only a part of the overall effort to manage nuisance short-term rentals. Many others have played their part, but it is Jerry’s quiet strength and vision behind much of the work that has made the effort successful. His ability to stay focused and quietly coordinate all moving parts is a gift to the Town of Paradise Valley.

We have over 160 years of combined business experience and rarely do we get to work with leaders that have the focus and temperament of Jerry Bien-Willner. He is our best choice to continue as mayor.

Editor’s Note: Authors Sandra Scanlan, William Hunter, Scott Fey and Tim Dickman are residents of Paradise Valley; author Dave Mason is a resident of Scottsdale. As a group, they worked together on short-term rental issues.

Please consider the facts, our future in this mayoral election

By Jerry Bien-Willner in the Town of Paradise Valley Independent:

During my four years as mayor, I have worked hard with a talented team to keep our town at the top and true to its bedrock values and unique residential character. I am proud of this work and of my proven record of protecting and enhancing our exceptional quality of life.

Recently, my opponent has made several false statements and exaggerations in the Town of Paradise Valley Independent. My opponent also made the following remark: “Carefully consider voting records to determine who actually preserves Paradise Valley with actions, not mere words. If you want Scottsdale, don’t vote for me.”

I felt that this statement deserves some consideration, because it’s a telling indicator of what this mayor’s race is all about.

First, let’s compare my voting record to my opponent’s while I have been mayor. The truth is, my opponent voted with me 484 out of 489 times — or 99% of the time. And the five occasions where my opponent voted on the other side, her position was the losing one and contrary to the town’s traditions of good governance, due process, and civility.

Consider also consequential votes in 2017-18, before my time as mayor. Ms. Pace approved spending $320,000 on a roadway redesign, but then flip-flopped and didn’t authorize the actual roadwork. She threw away these taxpayer dollars, while I voted consistently against the expenditures.

I believe the second part of Ms. Pace’s remark above speaks directly to questions of the temperament, awareness, and respect needed to lead teams, form coalitions, forge consensus, and solve problems. It’s much harder to build bridges than to burn them.

Does our community benefit when a Paradise Valley official publicly demeans our neighbors in Scottsdale to try to gain personal political advantage?

Paradise Valley relies on Scottsdale for vital public safety cooperation, sewer services, collaboration on issues of mutual concern (such as the short-term rental problem), and other important matters. I value our town’s relationship with Scottsdale — a different, but outstanding community — and I’m proud of our work to strengthen community ties without anyone sacrificing their unique identity.

The fact is, our town has thrived during my time as mayor, despite facing many difficult challenges. This is due not just to my work, but to the hard work and dedication shown by Town Council members, staff, and residents in our community. Our town’s wellbeing takes strategic thinking, constant effort, and skill to maintain — and cannot be taken for granted.

You can continue to count on me to protect Paradise Valley’s special residential character and exceptional quality of life, just as the eleven former Paradise Valley mayors and vice mayors and many other distinguished PV leaders and community members who endorse my reelection do.

I am honored to serve as your mayor, and ask for your vote in the Aug. 2 election to continue our success.

Editor’s Note: Jerry Bien-Willner is running for reelection in the Aug. 2 primary election to a third term as mayor in the Town of Paradise Valley.

Hamway: Reelect Mayor Bien-Willner to truly preserve Paradise Valley

By Mary Hamway from the Town of Paradise Valley Independent

During my years volunteering on the Paradise Valley Town Council, I worked with a number of different colleagues to protect and preserve what makes Paradise Valley special, including our mayor, Jerry Bien-Willner.

I have personally seen how Jerry Bien-Willner consistently goes above and beyond for our town, both in his time as a Town Council member and his two outstanding terms as mayor. He has worked tirelessly with the sole goal of ensuring Paradise Valley retains its place as Arizona’s finest community.

Jerry has stood rock-solid in his commitment to protect our one-acre residential neighborhoods and their peaceful beauty.

Jerry has also shown unwavering support for public safety and our police department, making our town safe. He has shared the commitment to fiscal responsibility that has resulted in the limited, effective town government we enjoy today.

During the pandemic and times of civil unrest, Jerry provided effective and steady leadership that helped our community thrive despite the challenges. His stable approach is not to be taken for granted — it is an important skill that speaks to his proven leadership ability.

And importantly, Jerry has fostered a working environment that is collaborative, respectful, and open with his colleagues, town staff, and residents. He has shown the ability to listen, learn, and proactively work to find solutions that create positive outcomes for everyone involved.

Unlike some elected officials who pursue personal exposure and gain, and use their position as a bully pulpit, I know Jerry to be caring, ethical, smart, and effective for our town. If we truly want to preserve what makes our community great, we should support those leaders who have shown an impeccable track record of success, teamwork, and civility.

Jerry Bien-Willner has done a superb job as mayor the past four years — and is a big part of why our community continues to be such a great place to live. I hope you will join me and so many other Paradise Valley leaders who know his excellent work first-hand in supporting his re-election as mayor on Aug. 2.

Editor’s Note: Mary Hamway is a former elected member of Paradise Valley Town Council.

Beckman & Beckham: Bien-Willner brings together Paradise Valley residents

By Patty Beckman and Allyson Beckham | Guest Commentary from the Paradise Valley Independent

We are both long-time Paradise Valley residents, and have also both served as volunteer leaders of the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board.

On the school board, we have seen first-hand just how important it is to be able to bring people together to make our community a better place.

We have worked hard to ensure a better future for the children of our district, which includes many families in Paradise Valley. And we were fortunate to have a tremendous partner in Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner, who shares our commitment to our youth and our community.

Mayor Bien-Willner has strengthened relationships between the Town of Paradise Valley and local schools, both public and private. He understands that the town government can work in partnership with local schools to create new opportunities for youth and to foster collaboration that benefits local families.

Upon his election, Mayor Bien-Willner started the town’s first-ever youth recognition program to publicly acknowledge and congratulate our students for their achievements in community service, academics, and athletics.

He also welcomed the Paradise Valley Police Department Explorer Program to provide young people with an opportunity to learn about law enforcement and the career opportunities that are available in the field.

Mayor Bien-Willner has worked hard to embrace and enhance the town’s beneficial and positive relationships with all its key stakeholders. The value and strength of these relationships was on display during the most difficult times of the pandemic, when Paradise Valley stuck together and thrived with 
Jerry as our mayor.

Public service is not easy — especially in a community like Paradise Valley, where it is done on a volunteer basis.

A steady temperament, care, listening, and a commitment to working collaboratively with others are required to find the best solutions to issues. Mayor Bien-Willner has done an exceptional job of this over the past four years, and is worthy of the community’s support in the Aug. 2 election.

Please join us in voting to re-elect Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner.

Editor’s Note: Patty Beckman is a Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board member and former president. Allyson Beckham is an SUSD Governing Board president and member. Both are residents of the Town of Paradise Valley.

Updates from Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner — April 8, 2022

Spring is here, and aren’t we blessed to live in Paradise Valley?  

I seek re-election as your Mayor to keep our Town safe, stable, and on top. I am honored to receive vast citizen support to do so, including endorsements from ten former Town Mayors and Vice Mayors, and many other distinguished community leaders, who know me and my record.  

Although it’s campaign season, I will never lose focus on my duties to you as Mayor.  Public service, not politics, must always come first.  Toward this end, I want to share some Town updates.

Fighting Short-Term Rental Dangers: We have led the way in responding to citizen concerns about short-term rentals.  Predictably, recent Town Code improvements to protect citizens and visitors alike were criticized by Airbnb.  The large majority of our helpful actions were, however, recently approved by the Attorney General’s office and we will resolve the few remaining questions.  Mayors around the state I work with are grateful for our trailblazing, as are their communities.  This issue needs more work, though, and I am committed to keep leading the charge.   

Budget:  The Town’s budget is set over the coming months, a public process which touches on all of the Town’s operations and funding levels.  I will continue to uphold the Town’s traditions of limited and effective government, fiscal conservativism, prioritizing public safety with a fully funded police department, and a balanced budget that meets our needs now and in the future without a local property tax.  Everyone is welcome to join these and other Council meetings of interest in person at Town Hall (meeting details are on the Town website).

Working Together - General Plan:  After months of great engagement and work from Town citizens and the entire PV team, the Town Council recently unanimously recommended approval of the Town’s 2022 “General Plan” update, meeting a state law requirement.  If of interest, the Town website states how to weigh in on this topic in the August 2nd Election.

Thank you for the honor and privilege to serve as your Mayor as we continue to advance citizen interests together, and keep our Town on top!  Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Former Paradise Valley Mayors LeMarr and Parker: Mayor Bien-Willner Deserves Our Thanks — and Another Term

Dear Friends,

I wanted to share with you this guest column in the Town of Paradise Valley Independent written by former mayors Scott LeMarr and Vernon Parker. I'm proud to have their support and appreciate their kind words. 

By Scott LeMarr and Vernon Parker, former Mayors of Paradise Valley

As former mayors of the Town of Paradise Valley, we know the unique and often difficult challenges faced when entrusted to lead one of the finest communities in the country.

It’s incumbent on the mayor and Town Council to protect the community’s unique residential character. To promote limited but responsive government with no property tax. To ensure the safety of the residents and visitors of our community.

Over the course of the past three years, Jerry Bien-Willner has achieved and defended these priorities time and again as mayor. During the pandemic and other unwelcome events over the past several years, the tests of leadership have been extraordinary. This is a time when other communities have seen higher crime, civic unrest, great division, economic difficulties, and other negative events. Paradise Valley has not, and this is no accident.

The best leaders are the ones who listen, guide their constituents through difficult times, and make their communities better on the other side. Jerry Bien-Willner is doing just that. He has worked hard to drive the town forward on its great path, and he has kept the largest threats and problems out of our town. Jerry truly cares about the people and town he serves. He deserves our thanks for his service as a volunteer mayor — and he deserves our support for another two-year term.

During Jerry’s time as mayor, he has not only addressed every challenge that has come the town’s way, he has made our quality of life better in a number of important ways. Some examples include leading the fight against disruptive short-term rentals, and collaboratively fostering solutions to the issues facing the town with creativity, skill, and little fanfare — all while avoiding the town getting pulled into needless, divisive politics.

Jerry has ensured that new development in our community will be complimentary to our unique residential character, and he has resolved key issues with developments under construction that will allow them to proceed and benefit the entire community.

These are just a few, broad examples of Jerry’s positive impact on our town, but there are many more. We’re not completely past the hurdles of the pandemic, we never can let up on our commitment to public safety, and we know that preserving the outstanding quality of life in Paradise Valley requires ongoing commitment and great skill. There’s clearly more work to be done. We have great confidence in Jerry’s leadership, and his vision and values.

We need another two years of strong, steady leadership that works to protect Paradise Valley’s citizens and our quality of life. We are grateful to have had that leadership from Jerry, and we will be fortunate to have it for two more with the re-election of Jerry Bien-Willner as Mayor of Paradise Valley.

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Thank you to Mayor LeMarr and Mayor Parker for their guidance, kind words and support, as well as the other esteemed leaders who have shown their support of my campaign. I would be honored to have your support as well in the August 2 election.  

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Mayor.

FIGHTING BACK: New Steps Taken to Stop Negative Impacts of Short-Term Rentals

Dear Friends,

Last week, the Paradise Valley Town Council took a key step in the fight against the negative impacts of short-term rentals.  I wanted to share with you the Town’s press release regarding these important new measures.

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The Paradise Valley Town Council has unanimously passed a series of amendments to the Town’s code to better protect the health and safety of the community from disruptions caused by short-term rental properties (STRs). 

The amendments fall into three general areas:

• Minimize nuisance complaints for all residents

• Protect the public health and safety

• Prohibit the use of STRs for inappropriate purposes

“Our citizens have spoken.  The most pressing issue facing our residents is the disruption caused by short-term rentals in our neighborhoods. They also disproportionately burden and expose to risk our police and other first responders,” Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner said. “We have now taken additional steps to make our community safer for our residents, first responders, and renters in these STRs.”

Nuisance complaints

The majority of nuisance complaints received by the police and the Town come from STRs. Under the new amendments, it is a violation to make noises from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. — or 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the summer — that are above the vibration perception threshold of two or more reasonable people in separate residences or an officer across a real property boundary; or plainly audible from within two or more enclosed residences or the cabin of a police vehicle situated on a public right-of-way.

Police are authorized to enforce nuisance noise provisions regardless of whether complaints are citizen-reported or reported by police or other designated Town employees

Public health and safety

Town will require and make publicly available all of the following:

• Owner’s name/contact information.

• STR’s physical address and phone number.

• Local contact’s and emergency contact’s name/address/contact information.

Booking Information — to be shared with the Town:

• STR’s online advertisement/listing

• Booking dates

• Compliance with operating standards, health and safety requirements

Failure to Register with Town or County Assessor will result in a $150 per day fee for renting or accepting a fee for booking an unregistered STR. 

Prohibit the use of STRs for inappropriate purposes 

Arizona statutes allow for the Town to prohibit the use of these properties from housing sex offenders, and selling illegal drugs, and other adult-oriented businesses. 

To ensure the STR is compliant, all STR owners must now perform background checks on all renters to ensure that there are no registered sex offenders at the property. 

The Town also requires additional health, safety, and sanitation standards for STRs including:

• Liability insurance

• Smoke and CO detection and notification system.

• Fire extinguisher

• Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation Map

• Air Filters

• Local phone service

• Cleaning between bookings following CDC guidelines

• Pest Control

“After a great deal of input from the public, our Council has clearly stated that the status quo is not acceptable -- and that action was needed to put in place health and safety measures to protect our community,” Paradise Valley Town Councilmember Mark Stanton said. “These amendments restore some balance between the rights of the STRs and the rights of the community.”

"Some bad actors in the STR industry are destroying the quality of life in our neighborhoods. These new amendments are an important, first step toward making our community safer, but we still need comprehensive, statewide reform to fix the huge problems with rogue STRs in Arizona," Paradise Valley resident Bill Hunter said.

The full list of amendments to the Town Code can be found here (PDF download).

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Since I first took office, I have been working diligently to lead the fight against the problems caused by short-term rentals in our community. And this hard work has gotten the industry's attention. I am honored to lead the charge and collaborate effectively to ensure the best possible quality of life for Paradise Valley residents.

As always, thank you for the privilege of serving as your Mayor.