July 15, 2022
Ellen Andeen & Christine Labelle Excelled at Council Candidates Debate
By Councilmember Julie Pace
 
Last night was the PV Independent council candidates debate, it was very clear who the two preservationist candidates were who would protect the Town: Ellen Andeen and Christine Labelle. 
 
One of the opposing candidates called them out for being preservationists, as though that was a negative for our Town.
 
Andeen and Labelle both spoke with confidence and know their compasses to preserve the Town. There were not superficial in their comments, but gave substantive responses.
 
Andeen and Labelle both identified issues and potential solutions to protect resident interests and did not agree with excuses being provided by opponents that nothing could be done about the Town changing because of legal reasons. Andeen and Labelle both strongly disagreed with their opponents on this key issue.
 
Andeen and Labelle both expressly stated they were going to look at items through the lens of the residents and that there are creative and legal options to address resident issues and preserve the character of neighborhoods, if the Town Council chooses to focus on those issues.
 
Both Andeen and Labelle talked about preserving and using legal exceptions and strategies to preserve the Town and that we do not need to roll over to accept commercialization of houses.
Fun facts: Girl Scout, track team, student council, worked since age 14, while in college worked under Mayor Herb Drinkwater at Scottsdale Council,  intern in international marketing department of Capitol Records, intern at Evening Star Productions in Phoenix concert promotions, has twin daughters, labor negotiator with major airline & mentored by Herb Kelleher
Labelle Showed Strength At Debate In Handling Setback Reduction Issue

Labelle showed her strength when she addressed the fence setback reduction proposal. Labelle said she read the “he’s lying, she’s lying” public debate about fence setback reductions and went straight to the town manager for a meeting so she could make sure she fully understood the issue and the facts. Labelle said it is her style to dig in and get the facts and options herself. 
 
Labelle said the Town Manager Jill Keimach confirmed for Labelle that it was a proposal to reduce fence setbacks on 14 miles of Town roads. Labelle held up the Town documents that confirmed the fence setback reduction proposal and that she obtained the packet from the Town and encouraged people to read it for themselves. 
Then Labelle met with her entire neighborhood and walked their residential streets that would be adversely impacted if the fence setback reduction proposal was adopted. She said none of them wanted the open space reduced. 

Labelle said that she and her neighbors did not accept the “it is safer” security argument, which is the reason proposed to reduce the fence setbacks. Increased security does not arise from changing the setback requirements and that justification did not make sense to her or her neighbors.
 
Labelle noted the importance of giving residents notice before changing the character of their neighborhoods, increasing traffic on their streets and changing the branding of these residential streets in the Town. Labelle reiterated that she will look at projects through the lens of the residents.
 
Labelle is a native in PV with twin daughters. Labelle’s parents, Guy and Pat Labelle, have cared and helped protect the Town for decades.
Andeen Showed Strength in Finances and Police Involvement

Andeen emphasized her strong commitment to the police department and her personal commitment and enjoyment as a police volunteer for the Town. Andeen was chair of ACOPS for 2 years. She is a double major and has an MBA in finance, accounting and business. Ellen thinks in numbers and is a finance whiz.
 
Andeen again showed her strength in finance in handling the $8 million bond issue question. She explained that the Town had to obtain the $8 million bond because of the poorly written development agreement with Five Star/Ritz and the lawsuit that occurred against the Town. 
Fun facts: sports, sports & more sports in youth and as adult, PV police volunteer, double major in accounting & finance, MBA, Phoenix Symphony Board Member, treasurer of FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, went over the edge from 30-story building to support Special Olympics & PV Police, family named Mummy Mountain, has a glock and goes to shooting range
The Town was legally obligated to advance monies for the developer (eg, be the banker for the developer) to pay for streets and other legal requirements for Five Star/Ritz and would not have had enough monies under the expenditure limitation to pay its other CIP projects and bills without the $8 million bond. (I was not on Council at time of Ritz)
 
Andeen noted that per Council vote and direction the bond money was supposed to be used for the Town’s existing CIP project bills to meet the expenditure limitation requirements or to payoff the PSPRS police pension unfunded liability. The lawsuit is over and the bond money is now being expanded to other Town CIP projects and did not payoff the PSPRS pension debt.
 
Andeen is a 3rd generation PV resident and proud of her family’s legacy to serve the Town. She also noted that we do not need people running for their seats year after year as term limits are needed to help refresh with new engaged people to serve and focus on the residents’ interests.
Georgelos: Julie Pace is a good neighbor, will make an excellent mayor
Photo credit: Diana Georgelos
By Diana Georgelos, Paradise Valley resident | Guest Commentary

“All will concede that in order to have good neighbors, we must also be good neighbors. That applies in every field of human endeavor.” — Harry S. Truman

Community building and resident engagement are two cornerstones I look for in any strong civic leader. I support Julie Pace for mayor because she builds a strong sense of community everywhere she goes.

She is constantly engaging with residents to ensure their voices are represented in the town’s decision-making processes. In short, she is a good neighbor.
1. Good neighbors are welcoming and engaging

I first met Julie when I volunteered for the PV Arts Board. Every year, the board hosts an art show at Town Hall to exhibit the artwork of a PV resident. The paintings/photos then stay up for the rest of the year for residents, volunteers, and employees to enjoy.

Although Julie wasn’t our council liaison, she came because she thought it was important for council members to attend town events. Julie introduced herself and thanked me for creating an event where residents could connect with each other, town leaders and town staff.

She spent the entire evening engaging with fellow residents. You can always tell when Julie is in the room because she fills it with her dynamic energy and optimism.

2. Good neighbors communicate

Every week, I look forward to reading Julie Pace’s newsletter, Preserving Paradise Valley. I like to know what is happening at Town Hall and Julie keeps me informed.

She shares what proposals are coming before the council for consideration.

She also invites residents to attend community events like the PV Veteran’s Car Show and the town’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. She even includes tips on how to beautify and protect your home. I recommend you sign up at: http://paceforpv.com/contact/ to join the list.

3. Good neighbors act to support the community

Julie is always out there fighting to preserve our town’s unique character. She cares about issues that are important to me. Whether it’s opposing legislation that could eliminate one-acre-lot living, working with developers to make sure they adhere to the town’s low-density requirements, striving to maintain current set-backs, convincing legislators to pass laws to lessen the potential impact of “party houses,” or protecting our historic mountains from overdevelopment, she always fights to make a difference in the lives of residents.

The reason she is such an effective leader is she talks to residents, listens to residents, and seeks their input on key issues. She strikes the right balance between ensuring the town protects low-density living while also ensuring the town continues to develop in a responsible manner.

4. Good neighbors open their homes to you

Julie and I are both members of the Town of PV Women’s Association. The TPVWA is a wonderful social organization that hosts: movie screenings, happy hours, hikes, dinner parties, cultural outings, and a myriad of others.

Julie not only attends these events but also hosts them. She routinely holds dinner parties, wine tastings, and cultural events at her home. One of my favorite TPVWA events was when Julie shared her art collection with us.

5. Good neighbors set up community watch programs

When Julie chaired the Advisory Committee on Public Safety she worked with the chief of police to support public outreach. Safety workshops educated residents on how to keep their homes and neighborhoods safe. My favorite tip was: to go around and lock your doors and windows, close your garage doors, and arm your alarm before going to bed.

6. Good neighbors listen to your concerns and work to address them

During the general plan review process, I attended several online presentations the town made to share the proposed plan and elicit feedback from residents.

Julie was also present. During the process, I voiced concerns to Julie that providing this information exclusively through digital forums didn’t give a voice to residents who didn’t embrace technology.

Typically, this information would’ve been communicated through public meetings but wasn’t because of the pandemic. Julie took my concerns seriously. She made sure the town disseminated the information to residents through the newspaper and made paper surveys available to residents. I like that Julie always encourages community involvement in the town’s decision-making processes.

I encourage PV residents to continue to be good neighbors to one another.

When we deepen our connections with our friends, neighbors, and fellow PV residents we make our community grow even stronger. Please join me in voting for our good neighbor, Julie Pace, for mayor by Aug. 2.
Miller: Rebuilding the Camelback Cemetery fence
By Peter Miller, Paradise Valley resident | Guest Commentary

Perhaps you have noticed the chain link fence around our town’s historic Camelback Cemetery at 6914 E. McDonald Drive, directly across from Kiva Elementary School?

I am a local Paradise Valley resident and walk and drive by the cemetery regularly. The cemetery is located directly across the street from Kiva grade school, which is undergoing an extensive renovation. The cemetery has an old and uninviting chain link fence. It stands in stark contrast to the vibrant, state-of-the-art school being remodeled across the street. Which is why, I thought it was time to find some like-minded residents who wanted to beautify the front of Camelback Cemetery.
Photo credit: Peter Miller
When trying to figure out where to start, some PV friends suggested I call Councilmember Julie Pace because they had worked with her before and they said she was great and willing to roll up her sleeves and get projects done. So, I called Councilmember Pace and introduced myself and told her what I had in mind.

Julie to her credit has lived up to my friend’s endorsement. To be honest, once I shared the idea with Julie, she made everything else happen. We discussed options regarding the type of fencing and what would look attractive. Next, Julie met with Jo Ann Hadley, who manages the cemetery, to obtain permission to move forward with a proposal for new wrought iron fencing and gates.

It was Julie’s idea to go with stone columns and wrought iron between the columns, so rather than wall the cemetery in completely, this still allows passerbys to see the cemetery — which was important to the ownership.

The next step was to find an architect and design it. Julie stepped in again and found our architect. She reached out to Tim Keneipp, an architect friend of hers, and he offered to donate his services to create the design and complete architectural drawings. He did a great job. His plans celebrate the history of the cemetery and the design is very attractive and aesthetically pleasing. He even included the outline of Camelback Mountain at the entrance and incorporated the cemetery’s name.

As I said, I called Councilmember Julie Pace and asked her for assistance in beautifying the front of the cemetery. I did not know Julie before I called her. She jumped in even though she has a lot on her plate (she is an experienced attorney for companies specializing in construction and employment matters, a current PV council member, and running for mayor of PV). I can say without hesitation, that without her help this project would still be just an idea.

As a neighbor of the cemetery, I am excited to see this remodeling of the front of the cemetery and the respect it will show the community has for this humble and special place. The timing for a new cemetery fence is good since the Kiva construction is well underway.
Early Ballot Drop Off at Town Hall
July 22: last day to request replacement ballot
July 26: last day to mail ballot or
Drop off ballot at Town Hall lobby in drop box or
Vote at any Voting Center
Vote by August 2

Information is available at beballotready.vote or call 602.506.1511 (Maricopa County Elections Department)

Do not offer to take a voter's ballot and deposit it in the ballot box for them. It is a class six felony to handle someone else's ballot (ARS 16–1005 (H).) So, remind everyone to drop off their ballot themselves into the ballot box or mail it. Thanks for participating in the election process.

Plese vote for the PV preservationist candidates of Julie Pace, Ellen Andeen and Christine Labelle to Preserve Paradise Valley!
Residents Voting for Pace, Andeen & Labelle
Paradise Valley Town Councilmember Julie Pace proactively engages to preserve the mountains and open space and focuses on substance, action, and doing good work for the best interests of the Town, while building a sense of community.
Julie Pace for Paradise Valley Mayor | 5501 E Solano Drive
Paradise Valley AZ 85253 | [email protected]
Paid for by Julie Pace for Paradise Valley Mayor.
Authorized by Julie Pace.