Greetings friends, neighbors and businesses,

As a community leader, I started an effort to bring awareness to issues in the downtown Scottsdale area. Because of this effort, residents and businesses in downtown Scottsdale now have a powerful and effective voice. The changes are significant. They include new ordinances aimed at protecting the quality of life we deserve. In less than one year, we have accomplished much. Permit parking, shared parking, an anti-littering ordinance, a proposed anti-urination ordinance, increased law enforcement, the institution of a noise ordinance which still needs to be strengthened and more.

Our work is not finished. There is still much to do. In the past, because I believed the city government would protect my interests and my neighbors, I have made the statement “I have had no desire to run for public office at this time." But times have changed.

I am a downtown resident and have owned and operated a successful small business in the downtown area for over fifteen years. I have been involved in various volunteer civic efforts throughout my business career. I was recently inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame. I am a volunteer with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Posse where I serve on the mounted search and rescue posse, qualified armed posse and dignitary protection unit.

As the leader of a successful effort to protect quality of life in Scottsdale, I have been singled out as an obstacle to the changes some want to make in the downtown Scottsdale area. These changes put the personal financial gain of a few above the quality of life the citizens of Scottsdale have created and cherish.

Recent current events in downtown Scottsdale, which are symptomatic of an underlying problem which affects all of Scottsdale, now leave me with no choice. If I can be silenced, Scottsdale may lose a powerful voice. As a citizen I represent every citizen and every small business in Scottsdale who has been adversely affected by decisions and actions the City of Scottsdale has made that destroys our quality of life.

Therefore, with conviction, energy and a determination to succeed; I announce I am entering the race for Scottsdale City Council.

I thank you for your consideration and support,

Bill Crawford
Scottsdale City Council Candidate 2012