Protect your town or be ‘overrun’ by Phoenix

In the February 7‑13, 2007, issue of a local newspaper, Ms. Anna Marsolo is quoted as saying: “I haven’t spoken to George Ross in over a year.” 

This, of course, was in reference to a statement made by me (George Ross), at the February 5, Cave Creek Council meeting stating that Ms. Marsolo was planning a referendum on the annexation and rezoning being proposed by Cave Creek. 

On February 6, Ms. Marsolo sent an e‑mail to the mayor, council members, the town manager, the Sonoran News, and numerous other individuals calling me a liar and a coward. It also stated that Ms. Marsolo did have a conversation with me on the afternoon of January 8 at the Cave Creek town hall. During that conversation, we discussed a number of topics, after which I stated that I felt she was a thorn in the side of progress.

Later that evening, she shared that statement at Call to the Public in the council meeting. Also during that afternoon conversation, Ms. Marsolo stated that she would institute a referendum on the annexation and rezoning that would be brought before the council in February. This conversation was witnessed by numerous members of the Cave Creek town staff. 

So, what is important about this ridiculous “he said/she said” issue? 

It is not that Ms. Marsolo has publicly contradicted herself. It is not that she has used defamatory statements against me. What is important is the environmental and economic survival of Cave Creek. 

In my public statements I have not in any way defamed Ms. Marsolo. I said, she is not a citizen of Cave Creek, is misguided, and has her head in the sand concerning the intentions of the city of Phoenix.

My position is that Phoenix will create tenfold densities in residential areas compared to Cave Creek and will commercially develop in a much less sensitive way than Cave Creek along Carefree Highway. In a February 9 article of the Arizona Republic, the City of Phoenix indicated that it will develop 6,000 acres on Cave Creek Road and Dynamite Boulevard with a residential density greater than the current population of Cave Creek. Phoenix councilwoman Peggy Neely stated, “This is a good way to plan.” 

Please, drive south from Cave Creek to Phoenix along Cave Creek Road and let your eyes tell the story. Take a look at the Home Depot Shopping Center Complex on Carefree Highway and again let your eyes reveal the lack of sensitivity of Phoenix development. Visit the intersection of I‑17 and Carefree Highway and view the densities. This is Phoenix at its finest. 

I bear Ms. Marsolo no ill will. This is not a personal vendetta. This is about the economic and environmental future of Cave Creek. Phoenix is moving north; we must protect ourselves or we will be overrun.

George A. Ross
Cave Creek