
Paradise Valley mayoral candidates talk state capitol themes in STR regulation
By Terrance Thornton | Digital Free Press
Paradise Valley voters will elect a new mayor — from a field of 3 — this election season.
Community stewards Mary Hamway, Mark Stanton and Anna Thomasson are vying for the top elected position at Town Hall, 6401 E. Lincoln Drive, as three-term Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner has opted to not seek re-election to local office this cycle.
Voters will take to the polls Tuesday, July 30 to elect lawmakers across the nation including the next President of the United States — and the Town of Paradise Valley is no exception.
The Digital Free Press reached out to each Paradise Valley mayoral candidate to offer readers a better understanding of what they think about the current state of affairs revolving around short-term rental regulation within municipal bounds, what challenges are emerging to executing that regulation at the Arizona Legislature — and that what they would do about those challenges if elected mayor.
This is what they had to say:
Mark Stanton
*If you are elected mayor, how will you continue to protect neighborhoods from unruly short-term rentals?
Unregulated short-term rentals (STRs) have been a major issue over the past several years. The town has made great strides to address the issue. As mayor, I will continue the strong alliance with our code enforcement office, police department and neighborhood groups. These resources have proven successful in gathering intelligence about potential actions to address unruly STR gatherings.
From enforcing the STR application required by the Town, to having an on-line map of where STR are located, we have seen a great reduction in complaints about unruly STR activity.
*What do you see as the largest threat to the Town of Paradise Valley regarding the town’s ability to regulate STR operations within town limits?
There are several threats to the town, first being the bad actors that want to use an STR as a party house. The second is the industry itself, constantly looking for ways to work around local ordinances. Third is the state legislature developing and passing legislation that limits local control on the STR industry. All of these are under constant review by our government affairs team, code enforcement office, police department, Town Council and mayor.
*What is the No. 1 threat to the town’s ability to regulate STRs and, if elected mayor, how will you work constructively to address the concern?
The No. 1 threat is keeping local control so that the Town of Paradise Valley can manage its STR situation to meet the needs of our residents and community safety. That threat comes from the State Legislature in over-reaching their authority and thereby removing local control. Our government affairs team and elected leaders are closely monitoring this potential legislation and activating to block the state overreach to protect our local, limited-government model in Paradise Valley.
Anna Thomasson
*If you are elected mayor, how will you continue to protect neighborhoods from unruly short-term rentals?
Our 100-plus registered short term rentals (STRs) are currently well-managed in Paradise Valley with a significant drop in complaints from unruly gatherings in 2023-24 compared to previous years. This reduction is thanks to the new regulations and collaborative work of our citizen group, Town Council, planning staff, police department and short term rental operators themselves. But we must remain vigilant. I will continue to support funding our short term rental compliance officer and check in with our Town Manager and police to assure they have the resources needed to actively manage and regulate the legally permitted STRs.
*What do you see as the largest threat to the Town of Paradise Valley regarding the town’s ability to regulate STR operations within town limits?
Our state legislature’s willingness to take away local control of this issue and other issues such a housing density and traffic enforcement is our largest threat.
Although we appreciate the ability to register and monitor our STRs, I believe cities and towns should be able to fully regulate STRs in a manner appropriate for their communities. Having mini hotels scattered throughout our neighborhoods continues to be a threat to our health and safety. Hotels have staff to monitor security, pool safety, and public nuisance associated with resort visitors. Our neighborhoods do not.
What is the No. 1 threat to the town’s ability to regulate STRs and, if elected mayor how will you work constructively to address the concern?
While we have been successful in managing unruly short-term rentals, our work is not yet done. We want the ability to regulate, not just monitor STRs.
For the past six years I worked with our Town Council and supported our citizen group at numerous legislative sessions working for reform. Additionally, I partnered with the Arizona League of Cities and Towns to facilitate a discussion with the Airbnb lobbyist and members of the League at the annual conference.
As mayor, I will continue to utilize my Fortune 500-level business skills to cultivate relationships, work with other elected leaders, engage our residents and testify at the legislature to regain the local control our Paradise Valley residents deserve.
Mary Hamway
*If you are elected mayor, how will you continue to protect neighborhoods from unruly short-term rentals?
In 2017, the state legislature passed a law that prohibited cities and towns from banning short- term rentals. In 2022, the town adopted Ordinance 2022-06 and Town Code 10-14, that defines terms, rules and permitting for short-term rentals. It also gives local authorities legal remedies through fees and penalties to enforce the rules. Since this legislation was passed, the number of complaints has dropped to almost nothing.
The most important action the Town took was to create Resources for Residents, a portal on the Town website that allows residents to know what’s is going on in their neighborhood with regard to short-term rentals. There is an interactive map that shows every STR in Paradise Valley operating with a permit. This map is updated weekly, so the information is current. If a resident suspects a STR is operating without a license or permit, it’s easy to report. If a licensed STR if violating any rule, its easy to submit a complaint. Residents must work with Town officials to ensure neighborhoods are protected from unruly STRs.
*What do you see as the largest threat to the Town of Paradise Valley regarding the town’s ability to regulate STR operations within town limits?
The legislature and loss of local control is always the biggest threat. At this point, however, the statute and local ordinances seem to be working and there is very little happening this legislative session to alter the current process.
*What is the No. 1 threat to the town’s ability to regulate STRs and, if elected mayor, how will you work constructively to address the concern?
Working with the legislature is always best in numbers. I would gather the facts, engage with other communities that are experiencing the same issue, and work with the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, as well as our lobbyist to enact meaningful reform.