Other titans of Arizona’s illegal immigration wars have fallen. Andrew Thomas. Russell Pearce. Even Sheriff Arpaio’s last election was close. And although lesser known the smart, affable State Rep. John Kavanagh is likely next on the target list. Word is that determined moderate Republican and former Scottsdale Planning Commissioner Jeff Schwartz is set to challenge the House Appropriations Chairman as … Read More

Amazing. Just amazing. Following the Paradise Valley Planning Commission’s rejection of a plan to supersize the unremarkable Cottonwoods Hotel in town, backers are now saying they can magically reduce the rejected plan’s proposed density by thirty five percent. It’s amazing what can happen when you just say no. We opined about the flawed Cottonwoods proposal back in October. Here is … Read More

The 1988 Democratic nominee for President Michael Dukakis talked a lot about the “Massachusetts Miracle,” touting his perceived Bay State successes. But by the time the campaign ended voters weren’t looking so kindly on such claims. It’s a lesson that could play out this year in the 2014 Arizona gubernatorial campaign, either by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith’s GOP opponents, or … Read More

Proximity to Sky Harbor, freeways, a great downtown, the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, the Indian Bend Wash. “South Scottsdale” should be a prideful label, not a derogatory one. Maybe the two strip clubs in the area advance the negative connotation. Or the automobile dealer departures along McDowell Road. Or maybe the big talk but little action from both public … Read More