Memo to Governor Ducey: Quit Jumping The Shark So We Can Get To Happier Economic Days
Guest Editorial: Mesa Fights for Small Businesses, Jobs; Scottsdale’s COVID-19 Efforts Still Slow and Stumbling
By Recker McDowell — The city of Mesa is tapping into the $90 million it is receiving from the CARES Act to help save small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mesa is looking to dedicate $18 million — or 20 percent — from its federal Coronavirus money for business survival. Other cities, including Scottsdale, need to also take … Read More
Virginia Korte: Responding To COVID-19 For The Short Term And Long Run
By Virginia Korte — There are two things that I continue to think about in light of the economic impact of COVID-19 on the Scottsdale economy. The first is what we need to do in the next few months to best respond to the economic shortfall the current crisis is causing. As I said in a previous article, we don’t … Read More
Guest Editorial: The Keys to Reopen The Economy and Save Jobs
By Recker McDowell — Being at the tip of the spear, taking the first step or the giant leap forward is not for the faint of heart. That is true when it comes to starting a business, finding a new job or taking a purpose-driven path in life. The stakes are even higher when it comes to re-opening the economy … Read More
Guest Editorial: A Scottsdale Lifeline For Small Businesses
By Recker McDowell — The Scottsdale Industrial Development Authority has expanded a COVID-19 small business grant program to $200,000. The Scottsdale IDA is offering $5,000 grants to small businesses who need help because of the Coronavirus and all its impacts. The IDA is working with the city of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Charros, Scottsdale Leadership, Experience Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Area Chamber … Read More
Turf Paradise Owner Donates $1 Million To Support Medical Professionals, Arizonans In Need
PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey announced today that Turf Paradise Race Course owner Jerry Simms has personally donated $1 million to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund, established to provide financial support to organizations providing essential aid to those affected by COVID-19. Turf Paradise also recently donated $25,000 worth of food to St. Mary’s Food Bank. “Businesses throughout the state have done tremendous … Read More
Breaking News: Scottsdale Activist Targets Incumbent Councilman, Mayoral Aspirant
By Recker McDowell — Scottsdale’s Independent Ethics Panel has instructed City Councilman Guy Phillips to answer questions related to a complaint filed against him by activist Mike Norton. A new order issued today by the Ethics Panel requires Phillips to answer questions related to whether money that went into a GoFundMe account last year amounted to a financial gift that … Read More
Talking Without Speaking
It’s a notable line from Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sounds of Silence,” one of the most beautiful songs ever written. The lyrics say something. They are memorable, unlike anything former Scottsdale City Councilman and mayoral aspirant David Ortega writes. His latest missive, as it appeared in the Scottsdale Independent, is below. Can anyone share what it means? How it leads? How … Read More
Guest Editorial: Wear A Mask To Protect Others Not Because the Government Mandates
By Recker McDowell — To mask or not to mask. That is a question for many when they venture out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protective and cloth masks will be a question for workplaces, schools, sporting events and other settings as the economy and life emerge from the Coronavirus and ‘shelter in place’ orders. The pandemic has seen mixed and … Read More
Suzanne Klapp: A Band-Aid Won’t Stop Scottsdale’s Hemorrhaging Budget
By Suzanne Klapp — Having served on the Scottsdale City Council for nearly 12 years, and having worked hands-on during the Great Recession with Mayor Jim Lane, it is very clear to me that our current city budget will be affected by a rapid revenue decline due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, unfortunately, the city’s preliminary 2020-2021 … Read More