By Alexander Lomax ICYMI earlier this month Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick announced that she will not be running for re-election. She carved her path to Washington like numerous Arizona Democrats have: through the middle. Not one to make waves and more inclined to stick to issues closer to home rather than party-affiliated bombast, it might be easy for us in the … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop Seeing politicians say farewell to their political offices is not uncommon, especially nowadays. But it’s usually preceded by some ulterior motive such as political pressure, public scandal, or upset at the voting box. But for some politicians, it’s all about timing. And for longtime Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, the time is now. Last week she announced that this … Read More

By Alexander Lomax Gov. Ducey hasn’t been shy about trying to make the case that Californians should flee their state and come to Arizona. The benefit is not just natural economic stimulus, but also presumably serves to try to stem the dramatic shift of his state towards Democrats with California Republican imports who are sick of the excesses of their … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop You don’t have to be a gearhead to get excited about Barrett-Jackson returning this weekend from March 20th to 27th. But it would be remiss for anyone to disregard the importance this car auction provides to the Scottsdale community. For so many in the entertainment and event business, the rescheduling and reconfiguring of large-scale events has been … Read More

Several years ago President Trump asked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to do away with tradition and the filibuster in order to get more of his priorities passed. Though surely tempted while having the power to do so McConnell resisted the request, saying it wouldn’t be good for democracy or America. Unfortunately, Scottsdale didn’t have enough Mitch McConnells this week. … Read More

By Gilbert Guru On Friday, March 5 Governor Doug Ducey allowed restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, bowling alleys, water parks, and bars that serve food for dine-in to immediately open at 100%. That night the crowd went wild. It was suddenly a whole new world that had not existed in about a year. The 20-somethings were out in force all over … Read More

By Councilwoman Tammy Caputi The top priority of your City Council is preparing a 2035 General Plan, to be put before the voters this November. Scottsdale hasn’t had an updated plan since 2001. It’s a complex effort, building on the work that’s been done by thousands of citizens over the last 20 years. Council plans for a completed draft by … Read More

Local from Quartzite say Snowbirds are taking vaccines from residents in need By Valley Girl As the seasons change, the winter breeze is a sign that Arizona is going to be visited by more Snowbirds. Last year, Arizona saw a decline in winter visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the recent distribution of the vaccine, the state is … Read More

Former Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and current Mayor David Ortega are about as different as they get in terms of approach and political philosophy.  Yet, they are united by more than a title.  Her name is Rachel Smetana. Smetana was the long-time Chief of Staff for Mayor Lane.  And she is now serving in the same capacity for Mayor Ortega. … Read More

By Alexander Lomax Arizona is changing, and I would describe it as jumping into the 21st century, even if it is about 2 decades late. The arc and trajectory of that change can be found in some unexpected places. I think that the most notable signal of this fact comes in the form of non-discrimination ordinances. Recently, the Mesa City … Read More