Guest Editorial: Is My Arizona Getting California’ed?

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

Unbecoming & The World Must Be Ending

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

Guest Editorial: 20-Somethings Take Over and Endanger The Valley?

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

Guest Editorial: Making Sure the General Plan Reflects Our Values

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

Guest Editorial: Not Enough For Everybody

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

The Servant. The Survivor.

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

Guest Editorial: Stepping Into the 21st Century

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

Guest Editorial: The Boop Heard Round the Democratic World

By Alexander Lomax Last week, I saw the sort of rainbow, diamond-studded unicorn that I had never thought remotely possible: both the moderate and progressive factions of Democratic voters completely united. It just happened to be a union formed out of disdain for one of their own: Senator Kyrsten Sinema. In case you missed it, Senator Sinema made a lot … Read More

Guest Editorial: Head Scratcher In Peoria

By Peoria Watchman Less than 30 minutes from the heart of Phoenix lies a vibrant community that residents cherish, admire, and defend.  Rightly so, the City of Peoria is one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona.  Home to nationally recognized trails, parks, shopping, and dining destinations that rival those of any other city in the Valley, Peoria is appreciated … Read More