Recent Scottsdale Campaign Contribution Report Revelations

Due yesterday for the year’s first quarter, the campaign contribution and expenditure reports for Scottsdale mayoral and city council candidates provide fresh insights into how the various campaigns are doing.  Here are some key observations: The year-end campaign finance reports for 2019 showed Councilwoman Suzanne Klapp with a commanding lead over fellow Councilwoman Virginia Korte in the mayoral race.  The … Read More

Is North Peoria Smarter Or More Special Than North Scottsdale or North Phoenix?

Few other areas are booming in Arizona more than the Desert Ridge area in North Phoenix.  Few locales are more desirable in the state than North Scottsdale. What do both have in common? Transfer stations for recycling and waste.  It’s not the sexiest part of any city or neighborhood, but they are necessary infrastructure to reduce rates, pollution and the distance trucks … Read More

Guest Editorial: The Unseen Death Toll of Covid-19 Measures

By U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock — The accumulating death toll from Covid-19 can be seen minute-by-minute on cable news channels.  But there’s another death toll few seem to care much about: the number of poverty-related deaths being set in motion by deliberately plunging millions of Americans into poverty and despair. In the first three weeks since governors began shutting down … Read More

Changing Of The Valley Guard

Near the end of Americano!, a just completed, box-office record setting original musical at The Phoenix Theatre Company, the hero, Antonio Valdovinos, is told just before the finale that he is the “face of the New America.” The musical was based on the true story of Valdovinos who was inspired by the events of 9/11 to serve in the Marines. … Read More

Scottsdale’s Future Depends On The Value Of Its Nichols

Scottsdale’s economy has been hit so bad it will be paying attention to all of its dimes, pennies and nickels.  But its Nichols of a different kind, City Treasurer Jeff Nichols, that looms as the most important person in Scottsdale over the next many months. Not the Mayor or mayoral aspirants, not the tone-deaf anti-business candidates and not the City … Read More

If Tucson Can Be So Creative Why Not Scottsdale?

Since most Arizona cities depend precariously on sales and tourism tax revenue it’s especially odd that local leaders are lacking innovative approaches to address the economic storm that’s hit, knowing more devastation is to come. After all, to help businesses whenever and wherever it can is government sustenance for the revenue sources that fund critical city services. Rosary beads are … Read More

Illegal Trash Talk In Peoria?

Activists are the lubricant of local democracy.  They effect change.  They challenge authority.  They keep many on their toes. Until they don’t, and infect the body politic. There is no better example today than in Peoria, Arizona. Nearly all activism is protected by the First Amendment.  Until someone yells “fire” in a movie theater. And that’s what Vanessa Angell did … Read More

Guest Editorial: We’re Here To Help

By City of Scottsdale Economic Development Department  — As a Scottsdale business, we want you to know we are here to help. The City of Scottsdale has launched the Scottsdale Small Business Assistance Center designed to serve as a one-stop shop for Scottsdale businesses looking for information and guidance on available assistance programs during the COVID-19 crisis. We know how cumbersome … Read More

For The People Not Just The Politicians

Most cities have onerous sign codes, none more so than Scottsdale. This is not meant as a criticism. Indeed, Scottsdale’s has contributed to a community aesthetic second to none. Most cities also regulate political road signs. When you can put them up. The size. And so forth. But they are allowed. Every election season these campaign communications litter streets and … Read More

A Nice Trip Down Memory Lane

Feeling like a bit like famed DJ Casey Kasem we received a nice request from Scottsdale City Council candidate Betty Janik to repost this piece. As campaign dialogue begins to deteriorate Betty reminds us that it doesn’t always have to be that way, and hasn’t. Thank you for the productive thoughts Betty.  Rise of The Guardians Every community has its … Read More