A hashtag noting the city’s excellence was a hallmark of Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane’s landslide re-election win in November.
Lane was right to recognize the community’s best in class from Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Waste Management Phoenix Open and downtown restaurant and bar scene to teachers, social services and high school athletics.
Now, Lane and all of Scottsdale have another best in class to boast about: U.S. News & World Report just ranked BASIS Scottsdale the #1 high school in the nation. The import to economic development and overall community prestige cannot be overstated.
And it reminds us that some things are worth fighting for.
Once upon a time, circa 1997, there was an uproar from no-growth activists and McDowell Mountain Ranch residents opposing the Ice Den. It was a fight that went all the way to the Arizona Supreme Court. Thank goodness it did, and won, because as the premier ice facility in Arizona it also is #ScottsdaleAtItsBest.
Fast forward to 2016 and the Ice Den-like fight that took place over BASIS’ expansion and relocation plans on Shea Boulevard. Mayor Lane, Councilwoman Suzanne Klapp and Councilwoman Linda Milhaven were always staunch supporters. But the opposition fueled by well-heeled neighbors caused Councilmembers Littlefield, Smith and Korte to wobble weak in the knees. Councilman Phillips was downright opposed. Like the Ice Den it was a fight that went all the way to the top. But instead of the Arizona Supreme Court it was Governor Doug Ducey and Attorney General Mark Brnovich weighing in. Korte, Smith and Littlefield eventually came around in the face of input from them and massive community support.
Thank goodness they did. A year later the decision was unquestionably sagacious as Scottsdale ensured its place as the home to the best high school in America.