Here we go again: Paradise Valley town councilmember Paul Dembow has announced his run for re-election. We were hoping to be spared, for him to go quietly into the night to work on himself, to spend more time with his family, or whatever graceful bow-out he chose. But no…here we are again. Dembow is now seeking his 4th term, which … Read More
Guest Editorial: Successes, Goals & Enthusiastically Seeking Re-election
By Solange Whitehead It has been a packed few years at City Hall. Since 2018, we’ve expanded open space, approved new parks, dramatically raised the bar on development, protected neighborhoods and funding for vulnerable populations, took care of seniors, and welcomed everyone with a non-discrimination ordinance. Aligning City Hall policies with citizen priorities led to the passage of crucial, tax-neutral … Read More
Gilbert Moving Forward with Significant Development Plans – What Could Scottsdale Learn?
We often gripe about the lack of new developments in Scottsdale, with reasons ranging from a council that is sometimes antagonistic to such projects as well as the culture of NIMBYism that has befallen our great city. Sometimes we need to see that there is a better way. Enter Gilbert. Gilbert is showing what can happen when you have leadership … Read More
Massive Water Rate Increases Avoided for Paradise Valley Customers
Dear Friends, Earlier today, I made final arguments for the Town at the Arizona Corporation Commission hearing on proposed rate increases for EPCOR water customers in Paradise Valley. I am very pleased to report that for the second time during my service as Mayor, the Town has achieved the excellent result of avoiding huge, sudden increases in water rates. More details to be … Read More
There’s a New President and VP on the SUSD Board – Does This Demonstrate a Leftward Shift?
We have spoken at length about the issues that have befallen the Scottsdale Unified School District, primarily related to the actions of former board president Jann-Michael Greenburg. The effects of those dominos are now starting to become more clear, as SUSD recently announced new leadership. Julie Cieniawski was recently announced as the new President of SUSD, and Dr. Libby Hart-Wells … Read More
A PV Shake-up – A Mayoral Battle and New Entrant for City Council Race is Making Waves in Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley politics haven’t always been the most exciting, but recent events demonstrate that 2022 will be different, as new entrants for Mayor and City Council will likely mix things up significantly. Councilmember Julie Pace recently submitted paperwork to run for Mayor in what will certainly be a closely watched battle against incumbent Jerry Bien-Willner. The two have had a … Read More
Mesa Gets It, Why Doesn’t Scottsdale?
Regular readers of this blog have no doubt read about our disappointment over the lack of vision and forward-thinking regarding development. One frequent example that we have lamented about is the difficulty that the Ironwood 92 project has encountered as it attempts to make its way through the approval process. A fantastic project that has the unanimous support of the businesses … Read More
Senator Sinema is Formally Censured by Arizona Democratic Party – Is Her Time with the Democratic Caucus Coming to an End?
By Alexander Lomax In what was a surprise to absolutely no one, the Arizona Democratic Party voted behind closed doors to formally censure Kyrsten Sinema this past weekend. If there was a single saving grace for Sinema (other than the potential support it may elicit from registered independents and other politically homeless voters), it’s that it was not done in … Read More
Scottsdale Again Exemplifying Greatness With….Alcoholic Ice Cream?
If you read this blog, you know that we love Scottsdale. We love the myriad fine dining options all around the city, and we love the incredible options to let your hair down and party in Old Town and elsewhere. But what about combining the two? How perfect would that be for Scottsdale? Well we don’t have to wait any … Read More
The Perils of Desert Living are Finally Coming Home to Roost: Scottsdalians Asked to Conserve Water Amidst Shortage
We live in a desert. We all know that water is at a premium here, and yet your average Arizonan uses as much water as they need with little thought of minimizing usage. That will soon change for Scottsdale though, as the city is now asking residents to reduce their usage by 5%. Interestingly enough, this makes Scottsdale the first … Read More