By Recker McDowell — Phoenix and the state of Arizona have worked hard to craft images of being pro-business, pro-innovation and pro-entrepreneur especially compared to higher cost and higher tax competitors such as California, Seattle and Chicago. So, it is disconcerting to see the city of Phoenix’s fight with Uber and Lyft over higher rideshare fees at Phoenix Sky Harbor … Read More
Guest Editorial: One of Arizona’s Annual Rites
By Recker McDowell — The Arizona Legislature is back in session. That means the annual ritual of media coverage of conservative bills cast as detrimental to Arizona’s image. You probably have already seen stories on bills from Republican lawmakers related to limiting sex education curriculums, guns and the posting police officers at polling places on election days. These types of … Read More
Real Estate Developers, Dealmakers Bankrolling Suzanne Klapp’s War Chest Highlights The Early Scottsdale 2020 Contribution Reports
Scottsdale City Councilwoman Suzanne Klapp has the early financial advantage in the 2020 race for Scottsdale Mayor. Scottsdale City Councilwoman Virginia Korte who is also running for mayor as well as candidates for three council seats up for election this year are still ramping up their fundraising efforts, it appears. That is according to fourth quarter campaign reports filed with … Read More
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s Statement on Phoenix’s Higher Fees on Uber, Lyft Rides at Sky Harbor Airport
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced January 16 he believes the City of Phoenix violated the Arizona Constitution when it imposed new rideshare fees for companies operating at Sky Harbor. “The Phoenix City Council is placing its policy preferences above the rights of the people to whom the government must always answer,” Brnovich said. “Arizona voters clearly spoke when they … Read More
Virginia Korte: ‘I Am Officially Running For Mayor’
By Virginia Korte — Today I am announcing I am officially running for mayor. For the past year I have met with many residents, community leaders and business owners for their input about running for mayor. Their encouragement factored heavily into my decision. So, I want to thank them for their time and opinions. I believe with strong leadership I … Read More
Guest Editorial: Barrett-Jackson Is Key To Scottsdale’s Tourism And Brand; Let’s Not Jeopardize That
By Recker McDowell — Barrett-Jackson 2020 is in full swing in Scottsdale with more 1,950 luxury and vintage cars on the auction block. Barrett-Jackson is one of the signature events for Scottsdale. The auction puts Scottsdale in an international spotlight and feeds into the city’s tourism and economic brand. Barrett-Jackson is the king of Scottsdale’s car auction, helping attract tourists … Read More
Billionaire Boys Club: Bloomberg and Steyer Bet on Arizona, Will Show 2020 Elections Path
By Recker McDowell — If you watched the NFL playoffs or posted on social media this weekend you probably have probably seen ads for Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer. The two billionaires are putting a focus on Arizona in their Democratic presidential bids. They hope Arizona — where moderate Democrat Kyrsten Sinema won a U.S. Senate in 2018 — is … Read More
Guest Editorial: White Claw a Win for Glendale and Shows West Valley Connections
By Recker McDowell — White Claw is landing a new $250 million brewing and production facility in Glendale. The project is off the Loop 303 near Olive and Peoria Avenues. Glendale is trying to brand the area as its ‘New Frontier’. The Loop 303 and new South Mountain Freeway connecting the East Valley to Laveen and the West Valley offer … Read More
Being Pro-Citizen In Scottsdale Doesn’t & Shouldn’t Mean You Are Anti-Business
Several Ideas for Reform About two decades ago Scottsdale started suffering from a reputation that it was anti-business. There were several reasons for the perception, real and perceived. The City Manager at the time was pre-disposed against business. And while the Mayor then learned that the top job at the city is different than being one of six on a … Read More
Back To The Future & Living Lessons In Scottsdale
Well that didn’t last long. The collective community spirit exhibited in the overwhelming passage of the bond package on November 5th has since devolved over divisiveness with a project called Southbridge II. Late last week, opponents of the development submitted 17,000 referendum signatures to put the matter to a city-wide vote later in 2020. That’s no small achievement even if … Read More