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

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

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

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

Being Mayor of Paradise Valley, Arizona is a cool gig.  Just like being Mayor of a place like Bel-Air or Aspen would be.  Communities like them are already remarkable, which means such jobs are really about being a good custodian. In other words, just don’t screw it up. Current Paradise Valley Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner has largely understood this.  He is … Read More

By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead It’s that time of year again.  The legislature is in session and considering over 1,000 bills with a continued trend away from local control. The City’s lobbyist is at the Capital advocating for Scottsdale. Again, the City’s top priority is Short Term Rental reform.  Prognosis: Not Good. Protecting Arizona from Fire Scottsdale helped stop a bill to … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop Within the past year, the number of COVID-related deaths has been compared to deaths from a lot of different causes, ranging from the common flu to car accidents. Much of the debate has also been focused on the effectiveness of wearing masks to slow the spread versus impeding on individual freedoms. But this week, Scottsdale Representative Joseph … Read More

It must be frustrating to talk so much but never really speak.  Or to impact anything.  Or to be routinely laughed at and about. Such is the life of resident Scottsdale ignoramus Rod Pritchett.  While tempting and appropriate to ignore someone who is as wayward as he is weird — we failed to do so on one occasion last year.  … Read More

There are a few words you just never use.  One starts with “N.” The other begins with a “C.”  To the broader business community a vocabulary doesn’t have a first letter with an “M,” as in moratorium. Frustrated with the pace of potential changes to parking plans and ordinances in the Old Town Scottsdale area City Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield is … Read More

By Alexander Lomax When Kelli Ward was elected to Chair the Arizona Republican Party a couple of years ago, Democrats cheered under the presumption that she would hurt the Arizona Republican brand and their efficacy. However, none of us could have known how successful she would be in this endeavor. Under her leadership, Ward has consistently carried the mantle of … Read More