We have not been advocates for Dave Ortega as Scottsdale’s next Mayor.  But it doesn’t mean we can’t recognize the smart, effective campaign he’s run to date. Ortega, whether it was during a successful run for City Council previously or in a losing bid for Mayor in 2004, has always had a base of support in southern Scottsdale.  But leading … Read More

By Gilbert Guru Holland Smith, an up and coming Instagram Influencer based in Chandler, has recently used her growing following to spread a positive message in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent college graduate was contacted by Arizona Department of Health Sciences (ADHS) to utilize her following to promote its #MaskUpAZ initiative. Holland Smith, who typically uses her … Read More

By Shea Lincoln Howard Myers moved to North Scottsdale in 1996 and quickly got involved in local politics. He was a vocal and tireless supporter of the creation of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve but corrected us when asked if he was a pioneer of the effort. He says that honor belongs to a long list of advocates . They include … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop Betty Janik and her husband have lived in Scottsdale for over 16 years. She was the co-founder of the Protect Our Preserve PAC, the citizen led committee behind Proposition 420. She served as the President for the Coalition of Greater Scottsdale (COGS) and a member of the 2019 of For The Best Scottsdale PAC, the campaign that … Read More

Staff Report – A recap of the top three stories on Arizona Progress & Gazette from the past week.  Scottsdale’s Dos Equis Woman Teacher. Preacher. Author. Activist. It’s quite an impressive title for one of Scottsdale’s most interesting residents. And a title that fits Paula Sturgeon perfectly. Read full story here. #LocalBuzz Q&A With Scottsdale City Council Candidate John Little … Read More

By Gilbert Guru Desperate times call for desperate measures. The finances behind any campaign play a direct role in getting a candidate elected to office, especially in tight political races. This is particularly true for Arizona’s U.S. Senate race. Recent campaign finances show Martha McSally $15 million dollars behind her opponent Mark Kelly in the fundraising battle. This is especially … Read More

Have there been many lower points in Scottsdale’s history than when public safety leadership let rioters sack its citadel – aka Scottsdale Fashion Square – earlier this year? Botched is a kind word for the decision-making and approach, especially after the consequences to Old Town’s many small businesses, particularly its Arts District. So we are probably not the only ones … Read More

The Scottsdale Independent is an invaluable source of local news.  And so it was again with a recent posting of an opinion piece by the former First Gentleman of Scottsdale, Larry Manross.  His wife, Mary, served as Scottsdale Mayor from 2000-2008. Click here to read the full opinion piece. It wasn’t much of a surprise that Larry declared his support … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop Local businesses create the unique fabric of our communities. They are owned by local entrepreneurs, employ their neighbors, develop relationships with regulars and find ways to give back. But the effects of the coronavirus and statewide shutdowns have caused many of our favorite businesses to close permanently or adapt to new ways of serving the community, leaving … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop In a time of immense political divisiveness and strife there is never a shortage of disparaging comments on social media. That is why it is so refreshing to see politicians put animosity and political agendas aside to work together for the public good. In a social media post last week, former Phoenix councilmember Daniel Valenzuela announced that … Read More