By: Jim Derouin Scottsdale’s version of P. T. Barnum, Bob Littlefield, is back.  After twelve unproductive years on the City Council, he needs a job and is now running for Mayor.   He wrote a column in The Scottsdale Republic, which portrays himself as a crusader for citizen issues, entitled:  “Scottsdale Needs a Leader Who Will Protect Its Unique Character.”  Well, … Read More

America knows Beverly Hills 90210 as one of America’s most famous zip codes.  It’s starting to know Scottsdale 85255 as one of its best. According to the Arizona Republic’s Catherine Reagor the northern Scottsdale neighborhoods of McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch and Grayhawk have surging property values. And for good reason.  They are uniquely somewhere.  At the base of the … Read More

By David Brooks New York Times, The Opinion Pages As usual, there were a ton of artists and musicians at the political conventions this year. And that raises some questions. How much should artists get involved in politics? How can artists best promote social change? Click here to read more.

Welcome to the site’s new feature, holding politician’s accountable for double talk.  And there’s no better place to launch Hypocrite Alert! than with Scottsdale’s Ultimate Politician, Bob Littlefield. On the campaign trail he talks negatively about the proliferation of apartments in Scottsdale notwithstanding he’s the godfather of not one but the two largest apartment projects in the history of Scottsdale.  … Read More

If running for Mayor of Scottsdale at the same time your wife is Vice Mayor isn’t odd and craven enough for Bob Littlefield, we may have another example. And, if circumstances are true, it’s disconcerting at best and disqualifying at worst. According to various social media including that posted by the Catholic Sun, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane was apparently invited … Read More

It’s like a zit on the Mona Lisa. Anyone who hikes what is arguably the prettiest trail in the Valley, Tom’s Thumb in Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains, wonders when they ascent.  What is that house, albeit a very nice one, doing smack dab in the middle of Scottsdale’s landmark preserve? Wouldn’t it be nice, most everyone surely thinks, to rid the … Read More

There’s no greater defender of Scottsdale’s ultimate politician, mayoral candidate Bob Littlefield, than John Washington, the political gadfly who lost to current Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane by 30 points in 2012. Like Littlefield, Washington thinks Scottsdale never does anything right despite public sentiment and evidence to the contrary. And he, like Littlefield, love to dish it out but they sure … Read More

Art, at its best, makes us contemplate deeper.  That’s what good politics can do too.  About issues, people and the direction of a community and country.  So take a look at this interesting read in today’s New York Times about how enterprising artists are attempting to do and fuse both during these most challenging political times. Click here to view … Read More

Recently, Scottsdale Councilman David Smith lambasted SkySong and its purported voracious appetite for city favor.  But in criticizing process and politic he seemed to ignore purpose and triumph. Once upon a time Scottsdale and McDowell was the heartbeat of the southern city.  There stood Los Arcos Mall.  Then time passed it by.  Scottsdale Fashion Square ascended. Various plans from hockey … Read More

By Councilman David Smith Dear Friends… Scottsdale’s fiscal year ended June 30, so it seems timely to share a report on some Council decisions over the past few months that will affect you and your city’s livability. Your Council adopted a Balanced Budget for next year…that’s good! Unfortunately, the Budget isn’t sustainable and hasn’t been for several years. That’s because … Read More