Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio once did a campaign television commercial where he threw copies of the Arizona Republic in the trash.  While a congressional candidate over a decade ago current Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio ripped the Valley’s paper of record similarly in direct mail.  Others, most notably conservative blogs, cheer daily its hoped for demise. Don’t count us … Read More

A good man used to say “all politics is local.” Whether true or not there’s no doubt it’s cyclical. Today, Arizona Public Service (APS) is feeling pretty good about itself.  Attempting to foil innovation and more energy choice is its new way of doing business.  After all, the company effectively owned, in the political sense that is, immediate past Arizona … Read More

Scottsdale is a wonderful place and has rightfully been recognized by many for effective city government. But several years back there was a movement to import personnel from Phoenix, led by long-time Phoenix Planning David Richert who later became Scottsdale City Manager. Richert was and is a fine man, but some of his hires well, not so much. Some of … Read More

Editorials are usually 500 words of trope and tripe about this and that. But to this all we have to say is what very good news it is to have Tom Horne back in the private sector.  And out of government.  Where he was a walking embarrassment and shameless scoundrel.   MY FIRST DAY AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN I want … Read More

Pundits are always lauding vision. Where is it? Who has it? Why isn’t there more of it. Scottsdale is fortunate. Leadership and vision have led to impressive achievements like the Indian Bend Wash, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale Center for the Arts and Civic Center and the Waterfront Canal, to name just a few points of pride. In its own way … Read More

There exist three and a half noteworthy downtowns in the Valley. Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe, with the half going to Glendale. Mesa’s doesn’t count as it is a beautiful performing arts venue surrounded by Fallujah. Chandler is making a move thanks to San Tan Brewing Company but still has quite a ways to go. That brings us to Tempe, which … Read More

According to insightful reporting at the Paradise Valley Independent , the denizens of density behind the proposed Ritz-Carlton hotel and townhouse development in Paradise Valley are back. This time the “We’re Baaack” is likely to be a noisier poltergeist for residents than the last time around. So why are they returning to the political theater now? A couple of reasons. … Read More

Northeast Valley residents saw change after the recent elections. The Town of Paradise Valley will see the most after movings, goings and retirements. And Scottsdale will incur some too as those more cautious about the city’s growth trajectory were narrowly favored. While others could certainly be noted, one victor in each municipality exemplifies the marketplace filling that which they constantly … Read More

Friends of District 7, I couldn’t be more thrilled and proud to have the Phoenix selected for the 2017 Men’s Final Four, a culmination of March Madness and the finale to the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. Much like Super Bowl 49 and the 2016 College Football Championship Game, the Final Four will have significant components of its activities centered in … Read More

Once upon a time a five or six story office building was built at Scottsdale & Camelback Roads. Those who voted for it were swept out of office. As sure as the sun rises the ebb and flow of “slow growth” and “pro business” candidates occurs in Scottsdale elections. But that it happened so soon in Scottsdale on November 4th, … Read More