By Alexander Lomax A lame duck session in politics is the period after the election but before the inauguration of new members. It’s when leaders who either did not run for re-election or lost their re-election raves are unencumbered by future expectations and criticisms, where they can defy the expectations of their constituency with few repercussions. It’s also a time … Read More
Guest Editorial: In Appreciation
By Councilwoman Betty Janik As we begin the Holiday Season, I want to offer thanks for your support for Proposition 490. It will provide a dedicated source of funding for Scottsdale Open Space, a most valuable asset that is enjoyed by both residents and visitors. We will be able to maintain our Parks and Preserve for the next 30 years … Read More
Has the Tide Completely Turned for Football in the Valley?
For Arizona football fans, this life has not been an existence that has been flush with success. It has been a full decade since both the Arizona State Sun Devils and Arizona Cardinals have exited the regular season with a winning record, an outcome that statistically speaking is quite unlikely. It seems as though the tide might finally be turning … Read More
Supervisor Thomas Galvin: Election Reforms Announced
By Supervisor Thomas Galvin Dear Neighbors, As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to thank everyone who voted for me in the November general election. I am honored to be re-elected, and I am humbled by your support. I look forward to serving the interests of everyone in District 2 for the next four years. I also thank … Read More
Guest Editorial: Post-Election Results
By Mayor-Elect Mark Stanton With the official results of the 2024 election confirmed, I humbly thank the residents of Paradise Valley for their vote of confidence in electing me to be the next Mayor of our Town. I appreciate former Councilmember Mary Hamway and current Councilmember Anna Thomasson for our mutually respectful campaigns. Both Mary and Anna are extremely dedicated … Read More
What Now for the Soon-to-be-Former Mayor? Mayor Dave Ortega’s Next Potential Steps
For winners of political campaigns, the to-do list is a fairly clear one: prepare themselves for the office, consider the staff they’ll need, and be ready to hit the ground running. What is next for elected officials who lose their re-election campaigns is far less frequently talked about. What about Scottsdale Mayor Dave Ortega? After what was presumed to be … Read More
Lisa Borowsky’s Path to Victory: How’d She Do It?
In a season of many election surprises locally, few were as surprising at the Scottsdale Mayoral race, where Lisa Borowsky overcame a significant deficit in the August primary to win a decisive victory over incumbent Mayor Dave Ortega. Now that we have the value of hindsight, it’s worth considering how this significant upset happened. So how did it? First, it’s … Read More
The election is over, but the battle to Keep Scottsdale Special continues!
By Former Scottsdale Councilman Bob Littlefield Dear Friends: For the 5th election in a row Scottsdale voters have soundly rejected candidates who support overdevelopment! Every member of the City Council who was up for re-election in 2024 who voted for the overdevelopment of the last few years was either defeated at the ballot box (Ortega, Caputi, Durham) or seeing the … Read More
When Politicians Can’t or Won’t Act, Residents Take on Short-Term Rentals Themselves
Excessive and problematic short-term rentals (STRs) have been a hot-button issue in Arizona for a while now, but no more so than in Scottsdale (read our coverage here). As the regional center of tourism, many come from out-of-state to party and have little concern about the people around them. And while many municipalities recognize the problem, rarely can they do … Read More