This article in the Arizona Republic doesn’t explain Scottsdale Mayor-Elect David Ortega’s unexpected and impressive victory entirely, but it does provide insight into how a left-leaning candidate won in a typically Republican city. Bottom line:  his candidacy likely would not have succeeded in another political year but he timed this mayoral candidacy well.  He also benefitted from Lisa Borowsky’s too … Read More

Unlike at least one member of the Paradise Valley Town Council that wants to hoist the densest project in the history of the community on the old Smoketree hotel property, last night the Paradise Valley Planning Commission showed sobriety in saying no. That’s what happens when a developer pays too much for the land and seeks a political subsidy in … Read More

The acrimonious and litigious relationship between the emerging Ritz-Carlton project and the Town of Paradise Valley is one of the more bizarre and unfortunate municipal dynamics in the Valley right now.    By all accounts the Ritz and its associated elements have done an impressive job constructing its hotel and residences.  The prices per square foot once seemed fanciful.  They … Read More

The results of Scottsdale’s elections are the talk of the town, and other towns.  That’s because much of the business and investment community believes the “pro-resident” majority translates into anti-business policies.  Many are now suggesting their capital will bypass Scottsdale altogether rather than navigate the political morass they believe is inevitable. As we have said before we hope everyone will … Read More

Following the 2016 Scottsdale mayoral race between Jim Lane and Bob Littlefield we chided the latter for his failure to ever call Mayor Lane and congratulate him.  No matter how disappointed or angry a losing candidate may be grace should prevail. Bob Littlefield never did call Lane.  Unfortunately, Scottsdale is back to the future as Lisa Borowsky has purportedly not … Read More