Fact & Political Reality Check

Bob Littlefield is Scottsdale’s Bernie Sanders. He says the same thing so many times you start to respect the persistence. And he certainly can be a fun conversationalist when he is not feeling so ornery. Despite losing badly for Mayor in 2016, following a loss for the Arizona House of Representatives in 2014, Bob Littlefield has decided to seek the … Read More

Guest Editorial: Stark Contrasts and Choices

By Recker McDowell — The New Hampshire primary this week is whittling down the crowded Democratic field after the debacle in Iowa. The Democratic field offers primary voters a distinct choice between ‘progressives’ such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and ‘moderates’ such as Pete Buttigieg, Michael Bloomberg, Amy Klobuchar and Joe Biden. Whoever the Democrats pick will offer a … Read More

Guest Editorial: Bring More Technology, Broadband to Rural Areas, Small Towns

By Recker McDowell — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey wants to invest $60 million to install new broadband and fiber optic cable in rural Arizona. The technology infrastructure would go along the rural corridors of Interstates 40, 17 and 19 as well as in Page, Payson and Bullhead City. The overwhelming majority of jobs being created in Arizona are in Phoenix … Read More

Guest Editorial: Cool Architecture, Designs Key For Scottsdale’s Brand

By Recker McDowell — Architecture and design are increasingly important as Scottsdale charts its course on the future of Old Town and other parts of the city. Developers and builders need to offer cool and impactful designs, new projects and redevelopment plans. That is especially true in Old Town and southern Scottsdale where there are redevelopment opportunities and chances to … Read More

Guest Editorial: Scottsdale’s Card in Arizona’s Winning Hand

By Recker McDowell — WestWorld of Scottsdale has been named facility of the year by the League of Agricultural and Equine Centers. WestWorld hosts top equestrian events including the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Arizona Quarter Horse Association events. It also hosts the Barrett-Jackson and its World Greatest Collector Auction. The League honor is the latest accolade for the Scottsdale … Read More

Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels Won’t Seek Reelection

By Recker McDowell — Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels has announced she won’t be seeking reelection this year. Daniels is considered a rising star in Arizona politics and has been mentioned as a potential future candidate for statewide or another higher office. Daniels made her announcement not to seek another term as Gilbert Mayor on Facebook. “I have loved the nearly … Read More

Guest Editorial: True Colors, True Motives in Scottsdale

By Recker McDowell — Development, density, height and growth are center stage in Scottsdale as 2020 campaigns for Mayor and City Council ramp up. There are legitimate questions about the growth trajectory and vision for the city including in Old Town Scottsdale. Those discussions and debates can be a positive for the future of the city. What voters need to … Read More

Guest Editorial: Digging Into Jobs

By Recker McDowell — Arizona added 84,400 jobs over the past 12 months, according to year-end employment numbers. More than 80,000 of those new jobs were in the private sector. Arizona’s private sector job growth for the year was 2.8 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only Utah (3.1 percent and Idaho (2.9 percent) posted better job … Read More

Guest Editorial: Turning Around The Negative And Nasty

By Recker McDowell — There is never a shortage of the nasty, negative and disparaging these days in politics, the 24/7 news cycle and on social media. So, it was refreshing to see the warm wishes for U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Arizona) when she recently announced her health battles with alcohol dependency. Those included some positive vibes from the other … Read More