Tempe: The Greater, Gooder Place

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

John McCain Tops Conservatives' 2016 Primary Hit List

From the National Journal by By Andrea Drusch The conservative groups that brought down Senate incumbents and other moderate Republicans running for office in 2010 and 2012 primaries had relatively little success in 2014. But the next election comes with an opportunity to take a second swing at a big nemesis, one who stands apart from any other Republican senators … Read More

Hold The Line Paradise Valley

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

The Smile & The Gray Hair

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

NCAA Coming to Phoenix in 2017

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

Voters reject the educational status quo

Dear Friend of Educational Choice, Voters reject the status quo in education. They applaud bold change for children, and they want more. That’s the message voters sent last week in the dramatic midterm election results. In each of the states where the American Federation for Children’s affiliated political committees engaged, we were able to help elect or protect many school … Read More

Michele Reagan Announces Transition Team for Secretary of State

Phoenix, AZ – Earlier this week, Secretary of State-elect Michele Reagan announced former Arizona Secretary of State Betsey Bayless as the Chairwoman of her transition team. Michele and Betsey have finalized the transition team that will provide counsel and direction as Michele prepares for the next two months before officially assuming the role of Secretary of State in January. Transition … Read More

Explaining The Noteworthy Scottsdale City Council Election Results

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

Michele Reagan Announces Betsey Bayless Will Chair Transition Team

Phoenix, AZ – Today, Arizona Secretary of State-elect Michele Reagan announced Betsey Bayless will chair her transition team. Bayless, who has a public service career spanning forty years in Arizona, served as Arizona’s Secretary of State from 1997 to 2003. “For many years, I have been a staunch supporter of Michele Reagan and I am proud to support her in … Read More

Classless Candidate Concessions (The Bi-Partisan Version)

Whether one likes him or not the gold standard for candidate concession speeches was Al Gore following his gut-wrenching, Flordia vote counting loss in 2000. It was the epitome of class and decency. Contrast his approach with two on Tuesday night in Arizona, Wendy Rogers and Fred Duval. First, Rogers. This was her statement. “I want to thank my friends, … Read More