By Recker McDowell — The Scottsdale Industrial Development Authority has expanded a COVID-19 small business grant program to $200,000. The Scottsdale IDA is offering $5,000 grants to small businesses who need help because of the Coronavirus and all its impacts. The IDA is working with the city of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Charros, Scottsdale Leadership, Experience Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Area Chamber … Read More

By Recker McDowell — Scottsdale’s Independent Ethics Panel has instructed City Councilman Guy Phillips to answer questions related to a complaint filed against him by activist Mike Norton. A new order issued today by the Ethics Panel requires Phillips to answer questions related to whether money that went into a GoFundMe account last year amounted to a financial gift that … Read More

It’s a notable line from Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sounds of Silence,” one of the most beautiful songs ever written.  The lyrics say something.  They are memorable, unlike anything former Scottsdale City Councilman and mayoral aspirant David Ortega writes. His latest missive, as it appeared in the Scottsdale Independent, is below.  Can anyone share what it means?  How it leads?   How … Read More

By Recker McDowell — To mask or not to mask. That is a question for many when they venture out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Protective and cloth masks will be a question for workplaces, schools, sporting events and other settings as the economy and life emerge from the Coronavirus and ‘shelter in place’ orders. The pandemic has seen mixed and … Read More

By Suzanne Klapp — Having served on the Scottsdale City Council for nearly 12 years, and having worked hands-on during the Great Recession with Mayor Jim Lane, it is very clear to me that our current city budget will be affected by a rapid revenue decline due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  And, unfortunately, the city’s preliminary 2020-2021 … Read More

By Recker McDowell — There are more than 1,200 reported cases and 48 deaths from COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation. That is more cases than 8 U.S. states including Alaska and North Dakota. There are also more cases than Pima County. The 48 Navajo Nation deaths from the Coronavirus are more than 13 states including Nebraska and South Dakota. The … Read More

By Recker McDowell — The city of Tempe and Desert Financial Credit Union have launched a new $1 million microloan program to help small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program aims to help Tempe small businesses with between 5 and 50 employees with loans to help them meet payroll, pay rent and suppliers. This is what Scottsdale … Read More

Cleator.  Oatman.  Jerome. They are among the more famous Arizona ghost towns.  And they are what Old Town Scottsdale and many other downtowns are starting to resemble as the government shuts down so many wonderful, legally operating businesses.  Government can’t seize private property without compensation but apparently can do so to your life’s work and dreams, save for a survival … Read More