A land controversy involving property tied to Buckeye Councilmember Tony Youngker is raising serious ethical questions. A developer says Youngker wants a staggering $5 million for right of way appraised at just $650,000. City officials, trying to enrich their own, suggest it’s a private dispute. It’s not and it knows better. Is Buckeye not following through on obligations and agreements to … Read More
The Most Important Read of the Day, Month…Especially for Northeast Valley Residents
“Arizona continues pressing its case for manageable Colorado River water supply cuts over the next two years even as it protests that a new federal framework for protecting the river unfairly targets the state for unacceptable losses in the longer term. U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Arizona, called the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s new 10-year river framework — one that allows … Read More
Tom Horne is Finally Done: A Tribute to One of the More Interesting Political Careers
Every long political career ends somewhere. For Tom Horne, it ended in a Republican primary he lost at the age of 81. Kimberly Yee ousted the incumbent superintendent last month. Consequently, one of Arizona’s most durable and divisive figures exits the stage. He leaves behind a long shadow, and that is worth pausing over. Love him or loathe him, Horne … Read More
Guarantee: Michelle Ugenti-Rita Will Win One Of Two Remaining Scottsdale Council Seats Up For Grabs In November
By Hamilton With the surprising and some would say selfless decision by Bob Littlefield to withdraw from the Scottsdale City Council race, it leaves three candidates for two seats this fall: former state lawmaker Michelle Ugenti-Rita, incumbent Councilman Barry Graham and community advocate Raoul Zubia, who is making a more spirited run after an unsuccessful candidacy in 2022. But there … Read More
Mayor Borowsky: Water is Arizona’s lifeline — and Scottsdale has been the leader in best practices of this critical resource, and we must continue to do so
By Mayor Lisa Borowsky Water has always shaped Arizona’s story. It determines where communities grow, where businesses invest and how future generations will live and prosper in the Sonoran Desert. It is not just another public policy issue. Water is Arizona’s lifeline. This reality is why I invest significant time in service on the Board of the Arizona Municipal Water Users … Read More
Tireless Voice Against Excessive Development in Scottsdale Returns To TAAAZE
TAAAZE Welcomes Back Bob Littlefield As Its Chairman Axon Apartment Opposition Group Leader Returns To Lead Fight Against Massive Unwanted Development (Scottsdale, Ariz.) Scottsdale has never had or needed a more important voice against unnecessary development. That’s why TAAAZE (Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions) is proud to welcome back Bob Littlefield as its Chairman to continue this important effort. … Read More
George Khalaf Is the Rare Kind Worth Rooting For
By Ronald Sampson Let me tell you what usually happens in a Republican primary these days. A candidate finds the nearest camera, praises the man in the White House, and calls it a platform. Then they win, arrive at the Capitol, and contribute nothing. George Khalaf is not that guy. Khalaf just topped the field in the LD3 House primary, … Read More
Featured Editorial: Critical Moment for Scottsdale’s Water Security
By Raoul Zubia Water is not an abstract policy debate in the Sonoran Desert. It is the fundamental condition for our life, our economy, and our future. As the federal government releases its framework for the Colorado River, we face a critical moment. Arizona has stepped up, conserving over 5.5 million acre-feet of water since 2014 and demonstrating that lower … Read More
Harry Mitchell: A Public Servant Who Put People Before Politics
Arizona lost one of its finest this week. Former Congressman Harry Mitchell died at 86, his family announced on July 29. He was a teacher, a mayor, a state senator, and a congressman. Above all, he was decent. Mitchell spent his career proving that public service could still be honorable. He taught civics at Tempe High School, then lived the … Read More
A Recall in Search of a Reason
By Vanessa Rogers The effort to recall Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas is still limping along, though nobody seems to know how strong it actually is. According to the Scottsdale Independent, the group has until September 2 to gather 12,800 signatures. Yet organizers refuse to disclose how many they have collected. That silence speaks volumes. Remember, this is a councilwoman who cruised … Read More