We are not at all shy about singing the praises of Scottsdale; be it as an ideal place to vacation, retire, or to get a little wild on a Saturday night. But a recent article from Smithsonian Magazine turned our heads, not just because of the source but also because it prompted us to think about the city in a … Read More
Mesa Transforming Into Destination for Asian Food
At the Arizona Progress & Gazette we tend to focus on our little slices of heaven, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. But when great things are happening anywhere in the Valley, we feel as though it is worth recognizing. While we bring Phoenix and Tempe into the conversation from time to time, one city that we don’t normally recognize but is … Read More
Better Days Coming for Scottsdale Teachers According to Task Force. Are They Substantive or Empty Promises?
Education has long been a hot-button issue in Arizona. While Democrats have long spoken about it as the minority party, it hit a critical mass in 2018 with the massive Red for Ed protests. Then-Governor Ducey’s political hand was forced, leading to significant increases in pay for teachers in the state. Once right near the bottom nationally in average teacher … Read More
Guest Editorial: Salute to An Unsung Hero
By Councilwoman Betty Janik After thirty years of service, Greg Bestgen, Human Services Director, recently retired from the City of Scottsdale. He is leaving behind a legacy of compassion toward the less fortunate. Greg changed the way our city interacts with individuals in need. During his tenure, he established a robust outreach program for the homeless. He paired with faith-based … Read More
Speakers’ Corner: Dr. Warren Stewart Sr.
This is a place where free speech and public debate are welcomed and encouraged. The Speakers’ Corner originated in the mid-19th century at London’s Hyde Park. The concept spread worldwide both physically and now virtually. Here at the Arizona Progress & Gazette, we are presenting this platform in the form of question-and-answer style interviews with people who have had a … Read More
Speakers’ Corner: Russell “Rusty” Bowers
This is a place where free speech and public debate are welcomed and encouraged. The Speakers’ Corner originated in the mid-19th century at London’s Hyde Park. The concept spread worldwide both physically and now virtually. Here at the Arizona Progress & Gazette, we are presenting this platform in the form of question-and-answer style interviews with people who have had a … Read More
She’s In: Linda Milhaven Jumps Into Scottsdale Mayoral Race
She’s In Former Scottsdale City Councilwoman Linda Milhaven earlier this week filed the paperwork to officially enter the 2024 race against Mayor David Ortega. Lisa Borowsky, also a former Scottsdale City Councilwoman and Ortega’s final foe in 2020, has left little doubt that she also intends to run. Even more interesting is yet another former — thrice elected Mayor Jim … Read More
Will Tempe’s Loss Be Scottsdale’s Gain? Coyotes Looking in NE Valley for New Arena
As every sports fan in the Valley knows, it’s been a difficult and contentious road for the Arizona Coyotes. After Tempe voters voted down the plan to bring a new arena and entertainment district to the city, one which would have served as an incredible economic stimulus to the surrounding area, the team has been trying to figure out its … Read More
Wait…What? Scottsdale’s Treasurer Says That We Need to Spend More Money?
Here at the Arizona Progress & Gazette, we largely consider ourselves to be principled conservatives; not always in the traditional political sense but in the pragmatic way. Unnecessary bureaucracy is to be avoided like the plague, and all government spending should be with a purpose and providing value. After all, plenty of other municipalities fail at these two principles, and … Read More
Scottsdale a Burgeoning Leader in Tech? New Announcement Indicates That Possibility
Scottsdale has rarely been seen as a tech leader; a great place to retire, to vacation, to golf and to party, of course. It has also had a thriving business climate, but when it comes to tech it has been dwarfed by other areas of the Valley. Even a massive Intel campus has provided Chandler a noteworthy tech climate. A … Read More

