Guest Editorial: Another Victory For Scottsdale Activist Mike Norton

By Recker McDowell —

Scottsdale activist Mike Norton has been at the tip of the spear in criticizing Scottsdale City Councilman Guy Phillips’ ‘I Can’t Breathe’ comments during an anti-mask rally.

Norton was among those who were early to push back against Phillips after the Councilman’s comments equating COVID-19 mask orders to the last words of George Floyd before he died while be restrained by Minneapolis Police.

It is also poised to be another political win for Norton.

Norton was one of the lead voices of the For The Best Scottsdale’s broad coalition and campaign in favor of the three bonds voters overwhelming approved in November. It was the first major bond program passed by Scottsdale voters in 19 years. Seventy percent of voters backed the three infrastructure measures in a landslide victory.

Norton was also a lead advocate in favor of the Scottsdale Unified School District Override which was also approved by voters last year.

Norton has also been one of the lead parent watchdogs as SUSD was going through its ethics investigations and needs for new leadership and reforms.

Criticism of Phillips’ was widespread after his ‘I Can’t Breathe’ went viral and made national news.

It is easy to join the bandwagon once it is rolling. Just check out Twitter and Facebook.

But those, such as Norton, who spoke out early are the ones who get the most credit and build up the most capital.