For some time the belief in Scottsdale political circles was that if you ever wanted to be on City Council, 2020 was the time to run.   That’s because Councilwomen Suzanne Klapp and Virginia Korte would be abandoning their seats to run for Mayor since the term-limited Jim Lane cannot serve again.  And that appears to be on track.  But … Read More

At the end of Tuesday night’s Scottsdale City Council discussion referring a solid package of important community improvements to the November 5th ballot there was applause from the good number of people in attendance.   It was unusual, and refreshing to hear.  It symbolized how various members of the public and council, who often disagree on issues, all came together … Read More

By The Happy Wanderer A few weeks before the official start of the 1991 NFL calendar year, New York Football Giants head coach Bill Parcells abruptly resigned. His decision to step away from the game sent shockwaves across the league. During his eight-year run at the team’s helm, he led a once-moribund franchise to 85 wins, five playoff appearances and … Read More

Every community has its dedicated citizens that pay attention more than most to the whats going ons there.  In previous days they would submit frequent letters to the editors of local newspapers.  Now, they tend more towards an ability to mobilize and influence on social media.   Scottsdale is no exception. Activists like Carla and Jane Rau once upon a … Read More

With another Waste Management Phoenix Open just completed it’s a reminder how impactful and bucket list the tournament’s 16th Hole has become in world sport.  Think of the “Green Monster” in left field at Fenway Park in Boston.  Or Monument Park at Yankee Stadium.  Or sitting in the stands at Churchill Downs on Derby Day.  Or tailgating before a Florida-George … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop Tuesday December 11 – the day the Desert Discovery Center was finally laid to rest once and for all. The Scottsdale City Council unanimously voted to put an end to the potential development of the infamous Desert EDGE within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. A well-deserved victory for the supporters of Proposition 420 and a triumph in preserving … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop Very shortly, 2018 will be a thing of the past. But it was a political year like few others full of highs and lows. Here’s a quick look back at some of the major political events in Scottsdale that helped define it as we welcome the New Year. *This has been the “Year of the Woman,” not … Read More

Were you for or against the sales tax increase to fund preservation of the McDowell Mountains?  Were you for or against the Los Arcos hockey arena proposal?  Were you for or against Proposition 420? These have been the great questions and wedge issues that have shaped Scottsdale City Council elections over the past three decades. Indeed, Proposition 420, which rallied … Read More

Scottsdale resident Howard Myers was an important and critical voice that led to the Proposition 420 movement in Scottsdale.  Passed by a 71% margin on November 6th the vote stopped the ill-conceived Desert Discovery Center and enshrined more rights to city citizens when it comes to future changes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. For that, Mr. Myers and many others … Read More

So John Karolzak wants to be the next Mayor of Scottsdale?  According to recent Facebook posts he apparently does.  Notwithstanding Elon Musk’s ambitions people are more likely to be on Mars in 2020 than ever seeing this lobbyist and gadfly presiding in the Kiva. Karolzak is an infamous name synonymous with loose professional morals in the ambulance business, where he … Read More