Official Statement from Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky regarding this afternoon’s City Council agenda items specific to both Axon Enterprise and TAAAZE

“The controversy engulfing the proposed Axon headquarters zoning has split our city and damaged our business-friendly reputation. I do not support building 1,900 apartments in North Scottsdale, but I believe it is in the best interest of our community to find middle ground with Axon to keep them headquartered in Scottsdale. Axon’s apartment project’s future is uncertain, and my hope … Read More

Leadership Lessons: When Maricopa County Stood Up to Corporate Power and What Scottsdale Can Learn From It

This week, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors delivered a masterclass in political courage. Led by Supervisor Debbie Lesko, the board voted 5-0 to reject Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad’s request to develop a massive 4,000-acre freight rail facility near the rural community of Wittmann. The decision wasn’t about opposing economic development; it was about standing up to a corporate … Read More

Guest Editorial: Denver must put people over profits, stop Axon’s contract renewal | OPINION

Some interesting analysis from our friends to the north. Please check out this article from coloradopolitics.com. By Sofia Solano Denver families are cutting back on groceries, skipping family outings, and facing a housing affordability crisis — yet their tax dollars are helping fund one of America’s highest-paid chief executives. Rick Smith, chief executive of Axon Enterprises, took home a staggering … Read More

David Fights Back Against Goliath: the Battle for Our Community Continues

By Alexander Lomax In the face of consistent pressure and bullying, the fight for Scottsdale’s soul took a decisive turn this week as brave residents refused to bow down. And yes, it again ties back to our least favorite corporate citizen. Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions (TAAAZE) has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of legislation specifically crafted to benefit one … Read More

Will the Scottsdale City Council Listen to the Voters or Spit in Their Faces?

Today, the Scottsdale City Council will be at a crossroads with a critical vote; it will decide if it will proceed with litigation against newly-created state law that stole our ability to determine our own fates. You may remember how Axon decided to circumvent your desire and the desires of the over 25,000 voters who wanted to bring their apartment … Read More

Guest Editorial: Crunch Time

By Bob Littlefield Dear Friends: At tomorrow’s Scottsdale City Council meeting Councilmembers will decide if they will sue to reverse the bad legislation that, if is allowed to go into effect, will nullify the referendum signed by 26,000+ Scottsdale voters who want a say in whether Taser-maker Axon will be allowed to build the largest apartment complex in Arizona history … Read More

Guest Editorial: Fighting Scottsdale’s New Enemies

Dear Friends: In last week’s newsletter I described how those of us who are fighting to protect Scottsdale’s special character and high quality have a new enemy, state government! Over the last few years our legislature and governor have passed legislation that, among other outrages, attempts to cancel the Axon apartment referendum, forces so-called “Accessory Dwelling Units” on Scottsdale, forces Scottsdale to … Read More