By Ronald Sampson When it comes to public faces of corporations, many of us know of Rick Smith, CEO of Axon. You have probably read many pieces about his unwanted apartment megacomplex in Scottsdale and his push to circumvent the will of the people to get his wish (you can read our coverage here). But there has been a significantly … Read More
Scottsdale Budget Concerns: Political Theater or Fiscal Reality?
By Ronald Sampson It has been quite the turbulent first half of the first year for Scottsdale’s new mayor and newest iteration of city council, and somehow the hits keep coming for this crew, with the latest point of contention being fiscal. Scottsdale’s 2025-26 budget has sparked significant controversy despite its superficial appearance of fiscal responsibility. While city officials tout … Read More
Guest Editorial: Doing My Job Working For You
By Councilmember Barry Graham
Will Scottsdale Leadership Kowtow to Goldwater? A Ritzy Banquet May Offer Clues
By Ronald Sampson Perhaps I’m biased, but Scottsdale voters have a pretty good track record when it comes to voting on propositions. There are very few that I believe we collectively made the wrong choice on. This past cycle was no different, as despite a very vocal minority the citizenry voted with a large margin to fully fund and expand … Read More
Guest Editorial: The importance of passing ideology-free budgets in Scottsdale
By Councilman Barry Graham City government works best when it’s anchored in its essential responsibilities: keeping residents safe, maintaining the city’s infrastructure and preserving public open space. That’s why I’m proud of the FY2026 budget that the city council is currently working on — a return to fundamentals that one of my colleagues calls “public safety, potholes and parks.” There’s … Read More
Our Leaders are Fighting for Our City, and We Should Be Thankful
By Alexander Lomax Checks and balances are important in life. We need checks and balances in our government, checks and balances in our interpersonal relationships, and checks and balances within the corporate world. Complete overregulation is bad, but a world where corporations have no checks on their power isn’t any better either as the industrial revolution taught us (if you … Read More
The New Sheriffs are in Town: Scottsdale Shows a New Direction with Sustainability Plan Repeal
By Ronald Sampson Scottsdale voted for change in this past election; it rejected a couple sitting councilmembers and the incumbent mayor. And it only took about one week, but Scottsdale is already getting a strong whiff of that change. Last week was a very busy one at the council dais, and the new iteration of council is setting its sights … Read More
Guest Editorial: Promises Made, Promises Kept!
By Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas Dear Friends, THANK YOU! It was an honor to be sworn in on Tuesday as your new Scottsdale City Councilwoman!! Scottsdale is an incredible city – the jewel of the American southwest. From our spark of Western spirit, our thriving business and tourism economy, and our beautiful preserve – we are blessed to live here and … Read More
Guest Editorial: Jaw Dropping Disrespect, Lies and Deaf Ears Mark the First Meeting of Scottsdale’s New City Council
By Linda Milhaven At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Barry Graham and Adam Kwasman led one of the most disrespectful displays I have witnessed in 30 years of watching City Council meetings. Jan Dubauskas and Kathy Littlefield were complicit. They stifled discussion by preventing their colleagues from speaking and disputing Graham’s misstatements. They shouted over colleagues taking control of the meeting … Read More
Scottsdale Residents Fight Back! Record Number Of Signatures Submitted Opposing Massive Apartment Complex Despite Axon Bullying Tactics
Despite shocking intimidation tactics from Axon, a record number of referendum petition signatures, more than 25,000 have been submitted to place on the ballot a massive, unwanted and unneeded apartment project near Hayden and the 101. The signatures were turned in Saturday December 21st at Scottsdale City Hall. Petition organizers were joined by elected and leaders including Scottsdale City Councilman … Read More