By Councilwoman Betty Janik As we begin the Holiday Season, I want to offer thanks for your support for Proposition 490. It will provide a dedicated source of funding for Scottsdale Open Space, a most valuable asset that is enjoyed by both residents and visitors. We will be able to maintain our Parks and Preserve for the next 30 years … Read More
Cuatro Kudos
One of the best things that happened in Scottsdale Tuesday night was the decisive passage of Propositions 490 and 491 despite an odd conglomeration of opponents. Both measures will meaningfully provide important funding of city parks, the spectacular Preserve, our great public safety and our significant “Central Park” that is WestWorld. It will do so for generations. Though not as dramatic as … Read More
Guest Editorial: Prop 491 – A Straight Answer to Naysayers
By Councilwoman Betty Janik Prop 491 asks voters to approve a $22M adjustment to the base expenditure limit. This amount is calculated and regulated by the state. The ballot language (tagline text) with the $22M request is standard text used by Scottsdale in the past along with all other cities. Additionally, Arizona League of Cities and Towns provides this draft … Read More
Guest Editorial: Get Set to Vote!
By Councilmember Solange Whitehead Arizona’s election officially kicks off this week and there is a lot at stake Let’s remember: The truth matters, real leaders solve problems, and peddlers of misinformation never represent the public’s best interests. Mayor Dave Ortega Gets My Endorsement People who get a lot done often make success look effortless and that sums up the story … Read More
BREAKING NEWS: They’re Back…
A movie phrase made famous by Poltergeist apparently is the long rumored reality as Axon is purportedly readying to return its immensely unpopular apartment plan to Scottsdale decision-making dais. And in the “you can’t make this up” category, they are apparently targeting Planning Commission and City Council hearings immediately after the election on November 13th and November 19th. Too cute by half, but more … Read More
Guest Editorial: Time to Vote
By Councilwoman Betty Janik I urge you to re-elect Mayor Dave Ortega for a second term on Scottsdale City Council. Much has been accomplished in his first term. He was instrumental in passing the General Plan, he has been the regional leader in controlling short term rentals, he has kept city finances in the black while increasing reserves and reducing … Read More
Guest Editorial: Happy 30th Birthday Sweet Lady
By Councilwoman Betty Janik Our beloved McDowell Sonoran Preserve turns 30 years old on October 3, 2024. I applaud the vision of our city leaders who recognized the value of the McDowells and preserved it for posterity. I applaud the wisdom of our citizenry who supported the land acquisition with their vote and dollars. The Preserve has grown to over … Read More
Guest Editorial: Prop 490 No Longer in Limbo
By Councilwoman Betty Janik Prop 490, the sales tax measure to protect and preserve open space, will be on the November Ballot. It has been a tortuous path. The Goldwater Institute filed suit late in the game on behalf of Mayor Lane, Yvonne Cahill, and Susan Wood to block it from the November ballot alleging misleading information. The lower court … Read More
Guest Editorial: My Picks for the Scottsdale Primary
By Councilwoman Betty Janik Over the past several months, Scottsdale residents have had the opportunity to assess the agendas and goals of the candidates for City Council. For me, the ideal candidate has actively participated in civic engagement, respects and listens to all voices, builds consensus with diverse groups, and does not shy away from compromise. The candidate has strong … Read More
Don’t Let the Door Hit You…
We have spoken at length about Axon’s unwanted attempts to shoehorn a staggering nearly 2,000 apartments into North Scottsdale; about the apparent bait-and-switch that it pulled with both the city and the Arizona State Land Department, and its aggressive dismissal of the concerns of the area (get up to date here). Well Axon recently announced its quarterly financial results, and … Read More