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

Guest Editorial: Trash Talk, It’s In the Bin

By Councilwoman Betty Janik In the summer of 2022, Scottsdale initiated the Old Town Scottsdale Recycling and Old Town Alley Refresh Campaign. Commissioner Andrew Scheck and I were founding members of the committee that included Scottsdale’s Solid Waste (SW) and Code Enforcement (CE) Departments. The goal was to provide recycle opportunities for businesses, beautify business alleys, and enhance sustainability in … Read More

BOMBSHELL REPORT: What is the REAL Axon?

You are probably aware of the complete mess that Axon put itself in recently with its outrageous plan to dramatically alter zoning laws in order to put up some 2,000 apartments in an area that doesn’t want them and can’t support them (get up to date here). While on its face this attempt is bad enough, a recent bombshell report … Read More

Councilwoman Betty Janik Announces She Will Not Run for Re-election

Dear Scottsdale Resident, I will not be running for a second term on Scottsdale City Council. Time waits for no one.  At this stage in my life, I want to spend more time with family and friends.  I also believe it is time for older baby boomers, such as myself, to yield governance to younger people.  Future development, sustainability, and … Read More

Guest Editorial: Salute to An Unsung Hero

By Councilwoman Betty Janik After thirty years of service, Greg Bestgen, Human Services Director, recently retired from the City of Scottsdale.  He is leaving behind a legacy of compassion toward the less fortunate. Greg changed the way our city interacts with individuals in need. During his tenure, he established a robust outreach program for the homeless.  He paired with faith-based … Read More

Guest Editorial: Thanksgiving Appreciation

By Councilwoman Betty Janik To Our Scottsdale Community, Thanksgiving is time to reflect on all the things for which we are grateful.  I am grateful for the wonderful staff, hundreds of dedicated volunteers, and our thoughtful citizens. We all work together to make Scottsdale a model of excellence.   It is truly a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family, … Read More

It’s Official: Tammy Caputi Not Challenging David Ortega for Mayor

Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega will be facing what could be a tough re-election campaign next year, with a number of strong known and potential candidates looking to unseat him. However his path towards re-election looks as though it will be a bit easier with a recent announcement. In a reversal from what was long rumored but ultimately found to be … Read More

Guest Editorial: Sustainability: A Guiding Light or a Boondoggle?

By Councilwoman Betty Janik The idea of Sustainability conjures up strong emotions. Those who embrace the idea view it as a way to foster environmental conditions that support current and future generations, a life saver. The naysayers think of it as a way for big brother to reduce our freedoms. Can we bridge that gap?? We just experienced the hottest … Read More