Re-Elect Maryann McAllen in 2028, and Yes, We Know It’s Early

Endorsing a candidate two years before she announces is unusual. Frankly, we don’t care. Scottsdale’s city council needs Maryann McAllen, and we see no reason to wait until 2028 to say so. Why is that? A Council That Can’t Stop Talking Over Itself The contention started early in her tenure. Yes, there would always be some degree of friction between … Read More

Op-Ed: Phoenix Voters Deserve Answers from Ed Hermes

By María Hernández Phoenix City Council candidate Ed Hermes wants voters to trust his judgment. But recent reporting raises troubling questions about his independence and consistency. According to Axios, Hermes is a partner at Snell & Wilmer, a law firm with 13 registered city lobbyists and more than 260 clients. His firm represents interests that regularly intersect with city business, including … Read More

The Ace and the Unforced Error: Ugenti-Rita’s Tale of Two Moments

By Ronald Sampson Michelle Ugenti-Rita has had two very different moments on camera lately. One was a masterclass in how to answer a powerful opponent. The other, caught on camera at a debate, handed her rival a gift. First, the ace. Standing in front of a sign that shows her in cornrows, Ugenti-Rita said Axon could have simply opposed her … Read More

Op-Ed: Vote for Zubia in Scottsdale, a leader who listens

By Raoul Zubia Scottsdale is a community we share and a future we shape together. I am deeply concerned about the direction of our city council. Cutting vital water resources and trading solutions for political infighting is not what residents should accept from their leaders. That is why I am running: That means securing our water, investing in public safety, … Read More

Scottsdale Hall of Famer: Jim Bruner

Every city has a few people whose fingerprints are everywhere, even though most residents never learn their names. Jim Bruner is one of those people in Scottsdale. With this piece, we launch a new series celebrating the men and women who built the city we enjoy today. Consider it our Honor Roll, the Arizona Progress & Gazette Hall of Fame. … Read More

Guest Editorial: Steady Leadership, Not Selective Outrage

By Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas Councilman Barry Graham leads with logic, patience, and courage. That’s why I was disappointed to see Councilwoman Solange Whitehead level inaccurate criticisms at him that are designed to promote her radical candidate for the 2026 Scottsdale City Council general election. Whitehead overlooks an important chapter in Scottsdale’s history: the period when Whitehead led the council majority … Read More

Guarantee: Michelle Ugenti-Rita Will Win One Of Two Remaining Scottsdale Council Seats Up For Grabs In November

By Hamilton With the surprising and some would say selfless decision by Bob Littlefield to withdraw from the Scottsdale City Council race, it leaves three candidates for two seats this fall: former state lawmaker Michelle Ugenti-Rita, incumbent Councilman Barry Graham and community advocate Raoul Zubia, who is making a more spirited run after an unsuccessful candidacy in 2022. But there … Read More

Guest Editorial: Moving Forward in The Fight to Keep Scottsdale Special!

Dear Friends, Today I made the difficult and personally painful decision to withdraw from the City Council race and return to my position as the Chairman of TAAAZE (Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions). I made this decision based on the results of the recent primary election and the effect those results have had on the Scottsdale political landscape. My … Read More