By Alexander Lomax Sometimes the measure of leadership isn’t found in what you approve, but in what you have the courage to oppose. The contrast between Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke’s decisive rejection of an unpopular AI data center and Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky’s handling of the unpopular Axon development reveals two fundamentally different approaches to serving constituents when corporate interests … Read More
Fresh Hope for South Scottsdale: Sprouts Coming to Papago Plaza
Long ignored within the city’s politics and growth, South Scottsdale is finally getting its moment in the sun. Sprouts Farmers Market has confirmed plans to open a new location at Papago Plaza, at the southwest corner of McDowell and Scottsdale Road, with an expected opening in late 2025. For residents of this often-overlooked neighborhood, the announcement is more than just … Read More
Is Mayor Borowsky’s Axon Vote a Major Misstep, or Part of a Deeper Problem?
By Ronald Sampson Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is facing a sudden and unusually sharp backlash after sources say she was booed at a meeting of the Palo Verde Republican Women; a group that once represented a reliable pocket of support. The reaction followed her vote in favor of a “compromise” agreement with Axon, clearing the way for a sprawling apartment … Read More
Guest Editorial: Mayor Borowsky’s ‘Resident-First’ Mask Slips Off
By ScottsdaleVoter For months Mayor Lisa Borowsky has flooded our mailboxes and social media with the same sermon: “I listen to residents,” “I’m protecting our water and our neighborhoods,” “your voice matters most.” Then, on November 17, she showed us what she really thinks of resident voices. In the middle of a packed special council meeting, Axon president Josh Isner … Read More
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky Channels Pinocchio
By Alexander Lomax Facing an onslaught of negativity for crafting a capitulation rather than a compromise with Axon over its massive apartment plan on Monday night, Mayor Lisa Borowsky sent out the press release below. After getting booed yesterday at the Palo Verde Republican Women’s meeting I get the attempt at spin. Unfortunately, our reliable sources are able to debunk … Read More
Dubauskas: Final Axon Update
By Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas You elect us to make tough votes. You elect us to protect Scottsdale and keep Scottsdale special. You elect us to fight for your constitutional rights. You did not elect us to make excuses or to bow to corporate interests. Over the past year, you have sent us thousands of emails, asking, begging, pleading with Council to side with … Read More
Guest Editorial: Welcome to Axonville!
By Bob Littlefield Dear Friends: At last night’s Scottsdale City Council meeting the pro-Axon majority – Mayor Borowsky and Councilmembers Kwasman, Whitehead and McAllen – totally sold out to Axon at the expense of Scottsdale residents. They gave Axon everything they wanted, and more! Here are the highlights (I should say lowlights) of last night’s votes: Axon was gifted 600 and … Read More
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
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