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
Scottsdale Council Forum Recap: Water, Growth and a Few Sharp Elbows
By Vanessa Rogers The Arizona Republic hosted a Scottsdale City Council forum that gave voters their clearest side-by-side look yet. On stage were Barry Graham, Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Raoul Zubia. The policy differences were real. However, the differences in tone may be what voters remember most. Opening Statements Set the Tone Graham opened on water. He said Scottsdale’s supply is … 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
The Schoolyard Bully Meets the Hall Monitor: Attorney General is Reviewing Axon-Linked PAC
For months, Scottsdale residents watched a deep-pocketed group push around three council candidates. Now someone with a badge is paying attention. According to The Arizona Republic, the Attorney General’s Office is reviewing a complaint that Better Together, a PAC with close ties to Axon, failed to properly disclose its donors on signs and ads. As we asked back in July, … Read More
Former Scottsdale Planning Commissioner Christian Serena Weighing in on the Scottsdale City Council Race
I served on Scottsdale’s Planning Commission when Axon asked us to approve roughly 1,900 apartments at Hayden and the Loop 101. I read every page of the plans. I listened to the residents who filled our hearings. And I voted no. What followed was documented in a letter from the city attorney: pressure aimed at my private employer over that … Read More
Op-Ed: Barry Graham’s Message and His Money Don’t Add Up
By John Ainley Barry Graham wants us to believe he is Scottsdale’s anti-development candidate. His campaign finances tell a different story. During his 2022 run, while presenting himself as a fierce opponent of development, Barry collected more than $20,000 from real estate and development executives. That pattern continues in this race. When Barry voted against The Parque project, which Raoul … Read More
Scottsdale’s Flock Fight Is Really About Who Watches the Watchers
By Alexander Lomax Scottsdale has 85 cameras photographing license plates at intersections across the city. Until recently, few residents knew they existed. Now, thanks to Mayor Lisa Borowsky, they’re the hottest issue at City Hall. This week, the council held a public hearing on the Flock system after Borowsky pushed it onto the agenda. Meanwhile, city leaders have promised an … Read More
Zubia and Graham Trade Water Visions in First Council Debate
By Vanessa Rogers Scottsdale voters got their first side-by-side look at the council race this week as three candidates are competing for two seats. Early voting begins next week. The first of two debates touched on water, tourism, short-term rentals and public safety. Water Takes Center Stage Raoul Zubia, a lifelong Scottsdale resident, called water the top issue he hears … Read More