You are very likely aware of the ongoing Rio Verde Foothills water crisis; hopefully you’ve read some of our coverage, but regardless you’re likely aware of the highly concerned citizenry in the unincorporated town on the outskirts of Scottsdale, as well as the political bickering between the city of Scottsdale and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. A new story … Read More
Mayor Ortega Capitulates on Rio Verde Water Crisis, but Work is Left to Do
Public outrage has a way of swaying politicians. So does looking around and seeing that you’re on an island with a particular view. Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega apparently has learned this firsthand, and it seems to have shifted the conversation regarding the most notable and controversial topic so far this year. After public disagreement and obstinance, it now seems as … Read More
Breaking News: Letter to Mayor and Scottsdale City Council – Proposed Changes to Zoning Ordinances
From the Goldwater Institute Mayor David D. Ortega & Scottsdale City Council Members City of Scottsdale 3939 North Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Re: Proposed Changes to Zoning Ordinance Dear Mayor Ortega and Members of the Scottsdale City Council: As an organization dedicated to the protection of private property rights, we are writing to express our concern with respect to … Read More
Rio Verde Foothills Updates: Mayor Ortega is Softening His Tone, and New AG Mayes Weighs In
The ongoing water crisis with the Rio Verde Foothills is indeed a very difficult situation for the residents there with many moving parts from the legal and legislative side, especially with summer coming. As the residents seek any good options, the battle lines had been drawn with Mayor Ortega taking a staunch position against using city resources to help. Given … Read More
Guest Editorial: Scottsdale City Council to Consider Rio Verde Foothills Agreement
By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead
One Ortega Disgraces Scottsdale: Will the Other Get Penalized as a Result?
For not actually hosting the game, the city of Scottsdale had an incredible amount of national attention last week. Between our fantastic restaurants and nightlife, the convergence of the WM Open, and the general infrastructure to entertain tens of thousands of tourists, the global media complex descended on our fair city. It was brilliant, save for one black eye… You … Read More
Mayor Ortega Earns Heat from State Legislators Over Rio Verde Foothills Water Crisis
As you know by now, the water crisis in the Rio Verde Foothills has gotten a lot of attention with powerful parties lining up on both sides of the debate (get up to date here). Mayor David Ortega has received heat for being strongly against using Scottsdale city resources to help alleviate the crisis, and now that heat seems to … Read More
The Scottsdale State of the City Address: What Can We Glean From Mayor Ortega?
Any political observer is well accustomed to State of the Union addresses from presidents, and many observers are also aware of State of the State addresses from governors. But we also recently had a State of the City address from Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega, and since it is the first such address since the most recent city council elections, this … Read More
Scottsdale City Council Swearing-In Remarks: What We Learned
The Scottsdale City Council held its inauguration and swearing-in event last week, with two members (Kathy Littlefield and Solange Whitehead) being re-elected to a second term and one (Barry Graham) being new to the council dais. Each of the members was given an opportunity to speak, and as such gave an opportunity to peer in and speculate as to how … Read More
A Showdown in Scottsdale City Council – Will the Rio Verde Foothills Get Access to Water?
We don’t have to tell you that water is a subject of critical importance in our little slice of desert heaven, a subject that we have spoken about at length. Perhaps the one area that is the most intense and contentious Ground Zero for the water debate in our county and perhaps even the entire state and further is right … Read More