Tearing Apart the Data of the Scottsdale Elections: Propositions 490 and 491

Scottsdale’s recent elections were interesting ones, with an incumbent mayor losing and two incumbent councilmembers losing their bids for re-election. And there was one (well, two) very clear winners in this election: Propositions 490 and 491. As a reminder, Proposition 490 served as an extension of the existing 0.2% sales tax which was expiring this year, reducing it to 0.15% … Read More

Cuatro Kudos

One of the best things that happened in Scottsdale Tuesday night was the decisive passage of Propositions 490 and 491 despite an odd conglomeration of opponents.  Both measures will meaningfully provide important funding of city parks, the spectacular Preserve, our great public safety and our significant “Central Park” that is WestWorld.   It will do so for generations. Though not as dramatic as … Read More

Guest Editorial: Improved Parks and Better Public Safety with 100% Accountability are Good for Scottsdale and Our Economy.

By the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce urges you to please vote YES on Proposition 490, the “To Protect and To Preserve Scottsdale” ballot measure. This measure will take the place of an expiring city sales tax at a lower rate to fund improvements and increased maintenance for parks citywide, beginning in the aging … Read More

Scottsdale’s Dirty Little Secret: “Conservatives” and “Tax Increases”

By Ronald Sampson We’ve all seen this movie before in Scottsdale: when any sort of tax is mentioned in any capacity, so-called conservatives come out of the woodwork and tell you about how the money will be wasted, how it’s unnecessary, etc. Time and time again, regardless of the merits of the tax, lobbyists set the messaging and political candidates, … Read More

Guest Editorial: Happy 30th Birthday Sweet Lady

By Councilwoman Betty Janik Our beloved McDowell Sonoran Preserve turns 30 years old on October 3, 2024.  I applaud the vision of our city leaders who recognized the value of the McDowells and preserved it for posterity.  I applaud the wisdom of our citizenry who supported the land acquisition with their vote and dollars.  The Preserve has grown to over … Read More

The Facts on Prop 490

By the Coalition of Greater Scottsdale Information by : Former Scottsdale Mayor and Prop 490 PAC– Mary Manross and  Carla– Campaign Coordinator & Preserve Pioneer Prop 490 is one of Scottsdale’s most publicly vetted, legally protected ballot measures. Time for some facts about 490, a ballot measure, created by residents to benefit our entire city. It will improve and better … Read More

Guest Editorial: Update on the Protect and Preserve Ballot Initiative

By Councilmember Tammy Caputi I’ve always been a strong proponent of our parks, Preserve, and open space, and the value they bring to our city. What makes us great is the unmatched outdoor amenities we provide our residents. I applaud past Councils for the foresight to purchase the pristine desert landscape which would become Scottsdale’s greatest asset. Council was very … Read More

Guest Editorial: Prop 490 No Longer in Limbo

By Councilwoman Betty Janik Prop 490, the sales tax measure to protect and preserve open space, will be on the November Ballot. It has been a tortuous path.  The Goldwater Institute filed suit late in the game on behalf of Mayor Lane, Yvonne Cahill, and Susan Wood to block it from the November ballot alleging misleading information.  The lower court … Read More

Despite Attempt of Lobbyist Lawyers to Thwart the Will of the People, Popular Parks Initiative Will Be On Scottsdale Ballots in November

By Alexander Lomax It’s been a rollercoaster past week or so for Proposition 490, the Protect and Preserve initiative that is designed to replace the 0.2% sales tax used for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with a lower 0.15% sales tax with expanded park maintenance and upkeep services. The very popular initiative brought the ire of the Goldwater Institute, the lobbyist … Read More