How Axon Made Barry Graham a Martyr

By Ronald Sampson Political money sometimes buys outcomes. Other times it manufactures the opposite. The campaign against Barry Graham may end up as a case study in the second category. Axon and its allied committees spent heavily to remove him from the Scottsdale City Council. What they produced instead was his clearest identity in years. Graham was not cruising before the … Read More

Too-Early-To-Call Results from Arizona’s Primary Election Day: Primary Validations, Shocks, and Comeback Stories in the Waiting

By Alexander Lomax The first election results dropped from the night, and absolutely nothing is set in stone at this moment, but there is definitely plenty of certainty and more than enough question marks to keep us hitting refresh on our browser constantly. First, Scottsdale. One councilmember is likely advancing and a few incumbents are fighting for their seats. Scroll … Read More

Solange’s Scottsdale Salience

By SongBird No matter how the elections turn out Tuesday for Scottsdale City Council, or in November, Solange Whitehead is a Hall of Famer. Amongst the contemporary rancor over Axon, out of state funding, apartments, development, transparency, elections and parking garages, one can forget her many, many contributions to the city over the past decade.  That shouldn’t be. She serves with … Read More

Guest Editorial: Big Wins Achieved Together!

By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead   Thank you to all that have voted! Strong words of encouragement to those that have not yet voted. Please make your voice heard. Polls are open Monday and Tuesday until 7 pm. See link HERE.In eight years, we’ve sure gotten a lot done together. Below are just a few photos of our accomplishments. It really matters who … Read More

Jim Thompson Comes Home, and Scottsdale Should Be Glad

A Career Built on Getting Things Done Jim Thompson spent nearly four decades in public administration, and a good chunk of the most consequential years happened right here in Scottsdale. He steered the city as manager from 2017 through 2024, guiding it through growth, infrastructure fights and the kind of complicated municipal decisions that rarely make headlines but shape a … Read More