Op-Ed: Tuesday’s Work Study Exposed Zubia’s Water Plan as a Joke

By Dan Bastian If Raoul Zubia feels anything other than complete humiliation after Tuesday’s City Council water work study, he wasn’t watching the meeting. Zubia, backed by a Washington, DC-area Super PAC and a statewide Mega PAC, has staked his campaign on Advanced Purified Water — which he also calls “toilet-to-tap.” Staff showed why it isn’t a serious option: thousands of dollars … Read More

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky puts water, noise and power at the heart of emerging data center standards at City Hall

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is applauding the Scottsdale City Council’s unanimous direction to move forward with developing standards for future data centers — with a focus on protecting the city’s water resources, neighborhoods and infrastructure. Scottsdale City Council unanimously gave direction at last night’s work study directing the City Attorney’s Office to examine the municipality’s existing regulatory framework and potential … Read More

Declining Enrollment: Will Public Schools Adapt or Close?

By Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board Member Amy Carney Across Arizona, public school districts are facing declining enrollment and difficult financial decisions. But how districts respond to these challenges matters. Consider two neighboring districts: Mesa Public Schools and Scottsdale Unified School District. Mesa has adapted by redesigning smaller schools, sharing resources, creating specialized academic programs, welcoming Empowerment Scholarship Account … Read More

Op-Ed: We need Michelle Ugenti-Rita on City Council, she’s the real deal.

By Ashley Earle As a 41-year-old Scottsdale native, wife, homeschool mom of three children, and small-business owner alongside my husband, I understand how much the decisions made at City Hall affect our families, our neighborhoods, and our community’s future. I want leaders who understand those responsibilities and have the experience to make sound decisions. That is why I am enthusiastically … Read More

Op-Ed: Raoul Zubia Understands Downtown

By Former Scottsdale Mayor Sam Campana I agree the farmers Market new location is pretty terrific.  For the vendors and the buyers. But I was there for the initiation of the Farmers Market in Old Town years ago.  The WHOLE point of which was to support Old Town!!  Park once, wander the Market, then enjoy the cafes, boutiques, Western offerings, … Read More

Guest Editorial: Don’t Let South Scottsdale Become North Tempe.

By Councilman Barry Graham I grew up in North Scottsdale, and now my wife and I are raising our sons in South Scottsdale. So I have a unique perspective on a situation that happened recently. Last Monday, Michelle Ugenti-Rita, Raoul Zubia and I sat on the same stage at the Arizona Republic Scottsdale City Council Candidate Forum. Michelle noted that … 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