We believe that an engaged and informed citizenry leads to significantly better outcomes for all of us.Regular readers know that we informed you about the public input conversations about our tourism plan. Well now you may have another chance, and this time it has to do with taxation. You may be aware of a 0.2% sales tax that was enacted … Read More
Conversations About Scottsdale’s Growth Have Been Happening; Did You Make Your Voice Heard?
We do our best here at the Arizona Progress Gazette to keep our readership informed and engaged at the local level. After all, the local level is where your voice can be heard the most effectively and where you can actually impact some change. Besides, others are having their voices hard, why not you? Well we let you know about … Read More
The Water Crisis Continues in Scottsdale, but Perhaps there are Silver Linings
We all know that we have water issues looming not just in Scottsdale but also in all of Arizona. It is a topic that has deservedly gotten a lot of attention from us here at the Arizona Progress Gazette. But what if I told you that it’s not all doom and gloom? That’s not to say that it’s not serious … Read More
The Perils of an Unregulated STR Industry Rears its Ugly Head
We are not afraid to confront the short-term rental (STR) crisis here in Arizona. After the industry lobbied the state government heavily, the legislature essentially took away any local control and left municipalities toothless in their ability to fight back, After extensive public outcry, a partial reversal of those laws passed this past legislative session, which then prompted both Scottsdale … Read More
Scottsdale is Giving a Raise to Law Enforcement – Blue America Should Take Note
Many of us Arizonans have looked at the chaos, lawlessness and crime that has at times enveloped cities like San Francisco, Portland and Seattle over the last few years with a degree of derision, and for good reason. While instances of those issues are certainly trumped up by conservative media, there is certainly a strong degree of truth to them. … Read More
Guest Editorial: Why is Joseph Chaplik Insistent on Embarrassing Himself?
By Alexander Lomax I certainly understand the strategy; be as loud as you can, take risks with specious allegations, and attempt to become a darling of your political party. Joseph Chaplik has gone all in on this approach during his young political career as a two-term state Representative, and could prove to be even more successful if his ambition to … Read More
Scottsdale vs. Paradise Valley
It was a new story but precious few are aware of the import. The upscale Hermes brand will be opening a new store at Scottsdale Fashion Square. What’s the big deal? Well, Scottsdale Fashion Square has been engaged in a silent war for years to prevent momentum for the long-planned but long languishing Palmeraie shopping complex envisioned next to the … Read More
Guest Editorial: The Political Earthquake In Scottsdale No One Is Talking About . . .And Ramifications For The City’s Future
By Jason Rose I ran my first successful campaign in Scottsdale in 1994. Two years later I consulted on the campaign that elected the city’s first female mayor, Sam Campana. Ever since I have been heavily involved in the Scottsdale political scene leading elections for other mayors, hockey arenas and bonds to fund new infrastructure. I offer these credentials not … Read More
Intrigue in Local Development: Mayor Ortega Pulls Back Request for Review. Was It a Lack of Support?
While there is a degree of peril involved when you attempt to read between the lines, sometimes it is worth examining anyway. And a very subtle story that didn’t seem to make any waves at all is worth examining through that prism. A mixed-use development proposed for Old Town called The Goldwater was under review with the city of Scottsdale’s … Read More
The Super Bowl Will Likely Cost Scottsdale Taxpayers $2.3 Million? Should Scottsdale Be Subsidizing the NFL?
You may know that State Farm Stadium in Glendale will be hosting the Super Bowl in 2023. You probably didn’t know that Scottsdale will be on the hook to the tune of $2.3 million in taxpayer funds for it. When we saw this, we had questions, as you likely will to. First and foremost is the question: are we subsidizing … Read More