By Larry Heath It’s hard not to notice that the 2024/25 newly elected Council majority ran through Scottsdale quicker than the Germans ran through France in World War II. Things moved so fast; plans must have been in place to attack Axon Enterprises and scuttle the planned roundabout at Scottsdale and Dynamite Roads. They also appear to have hired a henchman for City Manager – Greg Caton. Under his reign, credentialed … Read More
Guest Editorial: Scottsdale’s Foundation and its Future, 75 years and beyond
By Vice Mayor Maryann McAllen Recently I attended a reception for the book, “Hands-on History , Residents Reflect on Scottsdale’s 75 Years”. It was filled with the Who’s Who of Scottsdale. Former Mayors, local business leaders, and civic volunteers, all of whom had a hand in shaping our beautiful city. The guests included many of the 75 writers who shared … Read More
He Asked for Water. He Got Shot.
By Alexander Lomax Picture the scene. A man selling window washing rolls through a gated north Scottsdale community on a Segway. It is a hot desert afternoon, and he knocks on a door to ask for water. In most places, that story ends with a glass of water. Here, it ended with a bullet in his back. What Police Say … Read More
Op-Ed: Councilman Barry Graham Kept His Word
By Janet Kaufman, Scottsdale resident We moved to Scottsdale because we love this city. We needed a councilman who would put residents before special interests — and keep his word. Barry Graham has been that councilman. He works with colleagues and builds coalitions. He does not go along to get along. Barry’s record speaks for itself. He protected our water … Read More
Guest Editorial: Our Preserve Deserves Respect
By Carla, Preserve Pioneer There are lots of big things going on right now but sometimes it’s important to pay attention to the smaller details as well. What am I talking about? Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the natural treasure that defines our city, has been demoted to an item of lesser importance. In the past, when referring to our Preserve, … Read More
Apache Junction Figured It Out. Why Can’t Scottsdale Unified?
By Ronald Sampson Nobody expected Apache Junction to teach Scottsdale a lesson in public education yet here we are. While Scottsdale Unified debates which neighborhood schools to close, Apache Junction Unified has quietly done something clever: it stopped treating families who use Empowerment Scholarship Accounts as a lost cause. Instead, it started treating them as customers. What Apache Junction Built … Read More
AP&G Difference Makers: Another Round Another Rally
Difference Makers is our ongoing series spotlighting the people and organizations across the Valley who are quietly changing lives through their work. This installment turns the spotlight on Amanda Gunderson and Travis Nass, the co-founders behind Another Round Another Rally, a Phoenix-based nonprofit built to support hospitality workers who too often get overlooked. Since launching in 2018, the pair have … Read More
Op-Ed: Michelle Ugenti-Rita Is All About Control, For Herself
By Carol Burns Michelle Ugenti-Rita is running for Scottsdale City Council, which makes this a good time to revisit her stance on local control. As a state representative, Ugenti sponsored legislation forcing municipalities to consolidate their local elections with state and federal election dates. Cities and towns strongly objected, arguing that the mandate diminished local control and risked burying municipal … Read More
Op-Ed: Why do Zubia’s Allies Avoid the Issues?
By Ignacio del Valle, Scottsdale resident The opinion pages have been busy this election — and the pattern is impossible to ignore. Residents who support Barry Graham and Michelle Ugenti-Rita — or the many who have doubts about Raoul Zubia — are focusing on the issues: the connection between high-density apartments and water security, short-term rentals, neighborhood safety, the Bar … Read More