Water: Protecting Scottsdale’s Lifeline

By Councilmember Solange Whitehead This past week, Western states that depend on the Colorado River failed to agree on rules for sharing increasingly scarce water resources, so the federal government may impose its own. Current proposals being discussed could cut Arizona’s share significantly. Scottsdale relies on the Colorado River for roughly 70% of our water, putting us more at risk … Read More

Guest Editorial: We’ve Only Just Begun

By Bob Littlefield Dear Friends: For over a year coverage of the attempt by Axon to build a massive apartment complex in Scottsdale has dominated local media. Yet despite all this attention there is a huge amount of misinformation in the publics’ mind about what is the status of that situation. This misinformation is coming from the proponents of the … Read More

Guest Editorial: Scottsdale deserves leaders we can trust

By Christian Serena Politics and passion often go hand in hand. But when passion replaces accuracy — especially by an elected official — our entire community suffers. Residents deserve clarity from leaders we can trust. In her recent Scottsdale Independent opinion, Councilwoman Solange Whitehead claims the council “silenced” the public by adjusting when citizens can speak during meetings. That’s not … Read More

Guest Editorial: Scottsdale Voters Win, Again

By Scottsdale City Council Solange Whitehead Last November’s resounding Prop 490 victory was challenged – yet again – by the Goldwater Institute. On Tuesday morning we prevailed in court. To be clear, voters in every Scottsdale precinct approved both Propositions 490 and 491 this past November. Despite frivolous legal challenges and an egregious misinformation campaign to defeat Prop 490, Scottsdale voters stuck … Read More

Will the Scottsdale City Council Listen to the Voters or Spit in Their Faces?

Today, the Scottsdale City Council will be at a crossroads with a critical vote; it will decide if it will proceed with litigation against newly-created state law that stole our ability to determine our own fates. You may remember how Axon decided to circumvent your desire and the desires of the over 25,000 voters who wanted to bring their apartment … Read More

Guest Editorial: Bad Policy Decisions Prevented!

By Betty Janik In 2021, General Plan 2035 was approved by Scottsdale citizens, the first one in 20 years after previous unsuccessful attempts.  This was accomplished with contributions from numerous citizens and visionary council members. The current Council wanted to make significant changes to GP 2035 and classify them as a minor amendment – which would only require four votes … Read More

Guest Editorial: Protect Our Values & Our Voter-Approved General Plan

By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead   Here We Go Again: We Must Protect Our Voter-Approved General Plan Staff time and tax dollars are once again being diverted from essential city operations to reverse voter-approved priorities. The latest target? General Plan 2035. These political games by a few on Council are wasting millions, silencing residents, and further tarnishing Scottsdale’s once-enviable brand. General Plan 2035 … Read More

Guest Editorial: This 4th of July

By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead These days, it can feel like the world wants us all to pick a side. But let’s face it—that hurts Scottsdale and our nation. Debating issues is as American as apple pie, and speaking freely is our fundamental right. We can’t back down during these scary times. Instead, we must continue to befriend and care about … Read More

Guest Editorial: Scottsdale’s Budget Priorities

By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead Scottsdale’s 2025–26 tentative budget is poised for unanimous approval. With some notable exceptions, it funds long-standing community priorities. The fiscal discipline of past City Councils and voter-approved funding streams make this budget possible. In my six years on Council, we’ve reduced police retirement debt by $60 million, built a $120 million reserve, and lowered taxes. Our … Read More