By Ronald Sampson Perhaps I’m biased, but Scottsdale voters have a pretty good track record when it comes to voting on propositions. There are very few that I believe we collectively made the wrong choice on. This past cycle was no different, as despite a very vocal minority the citizenry voted with a large margin to fully fund and expand … 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
Like It or Not (and You Probably Don’t) Lots of Development is Happening in Scottsdale
If there was one thing that the last election as well as the recent fight against Axon in Scottsdale have taught us, it’s that the electorate does not want overdevelopment in the city. It detests unnecessary traffic, it hates apartment complexes fit for thousands of people, and it is rather NIMBY by nature. They probably will not be happy then … Read More
The Inconsistencies of Solange Whitehead: What Is She Doing?
By Ronald Sampson Sometimes it feels as though this iteration of the Scottsdale City Council is completely new, considering the pace and rate of change they have pushed through since January. But that’s not entirely true; Solange Whitehead has been on council since 2019, and while many may disagree with her relatively left-leaning proclivities, she has generally been a positive … Read More
Guest Editorial: Saying Goodbye and Thank You & Happy New Year!
By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead As we wrap up our four years together, I am writing to thank my outgoing colleagues Mayor David Ortega and Councilmembers Betty Janik, Tammy Caputi, and Tom Durham. Together we set Scottsdale on a winning trajectory that will deliver results for decades to come. I am so honored to have worked with all of you and wanted to highlight some of … Read More
What is Solange Whitehead Doing??
By Ronald Sampson When following elected leaders, you have to be used to disappointment. They need to make myriad decisions on votes and even the best of them have to make difficult and sometimes bad decisions. It’s a part of life…you can never expect perfection. But what this lame-duck iteration of the Scottsdale City Council has done has been beyond … Read More
Cuatro Kudos
One of the best things that happened in Scottsdale Tuesday night was the decisive passage of Propositions 490 and 491 despite an odd conglomeration of opponents. Both measures will meaningfully provide important funding of city parks, the spectacular Preserve, our great public safety and our significant “Central Park” that is WestWorld. It will do so for generations. Though not as dramatic as … Read More
BREAKING NEWS: They’re Back…
A movie phrase made famous by Poltergeist apparently is the long rumored reality as Axon is purportedly readying to return its immensely unpopular apartment plan to Scottsdale decision-making dais. And in the “you can’t make this up” category, they are apparently targeting Planning Commission and City Council hearings immediately after the election on November 13th and November 19th. Too cute by half, but more … Read More
Government Matchmakers: What if Scottsdale Followed Japan’s Lead?
For all the single people out there, would you like your government to help you find a mate? We’re going to garner a guess that nearly 100% of the responses would range from “No!” to “Hell no!”. But that is precisely what parts of Japan are doing to help stem their population decline due to low birth rates. Scottsdale has … Read More
Former Mayor Jim Lane, Misguided Opponents to Popular Scottsdale Initiative Get Smacked Down in Court
By Ronald Sampson Regular readers and most Scottsdalians are aware of Proposition 490, the Protect and Preserve Initiative that will expand maintenance and upgrades for our city’s many parks while simultaneously reducing our collective tax burden, a situation that’s as much of a win-win as you will ever find in government. But of course, you will never make 100% of … Read More