By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead Protecting Scottsdale’s Character My job is to protect Scottsdale—not to cast meaningless “no” votes for political theater. My record of stopping bad development is unmatched. Just as importantly, I’ve negotiated better projects and helped transform blighted, crime-attracting properties into vibrant destinations. I’ve also changed rules and improved the baseline for development: Adopted building codes that reduce … Read More
Guest Editorial: When Leaders Listen, Communities Thrive
By Mike Vreeland I’m grateful that in Scottsdale the distance between you and your elected leaders is small. You can ask — and expect — an answer from the City Council to your questions. Most Councilmembers can address the issues and opportunities we face, but the sign of a strong leader is someone willing to ask back, “What do you … Read More
Guest Editoral: A Budget That Cuts Future Prosperity
From Councilmember Solange Whitehead The City Manager’s new budget reverses Scottsdale’s tradition of conservative financial stewardship: planning ahead, investing in infrastructure, and maintaining strong reserves. Operating spending is up. The budget also reflects the consequences of four Councilmembers forfeiting $31 million in federal transportation grants, resulting in higher project costs, traffic congestion, and the diversion of local road funds away … Read More
Councilwoman Whitehead Deserves Kudos for Standing Up for All of Scottsdale
By Alexander Lomax Some stereotypes are true as are some reputations. For instance, Scottsdale has a reputation of having an outsized number of retirees and has leaned conservative. Unfortunately in the mind of some those bring with it a reputation as an inhospitable place for people who don’t fit a narrow demographic mold. Councilwoman Solange Whitehead has spent her tenure … Read More
Op-Ed: Re-Elect Solange Whitehead
By Steve Coluccio I have known Solange Whitehead since 2017, when we worked together to defeat the proposed Desert Discovery Center in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We worked together again in 2024 on Prop 490, which voters approved to fund maintenance and public safety in the parks and Preserve. As a supporter of the Preserve, I value Solange’s steadfast, long-term … Read More
Breaking News: Axon Is Polling to Purchase a Scottsdale City Council
By Alexander Lomax The corporate playbook for buying local influence is not new. Scottsdale has seen it before. But the scale and audacity of what appears to be unfolding ahead of the July 21st primary deserves the full attention of every resident who cares about who actually governs this city. Several sources say Axon Enterprise is conducting active polling in … Read More
Guest Editorial: Why does Solange Whitehead have overwhelming support from Scottsdale residents?
I’ll tell you why. Because she runs her campaign the same way she governs; effectively, with fiscal discipline and a vision for Scottsdale’s future. Unlike other office holders and candidates, she doesn’t take advice from just a small group of advisors but listens and learns from everyone she encounters. Solange wants to do what is best for our community. … Read More
Get to Know Your Candidates: Our Q&A with Scottsdale City Councilmember Solange Whitehead
As a reminder, we sent out a similar questionnaire to every candidate for Scottsdale city council. Their submissions are being posted in the order of being received. All of the questions were the same except for the last two, which were customized to each candidate. Do you support the Axon development as originally proposed, including up to 1,900 residential units, … Read More
Axon’s Money Finds Its Way to Whitehead…By Another Route
By Ronald Sampson The Check That Raised Questions A recent Scottsdale Progress campaign finance review of 2026 council candidates contained a detail worth examining closely. Council candidate Solange Whitehead’s first-quarter donor list is topped by a $5,000 contribution from Mike Wagers, identified as Chief Customer Officer of Axon Enterprise. Five thousand dollars. Nearly 20% of her total first-quarter haul. From a senior … Read More
Guest Editorial: Trust Solange to Do What’s Best for Scottsdale
By Betty Janik Sadly, elections have become filled with untruths. Such is the case regarding Axon and the Scottsdale City Council race. Recent attacks have spread further fabrications and questioned Councilwoman Solange Whitehead’s honesty. Here are the facts: · When Axon World Headquarters was approved by a previous Council, Solange voted yes – after the residential component was lowered from 2,300 … Read More