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
Guest Editorial: Negotiating Scottsdale’s Prosperity: A Tale of Two Projects
By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead On the surface, Avala Scottsdale (Modus Companies) and Old Town’s AC Marriott Hotel (PEG) don’t appear related. But both followed a similar path—and show what happens when a Council negotiates hard and delivers prosperity for all in Scottsdale. Both projects are in highly desirable locations—though in Scottsdale, that’s every site. Avala, a single-story, net-zero energy rental … Read More
Q1 Money Race: Whitehead Leads the 2026 Scottsdale City Council Field
By Alexander Lomax The first campaign finance reports of the 2026 Scottsdale City Council election cycle are in, covering January 1 through March 31. Eight candidates are chasing three seats currently held by Solange Whitehead, Barry Graham, and term-limited Kathy Littlefield. The numbers tell a story of incumbency advantage, an early frontrunner, and a field where the financial gaps are … Read More
The Axon Vote: What Councilwoman Whitehead Said vs. What She Did
By Michelle Ugenti-Rita Scottsdale Councilwoman Solange Whitehead Cannot Be Trusted With the election just three months away, Scottsdale voters deserve to know which candidates can be trusted to, say what they do and do what they say. Councilwoman Solange Whitehead is running for re-election, and her record on one of the most consequential development decisions in our city raises serious concerns about whether … Read More
Guest Editorial: What Makes a Good Candidate
By Mary Manross Do you know Solange Whitehead? I have known her for over 20 years. That is why I am proud to serve as Honorary Chair for her campaign for Scottsdale City Council. The first question I have for candidates is what do they believe are the most critical issues facing Scottsdale? Secondly, have they ever shown an ability … Read More
It’s Official: I am on the Ballot
By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead It’s Official: I am on the Ballot Get ready to vote in the July 21, 2026 Primary Election! I’m pleased to announce that my nominating paperwork is filed and I am officially on the ballot for re‑election to Scottsdale City Council. With the incredible help of volunteers—and knocking on doors and visiting neighborhoods —I proudly … Read More