Scottsdale Property Taxes Increasing

The city has given notice that it intends to raise residential property taxes by 3.52%. While a property tax increase may be warranted, especially considering the wealth of services that the city offers, we hope this is not a the beginning of a trend. Raising taxes on homeowners has a direct benefit on the local economy. Families will have less money to spend at local businesses because the city's coffers need filling. If we need to raise property taxes to pay for additional municipal services...fine. If we are rushing to increase taxes to pay for unnecessary, unwarranted programs being advocated only by city staffers, then we need to reassess Scottsdale's priorities.

The good folks on both sides of this issues will have a chance to let their opinions be heard at an upcoming public hearing.

Public Hearing on Proposed Tax Increase
Tuesday, June 7
Scottsdale City Hall
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. (map)

Danica Patrick Makes Scottsdale Proud

Danica Patrick's performance in the Indianapolis 500 should make everyone in her hometown of Scottsdale proud. We hope the children of Scottsdale will look to her as an admirable, courageous and accomplished leader.

Scottsdale's Newest Sister City

Scottsdale will be riding the Marrakech Express now that the two world-class destinations are Sister Cities. This is great news for Scottsdale, since the Sister City program is internationally recognized and respected. Hopefully this will lead to greater cultural and economic exchange between the two cities.

Seen at Gainey Ranch

Battling for Golfer's Dollars

Scottsdale is in hot competition with Las Vegas and Palm Springs for the attention (and $$$) of visiting golfers.

Public Records Law Improving

Access to Scottsdale's public records should improve following the city's recent show-down with the East Valley Tribune.

Scottsdale Arts Center Upgrade

Scottsdale's arts center is about to get a new look

Soleri's Scottsdale Bridge

Paolo Soleri is interested in bringing a little nature to the middle of a rapidly developing area. This exciting initiative deserves the support of residents, builders and city leaders. Projects like this are part of what makes Scottsdale a truly great city.

Taliesin Tours Heating Up

The summer is a great time to enjoy a tour of Taliesin West. Sparse crowds mean an up-close, intimate experience with Frank Lloyd Wright's desert masterpiece. Several different tour options are available, appealing to a broad range of interests.

Drake's Conflict List Lengthens

Scottsdale City Councilwoman Betty Drake has released a list of the development companies she is working for. Many of those companies have pending business before the council. Drake states that she will recuse herself from voting on issues where she has a conflict of interest. Yet, that raises a tricky question for her: should she continue to serve as a city councilwoman if she cannot vote on an increasing number of issues? Don't the voters of Scottsdale deserve better than a part-timer who must recuse herself on major issues facing the city? Drake was elected to serve her constituents. Every time her multiple conflicts of interest prohibit her from voting on important issues those same constituents are disserved, with Drake choosing her bottom line over the needs of Scottsdale. Drake should once-and-for-all make the choice between her business and her political career.

No Trash at this Trailer Park

It's great to see city leaders opposing the request to rezone a portion of south Scottsdale that would make leave many elderly residents homeless. It was a bad idea to begin with and it remains wholly without merit. Turning our backs on residents just to gain a tad more profit is no way to run a city, and thankfully, our elected officials seem to realize that.

Gang Violence Threatens Scottsdale Families

Reacting to an increase in gang violence, a community meeting is planned to discuss how to adequately address the problem. City leaders (elected officials, staff and police) must get out in front of this issue and dedicate the necessary resources to the beleaguered south Scottsdale neighborhood currently under siege from gang members, followers and misguided hangers-on. Law-abiding families deserve better than the threat of gang violence in their backyard. The public meeting will take place:

Monday, May 23; 6pm
Paiute Neighborhood Center
6535 E. Osborn Rd. (map)

Hydrogen Man's Home in Scottsdale

A $2 million home is being built in Scottsdale that will run solely on hydrogen. The engineer behind the bold plan will soon be moving into the new home with his family. Given the sudden spike in local temperatures he may want to triple-check that hydrogen-powered air conditioning to ensure it's in good working order.

D.I.Y. Preservation for Scottsdale

It will be up to Scottsdale residents to do what the State Legislature could not do. The future of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve will be at stake in a citizen's initiative which could appear on the 2006 election ballot. At least Scottsdale residents will be able to empower themselves and decide their own fate; too bad the Legislature couldn't get beyond partisan politics and ensure preservation of open spaces in Arizona.

Coach House Still Facing Challenges

A long-established Scottsdale business is still facing challenges with City Hall. Granted, the Coach House needs to better coordinate with the city on improvement projects, however, this does not excuse the seemingly overzealous actions of city staffers, many who are already biased against the downtown pub. A compromise should be worked out that keeps the Coach House open and keeps them in compliance with Scottsdale's strict city codes.

Compact Guide to Scottsdale History

Scottsdale's history spans thousands of years, however most of the known history has occurred in the last 100+ years. Read the chronology and learn more about The West's Most Western Town.

CNN Highlights Scottsdale Courses

CNN's 72 Holes in 72 Hours feature focuses on two courses in Scottsdale. Troon North and TPC are listed as two of the Valley's outstanding courses. Perhaps CNN should expand this feature to include the world-class courses in Scottsdale and throughout the Valley.

Water, Water Everywhere

Speaking of art, an exciting new exhibit is coming to Scottsdale. Water, Water Everywhere spotlights artists from around the world featuring their works inspired by water. The transforming qualities of the essential liquid fills the exhibit with overflowing potential.

Bon Appetit Art Walk

The beloved Thursday night ArtWalk has a new taste this week. The Bon Appetit ArtWalk will be a celebration of wonderful art and fantastic food; and the best part: it's free. Bon Appetit!

Star Wars Comes to Scottsdale

Local fans are preparing for the release of the Star Wars Episode 3 at the Cine Capri. Dedicated followers will be camped out for a week in advance of the final Star Wars movie. May the force be with them!

Open House for ASU Scottsdale Site

The City is holding an open house for residents to learn more about the ASU Scottsdale Center for New Technology. This is a great opportunity to find out how this exciting new project will impact local neighborhoods, the rest of Scottsdale and the entire metro area. Now that Los Arcos is history it's up to residents to stay informed of events at the southeast corner of McDowell and Scottsdale roads.

The Best Fire Department We Can Afford

It is in Scottsdale's long-term interest to invest in the best possible fire department. Whether or not Rural/Metro sought the same services the city is now considering is irrelevant. The bottom line is that the safety of our residents and visitors is priceless. No corner should be cut when it comes to life-and-death issues.

Scottsdale to Decide on All-Day K

The May 17 election is an opportunity for Scottsdale residents to be heard on education issues. All-day kindergarten is the issue getting the most attention from local voters. The Insider predicts that the bond override will pass and all-day K will be on its way to Scottsdale schools.

Seeing Scottsdale from the Sky

View Scottsdale from above courtesy of Google Maps. The picture does include portions of Phoenix, Fountain Hills and the Pima reservation, but this is the best method for capturing most of Scottsdale.

Residents vs. Tourists

Does central Scottsdale's "resort corridor" want to cater to residents or tourists? Locals may get a chance to move into resort territory if Starpointe Properties gets their way. What happens may be an indication of Scottsdale's future direction on these type of issues...serving local residents or continue wooing visitors?

Good Afternoon, Mayor

I had the distinct pleasure of running into Scottdale Mayor Mary Manross at the grocery store this afternoon. After a quick chat (I told her she was doing a great job!) we continued our shopping and other Sunday errands. What a great city where you can just bump into the Mayor at the local market on a Sunday afternoon.