Scottsdale

Scottsdale Fire Department Fuming Over Fiscal Irresponsibility

July 28, 2010

Today the Scottsdale Fire Department begins a new era in its short five-year history. Steve Randall replaces Willie McDonald, the only fire chief the municipally-managed department has ever had.

Even though Randall will only serve as the interim fire chief until a permanent one can be hired, this was supposed to be a time that featured handshakes and hugs. It was expected to be about McDonald receiving a fond farewell, Randall being wished good luck and the city opening a new chapter in the evolution of its fire department. Read More...

Scottsdale Fire Dept. Gets Free Advice For Anniversary

June 28, 2010

July 1 is the five-year anniversary of the City of Scottsdale's municipally-run fire department. But instead of being a time of community celebration, it's a time of curiosity following a strangely scripted advice column last week by the Scottsdale Republic.

However, that's not where the story starts - which is with the departure of Fire Chief Willie McDonald, who is leaving the city at the end of the month to take over the helm of the San Jose, California fire department. Read More...

What Planet Is Mayor Jim Lane Living On?

June 07, 2010

From time to time politicians are accused of being out of touch. And, occasionally some of them can even seem, well ... a little touched.

In the case of Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane it's tough to tell which it may be. Whichever it is, something is clearly wrong - and it's coloring the mayor's view of the world. Particularly Scottsdale's place in it.

Bragging about their city is part of every mayor's job. Being a booster is expected. It can build community pride, generate various economic opportunities ... and be good for votes at election time. But Scottsdale's mayor has gotten carried away. Some fear that Mayor Lane is suffering from a full-fledged phobia. Read More...

A Lesson in "Situational Transparency"

March 30, 2010

He's back! Mayor Jim Lane has returned from his excursion of taking Scottsdale's open government off shore, all the way to the People's Republic of China.

Mayor Lane took seven days and traveled more than 10,000 miles to sign an agreement with his counterpart in Haikou. As of March 20th, Scottsdale and Haikou became Sister Cities. However, Mayor Lane never discussed the Sister Cities agreement with the City Council ... or, as far as anyone knows, with someone in city government. And that's surprising. Read More...

Scottsdale Mayor Spending Spring Break on Tropical Island

March 18, 2010

It's that time of year ... Spring Break!

Families have headed for places like Disneyland ... college students are partying in Rocky Point ... and the mayor of Scottsdale has just arrived in the People's Republic of China. And not just anywhere in China - but on the tropical island just south of the mainland called Hainan. Its capital city, Haikou, is packed with golf courses, palm trees and features a warm climate.

Sound familiar? Mayor Jim Lane should feel right at home. Read More...

Judge Monte Morgan Gets A Root'n-Toot'n Reprieve

February 22, 2010

Before last week, hardly anybody had any idea who Monte Morgan is: a former singing cowboy ... a one-time trick roper in a Wild West Show ... a horse wrangler from Cave Creek?

Nope. None of the above.

After being the hottest topic of two City Council meetings last week, a lot more people now know that Monte Morgan has been Scottsdale's presiding city judge for the last 10 years. That means he's also a charter officer. But for a while, if the majority of the council had had their way, Morgan would be a "former judge" and a "previous charter officer." Read More...