Mayor Borowsky seeks amicable resolution in support of Axon completing headquarters in Scottsdale
Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is calling on Axon leadership to come to the table and work toward a compromise on its proposed housing project amid unprecedented political plays at Arizona Legislature.
To accomplish its “my way or the highway” super high-density apartment agenda, the largest in the city’s and Arizona’s history — Axon executives have, again, taken to aggressively lobbying the Arizona Legislature to get its way, instead of working with the decision-makers in Scottsdale and its residents.
Through political maneuvering, Axon executives and lobbyists brokered a “strike-everything” deal where, this morning, the company worked to convince members of the Arizona House of Representatives that they have no choice but to leave Arizona, taking its planned headquarters and employees elsewhere, an utter falsehood.
At the hearing this morning, Mayor Borowsky shared her position as follows:
“As mayor of my hometown, Scottsdale, I stand together with my fellow residents, councilmembers and our Scottsdale legislators in strong opposition to SB1543, the ‘tailor-made’ Axon bill — I encourage each of you to do the same. Specifically, I ask you to vote ‘NO’ on the proposed legislation.”
Citing her reasons for opposing the legislation, Mayor Borowsky added:
“Axon’s creative political manipulation is a last-ditch attempt to avoid working with the city. I’ve communicated my willingness to work with Axon’s leadership to achieve a resolution regarding the overwhelming number of previously approved apartments, now subject to a referendum election. Axon appeared to participate but, instead, ran to the state legislature to find an easier path; this is unfortunate. Notwithstanding, I re-urge my encouragement for Axon to work with me, my council and our citizens to find a successful path forward.”
At today’s hearing, much discussion was heard regarding the pitfalls and unintended consequences of the proposed legislation, and the Committee voiced strong encouragement for city officials and Axon to work together to find compromise.
Following the hearing, Mayor Borowsky responded in kind:
“I stand ready to work with Axon to achieve reasonable goals with their leadership while protecting our city and our residents’ interests. I am a strong believer in the ‘art of the possible’ and I am confident we can achieve a workable solution, if all in good faith. I hope I can count on Rick Smith and his team to do the same.”
