Countering Axon Misinformation: Another Reason to Elect Raoul Zubia

Contributed by Solange Whitehead

Scottsdale’s economic strength depends on decisions rooted in fiscal responsibility, not political gamesmanship. Unfortunately, a dark-money PAC recently promoted by some on the City Council nearly cost our city critical revenue, public safety, and jobs.

Thankfully, a slim council majority voted to keep Axon’s global headquarters in Scottsdale. I am writing to clear up the misinformation about the company and the project.

Axon is a Scottsdale-born company now valued at $54 billion and is a global leader in law enforcement technologies. It is one of Scottsdale’s largest and highest wage employers. The company brings in revenue for Scottsdale- keeping our taxes lower- and makes Scottsdale residents and our police safer. 

The approved campus will have 600 apartments and 600 condominiums. It will be one of the lowest density projects in the airpark and will include a public dog park, pedestrian path, hotels, and restaurants. The campus will also

make Scottsdale the global destination for law enforcement conferences, R&D, and training – a desirable and almost recession-proof new tourism sector.

Axon has been a good corporate citizen and is a excellent example of American innovation. Like most residents, I opposed the original 2,000-apartment proposal and worked to make it better. Much better, in fact. 

The negotiations we did to keep Axon here were never about politics and were always about what is good for Scottsdale.

The Axon case is one example of many demonstrating the need to elect civic leaders like Raoul Zubia who are focused on what is best for our community.