Citing a “toxic environment” created by the internal politics of the Scottsdale City Council, Axon announced on Monday that it will no longer try to negotiate with the City as it plans to build its headquarters.
On Monday, Axon President Josh Isner tweeted the news after meeting with Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky:
“Unfortunately, Axon is withdrawing from negotiations with the City of Scottsdale. The internal politics of the City Council currently make it impossible to reach an agreement. I have never seen such a toxic environment in my life. We put a great deal on the table and we tried our best.”
https://twitter.com/leiboaz/status/1932196156731486509
Isner thanked Scottsdale Councilman Adam Kwasman in response to his post on X.com in which he made clear that he believed Axon was negotiating in good faith:
“Thank you Councilman. You came to the table in a solution-oriented and thoughtful way. It was a pleasure working with you on this and appreciate your continued support of Axon.”
Kwasman’s post read:
“I want to make it clear to everyone following @axon_us and Scottsdale:
@JoshIsner’s negotiations with the mayor and me were in good faith. Their offers were generous and would have benefitted both Scottsdale and Arizona as a whole. I now consider Josh a friend. I am saddened that my colleagues could not share in a vision that would have reduced approved density, reduced approved apartments, funded police, and built an incredible partnership between the city and one of America’s best companies. Despite today’s inability to reach an accord, I will continue to work tirelessly to find a solution.”https://twitter.com/AdamKwasman/status/1932217409697718438
Isner also thanked Mayor Lisa Borowsky, who posted on X.com:
“I appreciate Axon’s efforts to come to the table and engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the future of their development. Their team was willing to make concessions to their existing plan, which I appreciate.
Unfortunately, there were too many hurdles to overcome in order to move an agreement forward successfully.
I remain hopeful that future negotiations result in a win-win agreement that works for the community and keeps this vital employer right where it belongs – in Scottsdale.”
— Lisa Borowskyhttps://twitter.com/MayorBorowsky/status/1932221638210470209
Arizona State Rep. Joseph Chaplik has led much of the opposition to Axon’s plan to build a 400,000-square-foot corporate campus off the Loop 101 that would include restaurants, a hotel, and 1,900 apartments.
An apartment broker, some have speculated that Chaplik has a financial interest in keeping apartment costs high in the Scottsdale area due to limited supply. Chaplik has denied that accusation and hurled his own claim that Axon has used intimidation tactics against elected officials.
In addition to Chaplik’s opposition, another figure has emerged in the ongoing debate; Yvonne Cahill, often referred to as a “shadow mayor” of Scottsdale. In addition to operating several apartment complexes in the area, Cahill also serves as the Communications Assistant for the Scottsdale Mayor. Some speculate that Cahill’s influence and business interests align closely with those of Chaplik, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
After negotiations fell through on Monday, Isner blasted Chaplik again, posting:
“This is directly contrary to what City officials have said.
Focus less on this and more on your history of IRS tax liens.”https://twitter.com/JoshIsner/status/1932224347386859530
Isner was responding to Chaplik’s post:
“Axon has not been operating in good faith since they bought the land in #Scottsdale.
They have divided the Republican caucus and they are now dividing the city council.
They do not listen to the people of Scottsdale, who I represent. They have bypassed all proper channels to resolve their land use issues.Their tactics included bullying, threatening and secured close door meetings. This is not how a transparent company operates.
If the threat to leave Scottsdale is serious, I call for Axon to publicly disclose which state and city they plan to move to.”
Chaplik was referring to the drama that played out in the Legislature as lawmakers tried to keep Axon jobs in Arizona. During the passage of a bill, SB1543, which would allow companies developing international headquarters in Arizona to build housing and hotels on their campuses, Chaplik falsely accused one lawmaker of grabbing items from his desk on the House floor and throwing them on the floor. Video footage showed that Chaplik was not telling the truth. Ethics charges against Chaplik are under consideration, according to sources.
Fifty-nine percent of voters statewide and 56% of Scottsdale voters supported the bill, while Chaplik and a California union-backed group whipped up a mere 35% opposed.
One critic on X.com wrote:
“Joe Chaplik is working against the interests of his own constituents because he cares nothing about Scottsdale or AZ. Why would a Scottsdale representative do everything in his power to push out a $40 billion homegrown company that employs thousands of Arizonans in high paying jobs, pays millions in taxes, did not ask for any public subsidies and worked with neighbors and the Scottsdale city council to find an agreement. Chaplik is an ideologue who makes his money selling crappy apartment complexes.”
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No way Axon should be able to break all city zoning laws and overdevelop their land because they lobby at the state level.
Unprecedented.
Can all citizens get such special treatment??