Opponents Are Also Readying A Landslide Of Litigation Challenges: Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions (TAAAZE) Is Preparing For A Statewide Battle
In response to Arizona State Representative Tony Rivero’s efforts to resurrect Axon’s bill to deprive Arizonans of their voting rights, Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions (TAAAZE) has formed a statewide political action committee to take on Axon’s destructive legislation in the courts and at the ballot box if necessary.
TAAAZE Chairman and former Scottsdale Councilmember Bob Littlefield said, “Axon can expect a tooth and nail fight in court if its bill survives. In addition, TAAAZE is prepared to challenge this legislation via referendum at the ballot box, assuming Axon doesn’t convince the legislature to take away more voting rights.”
Axon’s rezoning proposal calls for some 1,900 apartments near Hayden and the 101 in Scottsdale. It would be the largest apartment complex in state history in terms of units built. When opponents submitted nearly 27,000 signatures and got the proposal placed on the November 2026 ballot, Axon tried to do an end run by introducing a bill that would prevent residents anywhere in Arizona from challenging rezoning decisions at the ballot box.
When that effort failed Peoria State Representative Tony Rivero, amended an existing bill in order to effectively cancel the Scottsdale vote. The ramifications of this special interest legislation could be disastrous for residents statewide wanting to challenge bad zoning decisions at the ballot box. Even as revised it would impact millions of state residents.
If Axon succeeds, it will reap millions in profits at the expense of Arizona schools. Axon bought the property from the State Land Department at a reduced rate because the land was not zoned for apartments at the time. Revenue from those sales goes to Arizona schools.
Littlefield added, “Nobody thought we could collect enough signatures to bring the Axon apartment issue to a vote in Scottsdale. They were wrong. And those who don’t think we have the will or the means to challenge this ridiculous statewide legislation just aren’t reading the room, or the polls.”