By Cindy Carcamo | Los Angeles Times
CAVE CREEK, Ariz. — Clad in a black Stetson and Tony Lama lizard-skin boots, Mayor Vince Francia adjusted the holster on his right leg. His six-shooter was loaded with blanks.
At least 300 spectators milled around the dusty gravel parking lot of the Horny Toad restaurant and bar, waiting for Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane.
This would be a duel, a quick-draw contest between the mayors to settle a dispute over a motto claimed by both towns: Which one is “the West’s Most Western Town?”
High noon came and went; Lane didn’t show. He had a polo tournament to attend.
Anyway, Scottsdale prefers paper over bullets. The town had already threatened Cave Creek with hired guns – known as lawyers.
Statement by Adam Trenk, vice mayor Cave Creek and Rose Law Group attorney: “Cave Creek emerged from its challenge with Scottsdale as the victor. The cheeky PR stunt that cost the taxpayer nothing yielded the highest attendance of any event in the town’s history, a reinvigorated tourism and entertainment industry and national recognition of our unique western character.
