Mayoral candidate David Ortega, right, helps deliver petition signatures for the referendum against Southbridge Two in January. Pablo Robles/Progress staff photographer
By Wayne Schutsky | Scottsdale Progress
Following nearly a decade out of the limelight, mayoral candidate David Ortega re-emerged on the local political scene in 2019 to oppose two high profile downtown developments before the City Council.
The former councilman was a vocal critic of the proposed Sunday Goods medical marijuana dispensary and the controversial Southbridge Two development, making appearances before Council and writing a dozen letters to the editor during the second half of 2019.
But some critics have questioned Ortega’s motives, noting he was paid to oppose the dispensary and allegations that he sought similar payments for his role opposing Southbridge Two.
