Though company founder Rick Smith graduated from Chaparral High and grew his company from a fledgling to an international giant here, Axon's relationship with Scottsdale is perhaps politely described as "complicated."

If this is a city-corporation marriage, Smith has threatened divorce many times – during rages over blocks to his expansion plans.

It’s been a topsy-turvy relationship at best, with City Council approving Axon’s apartments-hotel-office expansion in North Scottsdale last November. Now, a much-different City Council is pondering joining a lawsuit that would topple a new state law and allow voters to decide on Axon’s needed rezoning.

At a "special meeting" called for 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, City Council will consider everything from joining the TAAAZE lawsuit to a new deal wi

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