Op-Ed from BASIS Student – If They Could Vote It Would Be for Zubia

By Priya Curley

Councilmember Barry Graham’s vote for the controversial Brown Avenue parking garage raises legitimate questions about the appearance of a conflict of interest.

In 2019, Legacy Gallery owner Jinger Richardson was specifically identified among gallery owners who had pushed City Hall to address downtown parking shortages.

Fast forward to April 14, 2026. Graham voted to approve a $3.8 million first-phase contract for the Brown Avenue garage, part of a project budgeted at roughly $18 million, despite substantial opposition from residents and Old Town businesses.

Then, on May 7, Richardson contributed $1,000 to Graham’s reelection campaign. Graham’s own campaign-finance filing identifies her as the owner of Legacy Gallery.

Residents deserve transparency. Did Richardson or other Graham donors advocating for additional Old Town parking communicate with him about this garage? Were meetings held before the vote? Did the Farmers Market come up?

If so, Graham should release those communications.

When elected officials approve multimillion-dollar projects benefiting priorities long advocated by political supporters without allowing there to be a study or clear justification, disclosure should not require a public-records request.