Which City Council candidate will best protect the Preserve?

Jason Alexander

By Jason Alexander

Raoul Zubia has the strongest track record of supporting the Preserve. Raoul Zubia was Vice Chair of the Protect & Preserve Task Force that helped write Prop 490 two years ago, and guaranteed future funding and maintenance for our parks and Preserve. Zubia also supported Prop 420 in 2018, which put the proposed Desert Discovery Center to a vote of the citizens. I know this because I spent 3 years helping lead the PAC behind that signature drive. Prop 420 saved the residents $70 million in taxes and stopped development in the Preserve. Finally, Raoul Zubia has been endorsed by four of the City of Scottsdale’s recognized Preserve Pioneers – former Mayor Mary Manross, former Councilwoman Virginia Korte, former Mayor Sam Campana and Preserve founder Carla.

Raoul’s dedication to the Preserve has impressively earned support from leaders across the political landscape, who all have spent decades advocating and protecting Scottsdale’s unique amenity. Zubia has also spent years volunteering for other community pillars like the Coronado Promise which supports college educations for Scottsdale kids, and Partners for Paiute which helps South Scottsdale neighbors at the Paiute Neighborhood Center and senior centers.

Barry Graham’s track record is the polar opposite of Zubia’s. On April 2, 2024, Barry Graham voted against placing Prop 490 on the ballot. Graham again voted no on August 20, 2024. Denying residents a vote is typical for Barry Graham – three times he blocked sending the Axon referendum to the voters, nor did he support Prop 420 which put the Desert Discovery Center to a vote. Barry is not endorsed by our Preserve Pioneers. But most damningly, Barry’s PR merchant – Rod Pritchett of Primary Consultants – actually ran the divisive PR campaign FOR the Desert Discovery Center. Raoul Zubia is the right choice.