Guest Editorial: Practice Civility — Don’t Just Campaign on It

In 2017 Scottsdale became a Golden Rule City: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” The City Council’s Civil Dialogue principles ask us to patiently listen, speak respectfully, and own our words.

We expect leaders to live by that.

We have seen many Scottsdale elections, some more than others, in which candidates abide by that principle. Unfortunately, this election has been one of the most uncivil in recent memory. While most candidates have campaigned on the issues, the exception is Raoul Zubia, who has circulated doctored photos, called his opponents “cowards” and “whiners,” joked about candidates “crying,” and used smears on his street signs.

That was capped off this week when he published a derogatory AI image of Councilman Adam Kwasman in a campaign video to promote a false narrative about the Council majority — the exact same “deepfake” image that 12 News’ Brahm Resnik warned corrodes public trust.Axon President Josh Isner is a major Zubia donor. Better Together, an Axon-linked PAC funded by an out-of-state super PAC, has run personal, insulting ads and ugly signs opposing Barry Graham and Michelle Ugenti-Rita while promoting Zubia.

Even as the street signs blight the city, Zubia stays silent.

Residents deserve a civil finish to this race. Let’s hope Zubia practices what he preaches.