By Bobby “Rob” Birmingham
Barry Graham and his minions have spent weeks repeatedly criticizing Raoul Zubia over support from the Realtor Association. Their social media trolls continue to spread lies and disinformation about Realtors.
Ironically, Graham’s own campaign finance reports show nearly $50,000 in contributions from people tied to real estate, development, property management, and related business interests.
Want the receipts? Names include John Graham of Sunbelt Holdings, Daniel Slack and Warren Baker of Baker Development, Jay Rollins of Canopy Real Estate, Howard Lein of Excalibur Realty, Gary Bohall of Scottsdale Land Co., Cynthia Simonson of Simonson Buildings, and Realtors including Lisa Lucky, David Boudreau, Kris Boudreau, and Valerie Teich.
The hypocrisy is astounding.
Graham has tried to frame himself as anti-development and make his opponent look like a development demon. The only person running in this race who has actually voted for more development is Barry Graham.
More receipts:
Cosanti Commons 196 apartments: On December 3, 2024, Graham voted to approve the rezoning for Cosanti Commons near Shea Boulevard and 70th Street. The project includes 196 apartments plus commercial space.
Legacy North 443 units: On January 18, 2024, Graham was among the Development Review Board members voting 6–1 to approve the design plans for Legacy North Apartments at Crossroads, a 443-unit multifamily development. This was a design-plan approval rather than the same type of rezoning vote as Cosanti Commons.
Maybe that’s why he takes so much of that industry’s money?
If Graham and his cohorts’ argument is that real estate-related money deserves scrutiny, Graham’s own donor list is part of that discussion too.
The same standard should be applied consistently to both campaigns.
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