Guest Editorial: Barry and Michelle Offer A Reality TV Show. I Offer Solutions.

By Raoul Zubia

Residents are tired of the antics. They just want leaders who will solve problems. 

Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Barry Graham have spent this election telling Scottsdale residents who to fear. Their latest attack on me is long on accusations, short on facts, and completely devoid of the leadership our city deserves. These are accusations that were dismantled and disproven numerous times over the course of the past three months. But they don’t care; to them, repeating lies is a pastime.

I am the water candidate: Planning for future shortages isn’t a hoax. It’s responsible leadership. Scottsdale’s current water security doesn’t eliminate the need to prepare for tomorrow. I support conservation, water recycling, and protecting our aquifers. That’s why I’ve challenged efforts to delay investments in our water future. Denying future risks won’t make them disappear. Posting videos with Rob Schneider isn’t a solution. 

On neighborhoods: I support stronger short-term rental enforcement, greater local control, and development that respects existing neighborhoods. I’ve appeared on several news programs, making my policy clear, and it has been on my website since day 1. My work helping vulnerable families through the Paiute Neighborhood Center reflects a lifetime of community service. Turning that service into a scare tactic is shameful.

On spending and public safety: I believe taxpayer dollars should deliver results: safe streets, reliable infrastructure, strong emergency services, and responsible investments that prevent more expensive problems down the road. Supporting police and firefighters while addressing homelessness and mental health isn’t an ideological agenda. It’s practical governance. I am proud to be supported by police and fire.

On special interests and Axon: I’ve never hidden my support for bringing quality jobs to Scottsdale while demanding responsible development. I’ve also publicly rejected unsolicited endorsements. I’ve consistently supported keeping good-paying jobs in Scottsdale while insisting that any development respect neighborhood concerns, water resources, and appropriate density. Supporting economic opportunity is not a blank check for developers. I do not want more Axon apartments. Only one candidate in this race has voted for MORE APARTMENTS – that’s Barry Graham.

Here’s the real difference in this election: My opponents see disagreement as disloyalty and compromise as weakness. I see both as part of responsible leadership.

I’m a lifelong Scottsdale resident and a proud Coronado High School graduate. I’ve served this community long before seeking elected office, and I’ll continue serving it regardless of political labels. Scottsdale doesn’t belong to developers, political organizations, or any three-person voting bloc. It belongs to its residents.

We deserve a City Council focused on solving problems, protecting neighborhoods, securing our water future, and treating people with respect.

Enough with the fear, division, and political theater. Let’s put Scottsdale first.