Guest Editorial: A Brief History of the Bloc Majority Actions

By Betty Janik

In January, 2024, the Bloc (Dubaskas, Graham, Kwasman and Littlefield) became the dominant force on Scottsdale City Council with Barry Graham as their spokesperson.  

Below is a brief summary of a few of their more notable actions:

1. They voted the voluntary Sustainability plan down allowing no discussion. The plan included a chapter on water conservation which would have increased our water reserves and security.  At this election time, Graham has conveniently changed his position.
2. They filed charges in Maricopa County Court against Mayor Borowsky in an effort to have her removed from office.  The charges were quickly dismissed after preliminary interviews revealed the charges false.  Why did they undertake this action? It appears the Bloc was angry because the Mayor dared to disagree with some of their positions.
3. They moved the open comment section to the end of the Council meetings, which frequently occurs as late as 8 or 9 pm.  This made it near impossible for senior citizens and residents with families to share their thoughts on City issues or concerns.  Residents Last!  
4. They were opposed to Prop 490 which provides 30 years of funding for our Parks and the Preserve including upkeep and Preserve fire prevention.  Bob Littlefield, a close confidant of Graham, has challenged the legality of 490 and the courts again rejected Littlefield’s arguments, and by proxy Graham’s.  

490 stands as a testament to work Raoul Zubia did as vice-chair of the 490 committee and the will of the voter.

Water facts which the Bloc conveniently ignores-

1. The water shortage is here now and is real.  While the SRP service area south of the Arizona Canal is in good shape, the water supplied to the northern part of Scottsdale is not.  North Scottsdale receives about 90% of its water from CAP which has been cut about 25% for the next 2 years and a projected 70% thereafter.  The Colorado River is over allocated; the promised water and wet water credits are just not there. Legal credits cannot supply nonexistent water.
2. Over 20 years of work into the Advanced Water Purification has been successful and would provide a clean, reliable source of water.  The cost estimates have been greatly exaggerated by Dusbaskas and the insinuation by Ugenti-Rita that the water is not pure is blatantly false. 

The Bloc cut over $200,000M from the water budget removing AWP which the experienced experts at the state level strongly support.

VOTE Raoul Zubia, and only Raoul Zubia. Scottsdale needs balanced, competent leadership with a firm understanding of issues.  He listens to the citizens, fellow Council members, and the real experts.

Betty Janik Former Scottsdale Councilman

Sonoran Sage