By Betty Janik
While media was captivated with the breakup of the Trump/Musk bromance, Scottsdale had its own melodrama.
In records released by County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, it was revealed that Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas, with strong support from Councilmen Barry Graham and Adam Kwasman, filed the “Parkingate” criminal complaint against Mayor Borowsky. This was an attempt to have Mayor Lisa Borowsky removed from office and replaced with Jan Dubauskas. The complaint was dismissed, but the legal recording (Scottsdale Progress June 5) of the interview by county detectives paints a bleak picture of the gang of three.
The Goldwater Institute filed a second suit to invalidate Prop 490 that supports parks, preserve, fire and police protection, claiming that the new state law requires a 60% voter approval for any new taxes (AZ Central June 5). Prop 490 passed with 58.25% voter approval. There is strong evidence that the state rule only applies to state taxes. Scottsdale legal department is hopeful that the complaint will be dropped with little fanfare.
The ethics complaint against Barry Graham was resolved by the Ethics Panel by a 2/1 vote on June 5 reporting it as an unintentional violation of the Ethics Code. However, City Council rejected the findings on a 3/3 vote at the June 10 meeting.
On June 5, a ranting from Council Member Kwasman, with expletives that should have been deleted, was sent to Mayor Borowsky. He blamed the Mayor for the breakdown in negotiations with AXON that would have reduced the number of apartments by nearly 50%. However, in an interview on Channel 12 News with AXON President Josh Eisner, it was announced that AXON has pulled out of negotiations with City of Scottsdale. Eisner cited disarray of City Council, specifically the toxic environment created by the gang of three Council Members – Graham, Kwasman, and Dubauskas. They continue to undercut the Mayor making negotiations impossible. AXON will now proceed with the project as originally approved by Council in 2024.
Time for a reset. Time for Council to work together for the good of our community.
Betty Janik
Scottsdale Councilwoman 2021-2025