Op-Ed: Raoul Zubia is Mainstream and Has the Moral High Ground

By Jim Derouin

Jerome Garcia’s recent post makes several claims about Raoul Zubia that are preposterous and simply not true.  Most glaring is the assertion that Raoul’s support comes “exclusively from Democrats and socialist factions.” That is pure poppy cock.

Raoul’s publicly listed endorsers include Deb Gullett, a former Republican state representative, and Wes Gullett, a longtime Republican operative who served as an adviser to Senator John McCain and chief of staff to Republican Gov. Fife Symington. Deb Gullett was a Republican legislator and longtime Republican activist, while Wes Gullett was a Republican presidential elector for John McCain in 2008 and ran for Mayor of Phoenix against Greg Stanton.

Further, Raoul’s endorsement list includes former council candidate and conservative Crystal Caroll, Coconino County Assessor and Republican Jack Lunsford, numerous current and former local elected officials, business and community leaders, the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, Scottsdale firefighters and Scottsdale REALTORS®, former Mayor Sam Campana, and former federal prosecutor and Republican Patrick Cunningham.

Does that sound like a coalition of Democrats and socialists?

Zubia has publicly rejected DSA. His campaign does not list DSA among its endorsements. The continued attacks and statements suggesting DSA involvement is irresponsible.

The claim that Zubia offers no substantive policy positions is also outright wrong and disproven by his published platform. His campaign specifically calls for water recycling, stronger enforcement of short-term-rental ordinances, development standards addressing height and traffic and more. Ignoring these facts is untrue and outright false.

Scottsdale voters deserve arguments based on the candidates’ actual records and positions. Fictionalized stories aren’t needed.

Raoul’s opponents, however, have become well known for spreading disinformation about water recycling and fellow councilmembers through anonymous social media sources.  I may sound old, but I would like to bring back the days of Herb Drinkwater when members of the City Council put Scottsdale first rather than their own careers.

Raoul Zubia was born and raised in Scottdale.  This is “home.”  This is where he spent his professional career.  This is where he has volunteered for innumerable civic activities for decades. His integrity is unchallengeable.  If voters want someone who will put “citizens first,” he is the person.  All this gibberish about Raoul being radical is silly talk that only makes conservatives of conscience want to back him more in order to make the City Council civil again.