By Councilman Barry Graham I grew up in North Scottsdale, and now my wife and I are raising our sons in South Scottsdale. So I have a unique perspective on a situation that happened recently. Last Monday, Michelle Ugenti-Rita, Raoul Zubia and I sat on the same stage at the Arizona Republic Scottsdale City Council Candidate Forum. Michelle noted that … Read More
Scottsdale Council Forum Recap: Water, Growth and a Few Sharp Elbows
By Vanessa Rogers The Arizona Republic hosted a Scottsdale City Council forum that gave voters their clearest side-by-side look yet. On stage were Barry Graham, Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Raoul Zubia. The policy differences were real. However, the differences in tone may be what voters remember most. Opening Statements Set the Tone Graham opened on water. He said Scottsdale’s supply is … Read More
The Schoolyard Bully Meets the Hall Monitor: Attorney General is Reviewing Axon-Linked PAC
For months, Scottsdale residents watched a deep-pocketed group push around three council candidates. Now someone with a badge is paying attention. According to The Arizona Republic, the Attorney General’s Office is reviewing a complaint that Better Together, a PAC with close ties to Axon, failed to properly disclose its donors on signs and ads. As we asked back in July, … Read More
Op-Ed: Scottsdale Deserves a Council Member Above Suspicion. That Isn’t Graham.
By Susan Salvaterra Public office runs on trust. Barry Graham has spent that trust down to almost nothing. Graham is at the center of an Attorney General investigation into whether Scottsdale’s council violated open meeting law. According to the Arizona Republic, five of the six citizen complaints involve him. They allege that he used personal email accounts to coordinate talking … Read More
Op-Ed: Barry Graham’s Message and His Money Don’t Add Up
By John Ainley Barry Graham wants us to believe he is Scottsdale’s anti-development candidate. His campaign finances tell a different story. During his 2022 run, while presenting himself as a fierce opponent of development, Barry collected more than $20,000 from real estate and development executives. That pattern continues in this race. When Barry voted against The Parque project, which Raoul … Read More
Mr. Zubia: Stop telling residents the taps are dry so you can give the water to developers
By Robert Thompson Scottsdale stands alone as a leader of water conservation, recycling and storage. We have reused and recharged what we have for more than 20 years. This council is making record water investments, and is adding another plant once the costs and the health regulations are known. That means our taps aren’t running dry — and anyone telling … Read More
Guest Editorial: Choose a proven record, not a resume
By Councilman Barry Graham Every election, City Council candidates tout their resumes and make promises. However, I’m running for reelection on my record of putting taxpayers first and being accountable to residents. That helped me earn the endorsement of Scottsdale police officers and firefighters. For four years I have stood up for you against special interests. I have preserved our … Read More
Op-Ed: Barry and Michelle Will Protect Our Water. Will Zubia Give It Away?
By Nicole M. Living in the desert means drought is always a concern. The Colorado River cuts were lighter than feared, but the drought is real, and Scottsdale must stay vigilant. That is why water sits at the center of this election. Councilman Barry Graham and Michelle Ugenti-Rita treat water as supply and demand. They back conservation, smarter irrigation, rules … Read More
Zubia and Graham Trade Water Visions in First Council Debate
By Vanessa Rogers Scottsdale voters got their first side-by-side look at the council race this week as three candidates are competing for two seats. Early voting begins next week. The first of two debates touched on water, tourism, short-term rentals and public safety. Water Takes Center Stage Raoul Zubia, a lifelong Scottsdale resident, called water the top issue he hears … Read More