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 Ace and the Unforced Error: Ugenti-Rita’s Tale of Two Moments
By Ronald Sampson Michelle Ugenti-Rita has had two very different moments on camera lately. One was a masterclass in how to answer a powerful opponent. The other, caught on camera at a debate, handed her rival a gift. First, the ace. Standing in front of a sign that shows her in cornrows, Ugenti-Rita said Axon could have simply opposed her … 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
Guest Editorial: Tourism is Big Business in Scottsdale
By Michelle Ugenti-Rita Fall has always been one of my favorite times of year in Scottsdale. Growing up here, I remember the excitement as tourism season kicked into gear. Throughout high school and college, I worked at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, now the Kimpton Miralina Resort and Villas, where we’d watch occupancy rates climb as business conferences, weddings, and other … 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
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
Op-Ed: Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Barry Graham Are Right for Scottsdale’s Future
By Steve Colombo We long-time Scottsdale residents chose to make the city our home. Simply being born here fails to make a candidate qualified. Years of drought and Colorado River cuts have made water a pivotal election issue. Only Mr. Graham and Ms. Ugenti-Rita have proven results on this topic. Raoul Zubia can only be judged by his campaign promises … Read More
Op-Ed: Zubia Too Friendly with Developers
By Mark McCurdy A longtime concern in Scottsdale has been the tight grip special interests hold on City Hall. Think about what still frustrates you: unwanted high-density apartments, strain on water from overdevelopment, neglected street maintenance, short-term rentals, sweetheart contracts, and road diets. Those are the results of years of special-interest control. Things changed in 2024, when residents elected a … Read More