Scottsdale residents saw the last scheduled public appearance of the three candidates vying for two City Council seats at a Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce‑sponsored forum on Oct. 19, held at the DC Ranch Community Center in North Scottsdale. The event matters because the council will decide on critical issues such as water sustainability, development growth and short‑term rental regulation that affect daily life in the city.
According to Scottsdale.org, the candidates were former state representative Michelle Ugenti‑Rita, incumbent Councilman Barry Graham, and retired banker Raoul Zubia, who previously lost a 2022 bid. In the March primary, Ugenti‑Rita finished second, Graham third, and Zubia fifth, setting the stage for a runoff between the top two.
During the forum, Zubia attacked the current council majority, saying, “The greatest danger of our current council majority is our water.” He claimed the majority had defunded long‑planned recycled‑water projects, putting them on hold while neighboring cities invest in similar infrastructure. Zubia also accused Ugenti‑Rita and Graham of falsely labeling the city’s recycled‑water system unsafe and of discrediting dissenting residents as “special interest groups.”
Ugenti‑Rita responded by calling Zubia a “one‑trick water pony with no practical experience who changes positions wherever the political winds shift.” She noted his past support for Axon’s development plan and alleged that he now warns of “cheap water” shortages after previously endorsing the project.
Graham focused on development funding, linking Zubia to a $5,000 donation from Axon president Josh Isner and a $13,000 contribution from the Arizona Realtors PAC. He warned that Zubia had accepted money from developers while opposing the very projects he once praised. Zubia countered that he is not a pro‑development candidate, stating, “We do need to pull back on development, to make sure that we are doing exactly what is needed in the areas that need development. Not every place should have development.”
When questioned about “workforce housing,” Ugenti‑Rita labeled the concept “a very socialist point of view” and claimed Zubia was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Zubia denied any affiliation, saying, “I am not endorsed by the DSA, never have been… I do not support anything they stand for.”
Graham highlighted his record, noting he “exposed $150 million in cost overruns” during his first four years on council. Ugenti‑Rita emphasized her legislative experience, while Zubia promised to shift the council balance back to a body that “listens and makes thoughtful, informed decisions for the greater good.”
Local partisan groups are active despite Arizona’s nonpartisan ballot rules. Republican‑aligned organizations have endorsed both Ugenti‑Rita and Graham, while Democratic groups are rallying behind Zubia.
What’s next: Voters must request a replacement ballot by Oct. 23, mail completed ballots by Oct. 27, and cast their votes on Nov. 3. In‑person voting began Oct. 7 at two locations: Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park (8950 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd.) and Indian Bend Wash Visitor Center (4201 N. Hayden Rd.). Ballots can also be dropped off at these sites.
Sources: scottsdale.org
