Scottsdale voters deserve clarity on lingering questions

Independent Newsmedia/Charlene Bisson

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OPINION — Sexual harassment allegations should never be dismissed as political theater. They deserve serious attention, fair scrutiny and accountability, no matter who is involved. That standard should apply to Scottsdale City Council candidates Barry Graham and Michelle Ugenti‑Rita.

In 2017, the Massachusetts Legislature faced serious allegations of harassment and assault involving the husband of then–Senate President Stan Rosenberg. Reporting revealed misconduct dating back years, raising questions about workplace culture, political influence and whether employees felt safe speaking out.

According to his City of Scottsdale biography, Graham worked as an analyst in the Massachusetts Legislature. His employment may have overlapped with the period when some of the alleged misconduct occurred, but his biography does not specify when he worked there or for whom. Those details matter. When exactly did Graham work there? And what did he know, if anything, about the culture that was later exposed?

To be clear, Graham has not been accused of misconduct, nor is there evidence he knew about specific incidents. But these are reasonable questions for someone seeking public office.

His political ally, Ugenti‑Rita, has faced allegations of her own. In 2020, FOX 10 reported that a lobbyist alleged in sworn testimony that Ugenti‑Rita and her now‑husband, Brian Townsend, made repeated unwanted sexual propositions, and that Townsend sent explicit photographs. Ugenti‑Rita disputed knowing about the photos. These remain allegations, not established findings, but they warrant serious consideration.

Graham and Ugenti‑Rita are aligned politically in this election. Their circumstances differ, but both should be willing to answer questions about workplace conduct, transparency and accountability. Scottsdale voters deserve clarity about Graham’s time in Massachusetts and straightforward answers from Ugenti‑Rita.

Accountability should not depend on political affiliation. Scottsdale deserves leaders who understand that, which is one reason I am supporting Raoul Zubia for city council.

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