Opinion

Why I’m supporting Graham and Ugenti-Rita for Scottsdale

Adam Kwasman

Photo submitted by Adam Kwasman

Posted Thursday, October 22, 2026 6:22 pm

As Election Day Approaches

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By Adam Kwasman | Scottsdale

OPINION — Scottsdale deserves leadership committed to protecting our quality of life. I am in the unique position to have served alongside Barry Graham at City Hall and Michelle Ugenti-Rita in the Arizona Legislature. I know firsthand why both deserve your city council votes.

Families First delivers: Crime and homelessness are down. Police and firefighters have received long-overdue raises. Scottsdale repealed DEI and its Green New Deal-style sustainability plan. Roads are being paved, water protected, Old Town improved, taxes lowered and government made leaner.

Will we continue this progress, or will we return to a radical, progressive council pushing homeless and illegal migrant hotels, DEI, mask mandates, environmental extremism and reckless overdevelopment?

Barry is the council’s taxpayer watchdog. Mentoring colleagues, he uncovers budget inefficiencies while protecting Scottsdale’s premier services and promoting long-term growth.

Michelle is a policy lioness. Serving together on multiple legislative committees, I saw her tackle complex issues and find practical conservative solutions. I want that thoughtfulness alongside me on the council.

Their opponent, Mr. Zubia, is a radical tax-and-spend liberal desperately trying to appear moderate. He backed massive tax increases, supported expanding homeless shelters to serve Phoenix, Tempe and other nonresidents at Scottsdale taxpayers’ expense, and supported DEI and Scottsdale’s Green New Deal. He favors high-density incentives for apartment developers. His agenda means bigger government, higher taxes and overdevelopment. Those left-leaning positions likely explain DSA’s interest in backing him.

Barry and Michelle offer conservative leadership that puts families first: safe neighborhoods, responsible spending and a city our children can enjoy. We have made tremendous progress. Let’s protect it. You have two Council votes. Please cast them for Barry Graham and Michelle Ugenti-Rita, early or Nov. 3.

Adam Kwasman serves on the Scottsdale City Council and previously served in the Arizona House of Representatives. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to azopinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines