Why I’m supporting Raoul Zubia for Scottsdale council
OPINION — For decades, I ran Don & Charlie’s Steakhouse on a simple principle: a good night happens when everybody in the building pulls in the same direction. The kitchen, the servers, the regulars, even the folks who just wandered in off the street. Nobody agreed on everything, but everybody agreed on the goal.
That’s the spirit I remember from the Drinkwater days at city hall. Councilmembers argued, sure. They had strong opinions and didn’t always vote alike. But when the meeting ended, they shook hands, shared a laugh and came back the next week ready to work. They understood that the city was bigger than any one of them, and that getting along wasn’t weakness. It was how things got done for businesses, neighbors, and families alike.
I haven’t seen much of that lately. These days, public service too often looks like a shouting match where winning the argument matters more than solving the problem.
That’s why Raoul Zubia has my vote and my endorsement.
When I talk with Raoul, I hear someone who listens before he speaks. He asks questions. He treats people who disagree with him as neighbors, not enemies. He understands that a thriving city isn’t built by one faction beating another, but by people finding common ground and then rolling up their sleeves.
You can’t fake hospitality. People can tell whether you genuinely want to serve them. Raoul has that quality. He wants to make this a better place for everyone, not just for those who agree with him.
I still care deeply about Scottsdale and the people who made our success possible. I want to see city hall run the way a good restaurant does, with respect, teamwork and a shared commitment to the customer. In this case, that’s all of us.
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