Alexander: Will the real Barry Graham please stand up

Another Valley newspaper reported that City Council candidate Barry Graham has accepted nearly $20,000 in donations from developers.

This is shocking, as Graham has run a single-issue campaign against development. He has consistently criticized his opponents’ donations from the development community. All while the newspaper tags Graham as a leader in development donors.

Graham has more contradictions. Many more. He’s a Republican who believes in a command-and-control economy. He’s a conservative arguing for more and redundant regulations on businesses. He has an economics degree, but denies the laws of supply and demand in determining housing prices.

He has an accounting degree, but forgets over 70% of the city’s budget comes from sales taxes and fees. Graham is a CPA who overstates the number of houses being built by thousands, despite having the data from the city’s own planning department.

Graham denies the results of the 2020 election, but asks for your trust.

Graham touts his preparedness and experience for office, yet he has regularly violated open meeting laws by texting during Planning Commission meetings.

Graham was twice reminded to stop texting by the City Attorney.

Graham points to his track record of anti-development, but that record is barely two years old.

Prior to taking up the anti-development torch, Graham established an eight year record serving under Mayor Jim Lane and a pro-development City Council. After David Ortega became mayor, Graham suddenly became outspoken against development.

Graham has young children and celebrates going through the Scottsdale Unified School District, but refuses to endorse the SUSD override. Graham hosted school board candidates at his recent fundraiser who oppose the SUSD override and argue to defund the public schools.

Graham is a family-man whose housing policies marginalize young families like his own, and prevent them from living in Scottsdale.

Graham’s flip-flopping and contradictions have been most explicitly noted by those who have worked side-by-side with him for years on Commissions and in the local Republican party organization. These are the people who know Graham best, and know that Graham’s real track record is to serve his political ambition.

Editor’s Note: Jason Alexander is a homeowner, small business owner, and father of two in the public school. The Independent welcomes all points of view. Email your opinions, pro or con, to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.