On March 7, the Independent reported on the anonymous, controversial Scottsdale Edge blog. Mayor Borowsky and former Councilor Linda Milhaven both identified political consultant Rod Pritchett as the author. The Independent asked Councilor Barry Graham if he worked with Pritchett, and Graham replied “not true.” Graham stated he “has no more of a relationship with Pritchett than he does with anyone else.”

However, on Nov. 11 and 12, Barry shared links to photos from his Nov. 10 fundraiser on a second anonymous site, “Yes to Scottsdale,” managed by another anonymous account “Scott Dalevoter.” The pictures featured Rod Pritchett working at Barry’s fundraiser. This was verified by attendees.

Did Barry tell the truth?

I looked at “Yes to Scottsdale” and was aghast. “Scott Dalevoter” posted AI-altered photos of me, and personal photos of me at the gym and at the lake with family. I was called vile names; things were attributed to me that were absolutely false.

I was not the only victim. “Scott Dalevoter” posts toxic, hyper-partisan negativity about many residents, councilors and city staff. The content is uncivil, featuring fake images and insults, turning political differences into feeding frenzies of personal attacks.

Said Borowsky of “Scott Dalevoter”: “The things they have said about me personally, I can distill down to zero truth.”

We don’t know who is behind this second inflammatory account. We do know “Scott Dalevoter” diligently reposts items from “Scottsdale Edge.” Is there a second political consultant in Scottsdale trading in anonymous propaganda?

Barry Graham – and all councilors – should sever any affiliation with this uncivil site and denounce any anonymous political propaganda. If you won’t say it face-to-face, or adhere to the civility guidelines of council meetings, don’t spew anonymous toxicity behind a keyboard. It’s poisonous to our city’s dialogue. Ethical people should decry – not share – this behavior.

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. Ryan Winslett can be reached at rwinslett@iniusa.org.