Caputi: Phillips’ claims are absurd, factless opinions

What have you done in EIGHT years on the council, other than embarrass our city and hurt our tourism industry? You’re right, it’s time to 'drain the swamp'; we need to elect new people to council who know what it means to lead, and who set a positive example for others.”

Tammy Caputi, Scottsdale City Council candidate

Councilman Phillips: I haven’t been registered with a political party for years.

I have never, in any medium, expressed a desire to transform Scottsdale into anything resembling Seattle, a city I know almost nothing about.

Nor have I ever used the term “systemic racism” in relation to Scottsdale, or in any manner throughout my campaign.

I have no idea what you are basing these absurd opinions on; there are absolutely no facts to support them.

I am a lifelong Capitalist; I have been running a very successful business for the last 20 years, which I built myself and am extremely proud of.

I am raising three wonderful daughters in Scottsdale — I have no intention of “fundamentally transforming” our city — it’s been very, very good to me and my family and we are grateful to live here.

In addition, I do not “brag” about my police and fire endorsements — I state them proudly. Scottsdale police and fire stand with me and my positive message, and I stand with them.

The police and fire unions represent the rank and file members — the members are involved in the decision making process of who gets endorsed. Rank and file officers cannot endorse political candidates directly — I’m sorry that you’re confused on this.

I have several close friends who are “rank and file” police officers and firefighters, and they have assured me that these are the facts.

You were given an opportunity to deliver a final message to voters, and instead of telling the people of Scottsdale why they should support you, you wasted the space telling baseless lies about me.

What have you done in EIGHT years on the council, other than embarrass our city and hurt our tourism industry? You’re right, it’s time to “drain the swamp”; we need to elect new people to council who know what it means to lead, and who set a positive example for others.

Editor’s Note: Tammy Caputi is a candidate for Scottsdale City Council in the Nov. 3 general election.