Last week councilmember Guy Phillips used his city position to lead an anti-mask campaign on the grounds of City Hall, and while doing so he cited the words of George Floyd “I can’t breathe” multiple times before ripping off his mask to the cheers of a crowd of supporters, one of whom was waving a Confederate flag.
One of the speakers at the rally referred to the mayor’s proclamation requiring the use of masks in public as a “communist insurrection.” You get the idea.
The incident made national headlines.
Many public officials responded immediately:
Governor Ducey called the remarks “despicable” and said that Phillips had no place in public office.
Senator McSally likewise called the remarks “despicable.”
Councilmembers Korte, Milhaven and Whitehead called the comments “reckless.”
Councilmember Klapp called on Phillips to resign.
Mayor Lane called the comments “callous.”
COGS, a large civic activist group, withdrew its endorsement of Phillips (who is running for re-election on Bob Littlefield’s ticket).
The Scottsdale fire fighters likewise withdrew its endorsement of Phillips.
For her part, Councilmember Kathy Littlefield issued a statement saying that she and her husband Bob, the mayoral candidate, found Phillips’ comments “insensitive” and she assures us on the city’s official website, that both she and Bob are wearing masks --- as required. It’s good to know they’re following the rules on this matter, because that’s not always the case.
The fact is Guy Phillips is Bob Littlefield’s running mate, and outlandish spectacles like this appear to be business as usual for a disgruntled group of city council candidates and their followers.
When candidate Littlefield and his political allies say they want to keep “Scottsdale Special,” this is a partial demonstration of what they mean.
Editor’s Note: Larry Heath is a Scottsdale resident.
