Speak Up: Both sides in the fight over a downtown parking garage reporting each other to the Scottsdale Police
Posted
Metro Creative Connection
The battle over the new parking garage earmarked for the intersection of First Street and Brown Avenue in Old Town Scottsdale now has both sides calling the Scottsdale Police on each other. City Councilman Barry Graham filed a complaint directly with Scottsdale Police Capt. Joe LeDuc on June 17 after Scottsdale resident Steve Sutton posted on the Nextdoor social media platform what Graham said sounded like a threat. Here’s a selection of what readers had to say on social media:
From Facebook
“There is enough angst in the world. Why can't we all just get along? Hug it out, folks. Life is too short.” — Brion Crum
“Barry Graham, why just govern when you can turn every City Council meeting into a live-action soap opera? Between Open Meeting Law complaints, ethics violations, and allegedly filing false criminal complaints against the mayor, Barry’s résumé reads less like a public servant and more like a cautionary tale for aspiring officials. While most politicians aim to fight for their constituents, Barry seems to fight just to fight — like a one-man demolition derby with a city charter in one hand and a megaphone in the other. Even when he agrees with someone (hello, Mayor Ortega), he somehow manages to turn agreement into an argument. Shouting matches, near-altercations, and texts during meetings? Barry’s got it covered. Sure, standing firm on principles is commendable. But when you’re alienating allies, triggering ethics complaints, and turning council chambers into a cage match, you’ve probably missed the plot. Supporters may soon realize they can back someone with Barry’s values minus the drama, dysfunction, and disciplinary hearings. If he doesn’t course-correct soon, a recall might be the only bipartisan agreement this city sees.” — Craig Milbourn
“Take them to the nearest sandbox and let them work it out.” — Brian Caldwell Fansler
“Barry Graham, Jan Dubauskas and Adam Kwasman are turning Scottsdale into a laughingstock. They are pushing this unwanted garage at THIS location for a pal.” — Sal DiCiccio
“Sutton is ridiculous for agitating.” — John Washington
Rough night at Council for Barry Graham — he was pummeled on multiple topics by speakers from across the political spectrum. His responses over and over of “that’s just wild speculation” rang hollow. He tries to split hairs and dice words, and the public sees right through it. — Jason Alexander
“I think that most can understand and appreciate a person or elected official that stands their ground and fights for their values and principles and viewpoint. But, Barry seems to take that to a whole other level. At what point have we left the world of taking a principled stand and fighting for one’s values and moved to a world of fighting for their sake of fighting? Surely the people that agree with Barry on issues can find a candidate to serve their positions without the added ethics violations, unprofessional behavior, inability to work with others, and just plain old bad press. He does their side no good. Barry and the mayor agree on so much (their politics, their overall views on what kind of city they want (one with no economic future), their hatred of anything that smacks of equality or non-discrimination, etc. Yet, Barry can’t even get along with elected officials that mirror his own politics and vision. How can any city council function amidst this constant dysfunction? I predict that if Barry keeps at it — more and more of his former supporters will join in recall efforts to have him replaced. If Barry can’t wise up and behave for the sake of serving his constituents, one would think he would wise up for the sake of his own political future.” — Jennifer A. McDowell
“It’s about time people start to see the real Barry.” — Renee Higgs
From NextDoor
“Give them both a citation for waste of finite resources! That’ll shut them up.” — Nicholas S.
“Councilman Graham is reporting the lovable Dog Park Guy?” — Patty Miller
