Scottsdale council candidates talk priorities before primary election

Scottsdale voters will decide who they want representing their interests at City Hall on July 21.

They’ll choose from a crowded pool of eight candidates who are looking to fill three open seats on the City Council.

The city is guaranteed to have at least one new council member following the election. Only two incumbents are eligible to seek reelection as the third sitting official is term-limited.

Depending on who wins, the conservative-leaning council could sway further to the right or swing back toward the center of the political spectrum.

For voters, the outcome will shape how the city reacts to ongoing development and the effects of the shrinking Colorado River.

It’ll also have implications for Mayor Lisa Borowsky, who’s been short on allies since taking office. She and her fellow conservative colleagues have continually clashed on the dais, and recent controversies involving her office have left her politically vulnerable.

Scottsdale City Council incumbents Barry Graham and Solange Whithead are vying for their second and third terms in office, respectively. Three-term Councilmember Kathy Littlefield is set to leave office in January.

Four relative newcomers — Crystal Carroll, Ethan Knowlden, Eric Sloan and Raoul Zubia — are hoping to get their first experience in public office.

Bob Littlefield — Kathy Littlefield’s husband — is looking to return to the council after previously serving from 2002 to 2014. The former official is joined by Michelle Ugenti-Rita, who spent 12 years as a state lawmaker in both the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate.

The last day to register to vote in the primary election is June 22. Early voting begins June 24. Primary Election Day is July 21.

The Arizona Republic asked each candidate questions about their bid for office and how they would handle key issues if elected. Candidates had a limit of 100 words. Some answers have been edited for length. Answers are in alphabetical order.

While Ugenti-Rita and Carroll responded to the initial questionnaire, they did not return responses to the revised questions. They also didn’t respond to the Republic’s reminder emails ahead of the deadline.

Here’s what the candidates had to say.

Vision: Why are you running for City Council?

Crystal Carroll: I'm running because Scottsdale needs more independent voices and fewer career politicians. As a business owner, I understand budgets, accountability and serving people. When I leave office, I want voters to remember me as someone who always told the truth, asked tough questions and put residents ahead of politics and special interests.

Barry Graham: I’m running to continue restoring fiscal responsibility and resident priorities to city government. Past councils approved unwanted apartments, wasted tax dollars and pushed harmful ideology — capped off by canceling the 26,000-signature Axon referendum. Residents deserve better.

Ethan Knowlden: Running for public office was not on my bucket list. However, I love Scottsdale and want to help preserve the qualities that make our city exceptional while responsibly planning for its future. Scottsdale faces increasing pressure from growth, infrastructure demands (especially water sustainability) and changing economic conditions. Scottsdale needs thoughtful, transparent leadership — leadership that listens to residents and experts alike and prioritizes consensus over chaos — to balance these forces while protecting neighborhoods and maintaining a high quality of life. I believe my skills, experiences, temperament and energy are needed on this council.

Bob Littlefield: For years, overdevelopment has taken a heavy toll on Scottsdale's special character and high quality of life. Clogged roads, blocked views, higher taxes and overburdened infrastructure have been the legacy of the overdevelopment previous City Council majorities have approved. Now, overdevelopment poses an even greater threat to Scottsdale's residents — possible water shortages!

Eric Sloan: Public safety. Scottsdale residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, parks and businesses. That means fully supporting police, fire, and first responders, making smart investments in staffing, equipment and training. I am the only candidate endorsed by Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and the Scottsdale Police.

Michelle Ugenti-Rita: I’m running for Scottsdale City Council because I love this city and refuse to sit back while California Democrats push the same failed liberal agenda that has damaged so many American cities. As a Scottsdale native and 12-year veteran of the State Legislature, I understand what makes Scottsdale exceptional: safe neighborhoods, tourism, arts, culture, our Sonoran Preserve and our independent Western spirit. I want voters to remember me as someone who fought to preserve Scottsdale’s character, protected residents from reckless overdevelopment and woke political ideology, and ensured Scottsdale remained safe, prosperous, and uniquely Scottsdale for future generations.

Solange Whitehead: I’m running to restore traditions that made Scottsdale a success story: putting residents first, conservatively managing tax dollars, keeping Scottsdale naturally beautiful and safe, and to deliver on a headline that has been my focus for eight years: “Scottsdale Thrives Despite Reductions in Colorado River Water.”

Raoul Zubia: Speaking with folks across Scottsdale, the message is remarkably consistent: people are exhausted by the noise and ready to move past the chaos. They deserve leadership that is steady, substantive, and grounded in the realities of daily life. Good governance isn’t about political theater; it’s a practical commitment to delivering on the fundamentals, ensuring safe streets, a livable community and an economy that creates real opportunity. By honoring Scottsdale’s heritage and focusing on common-sense solutions, we can restore purpose to the City Council. If we prioritize results over division, I am deeply confident that our best days lie ahead.

Development: Where do you stand on land use decisions?

What does the ideal mix of development for your city look like? Which two factors would you consider first when faced with voting on a proposed development?

Carroll: Balanced development means protecting Scottsdale's character while supporting smart growth that benefits residents. The first two factors I would consider are whether the project improves quality of life for existing residents and whether it creates a positive long-term financial impact for the city without burdening taxpayers.

Graham: Development must be resident-supported and protect our tourism economy and water. I’ve only approved resident-friendly projects that enhance quality of life. I’ve said no to thousands of unwanted apartments — including Axon’s resident-rejected 1,900-unit mega-development.

Knowlden: My vision for Scottsdale is a city that remains economically vibrant while preserving neighborhood character, open space, and public safety. Growth should be strategic — not reactive. The first factor considered is the General Plan. Deviations from the General Plan should be rare, built on consensus and public support, and clearly justified. We must maintain the unique and varied character of Scottsdale’s neighborhoods, balancing the natural evolution of communities and the demand for housing with the desire to maintain that character. Second, Scottsdale’s long-term success depends on water sustainability. All development must be evaluated on its infrastructure impact, including water usage.

Littlefield: According to our city planning department, there are upwards of 10,000 apartments (depending on how you count them) approved by previous councils that have yet to be built. No more are necessary for the foreseeable future.

Sloan: I support economic development, good jobs, and innovation, while also requiring transparency, infrastructure planning, traffic mitigation and respect for nearby residents. Public safety is my top priority, and I will make sure that we involve our police and fire professionals in the discussions.

Ugenti-Rita: Balanced development means growing responsibly without losing what makes Scottsdale exceptional. We can support thoughtful development while still protecting neighborhoods, managing traffic, preserving open space and maintaining public safety. I don’t want Scottsdale turning into a crowded, overbuilt city where residents feel ignored, and homeowners see their property values decline. The first two things I look at with any proposed development are whether our infrastructure can realistically support it, especially roads and water, and whether it fits the surrounding area. New projects should strengthen the community character, protect property values and respect the people who already live here.

Whitehead: Much of what residents see today is a result of zoning approvals done in the 2010’s. Development has fundamentally changed on my watch in order to protect neighborhoods and our Scottsdale “brand.” My work has added barriers to urbanization, stopped up-zoning in neighborhoods, and approved building codes that conserve water, reduce urban heat, improve the quality of construction and lower utility bills. I’ve helped defeat state bills that legalize by-right apartment zoning. In Old Town, I’ve reduced heights, protected historic buildings and the Farmer’s Market. Citywide, approved proposals have more robust landscaping plans, public open space and pedestrian infrastructure.

Zubia: Balanced development means recognizing that a city can neither freeze in time nor grow without intention. It’s about building a future where our children can afford to live, without sacrificing the unique character that brought us here in the first place. When evaluating any proposed development, I look first at water security, ensuring the project fits within our long-term, assured water supply without straining existing infrastructure. Second, I look at contextual compatibility. We must ask whether the density, traffic impact, and design actually respect the neighborhood's heritage while delivering tangible, pragmatic value to the everyday lives of Scottsdale residents.

Critical issue: What is your top priority for Scottsdale?

What is the biggest long-term issue facing your city? What’s the first thing you would do to address it? Be specific.

Carroll: Water security is one of Scottsdale's biggest long-term challenges. As Arizona continues to grow and face drought conditions, we must ensure we have a reliable and sustainable water supply for future generations. The first thing I would do is thoroughly evaluate our water planning, conservation efforts and growth policies to make sure development decisions align with our long-term water resources. We cannot ignore the connection between growth and water availability. Responsible planning today protects Scottsdale tomorrow.

Graham: Protecting residents from harmful ideas disguised as good ones. I identify and expose them early to prevent fiscal waste, unwanted developments and special-interest agendas. One example is the expensive “toilet-to-tap” program pushed by the same candidates who favor more apartments. Scottsdale Water confirms our supply is reliable and secure, while residents ask if experimental “toilet-to-tap” is a ploy to justify more high-density development.

Knowlden: Water sustainability is our biggest issue. But Scottsdale has been preparing for the loss of cheap, reliable CAP (Colorado River) water for decades. We need to reaffirm our commitment to the council-approved Water Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and move aggressively on the capital investments outlined in that plan. These include implementing automated meter infrastructure, improving groundwater recovery and SRP pumping capabilities, introducing Advanced Purified Recycled Water into direct potable reuse, and participating in regional efforts such as discussions surrounding Bartlett Dam and additional APRW facilities. As a reminder, all water is recycled, and Scottsdale’s facility is state of the art.

Littlefield: Overdevelopment. The first thing I would do to address it is to vote to stop it.

Sloan: Water security is essential to Scottsdale’s future. I support smart investments in water security with strong oversight, clear cost controls, and accountability. Scottsdale must protect its long-term water supply.

Ugenti-Rita: The biggest long-term issue facing Scottsdale is protecting the city from a political agenda that fundamentally changes what residents love about Scottsdale. If Democrats regain control, residents can expect the return of DEI-driven policies, the costly Scottsdale sustainability plan, remote work at City Hall, higher taxes and fees, police stand-down policies, homeless shelters pushed into neighborhoods, and risky “toilet-to-tap” water experiments. Scottsdale residents want safe neighborhoods, responsive government, and leadership focused on results, not ideological activism. My focus will be delivering on my campaign priorities of fiscal stewardship, law and order, and implementing the pillars of our General Plan.

Whitehead: Water! Scottsdale has long solved water challenges through innovation, conservation and smart planning. Our city has led the nation in recycled water treatment for decades. In 2024, I helped adopt Scottsdale’s Water Strategic Plan to keep water reliable and affordable for residents and businesses. The plan invests in infrastructure, conservation programs, rebates, and staffing that help residents save water and money. Its key projects will diversify Scottsdale’s water portfolio and strengthen drought resilience. Today’s threat is the current council majority, which has defunded key parts of the Strategic Plan and eliminated critical water staff positions needed to protect Scottsdale’s future.

Zubia: When you look at the math, water security isn't just an environmental issue. It is the defining long-term challenge for Scottsdale’s future. We are facing reality on the Colorado River, and we can no longer treat resource management as a problem for the next generation. The very first thing I would do is reverse recent council decisions that defunded our Advanced Purified Recycled Water infrastructure. We need to restore that funding immediately. Securing our 100-year water supply requires steady, data-driven investments today, ensuring Scottsdale remains resilient, livable and prosperous for decades to come.

Civil Discourse: How do you propose improving civility in local government?

What is the best appropriate way Scottsdale should handle criticism from the public or your peers?

Carroll: Public criticism should never be ignored or dismissed. Elected officials work for the people and should listen respectfully, answer questions honestly, and be willing to explain their decisions. Even when we disagree, transparency and open communication build trust.

Graham: With respect, transparency, and a willingness to listen. Every resident should be heard. Public service isn’t about avoiding criticism — it’s about being consistent while earning trust through honesty and results that reflect residents' values.

Knowlden: I prioritize respectful dialogue, data-driven — but not data-exclusive — decision-making, and finding common ground. Council functions best when its members listen first then work toward practical solutions. Council must engage subject-matter experts and balance that input against residents’ concerns. In my legal and business career, I was trained to understand both sides of a negotiation. Without that understanding, mutual agreement is unlikely. That said, no council decision will ever receive universal praise. And the public has the absolute right to tell council they got it wrong — in public comments that will be returned to the start of our meetings.

Littlefield: Listen sincerely but don’t let criticism cause you to abandon your core principles.

Sloan: My leadership style is to be practical, direct, and results oriented. I listen, gather facts, respect different viewpoints and focus on solving problems. City government should not be driven by rhetoric or personal politics. I will focus on being accountable, responsive, and data-focused to deliver results for residents.

Ugenti-Rita: Respectfully.

Whitehead: Each of us is elected to serve and listen to residents. Restoring public comment to the beginning of council meetings will help rebuild public trust and restore Scottsdale’s culture of collaboration. It costs nothing, and early resident input can prevent small concerns from becoming costly problems. Scottsdale must restore a culture that respects staff, values expertise, and protects residents from politically driven decisions. The current council majority has reversed policies and priorities without full council input, meaningful public engagement, data-driven analysis, or clear cost estimates. That approach has weakened public safety, undermined fiscal stewardship, and damaged trust in city government.

Zubia: Public criticism isn’t a threat to be managed. It’s an essential data point in a healthy democracy. Whether it’s coming from an exhausted constituent or a colleague on council, the best response is always substance over performance. We shouldn't retreat into defensive crouches or political noise. Instead, we have to meet criticism with a steady, analytical focus on the facts, grounded in empathy. The goal isn't always total agreement but rather establishing a baseline of mutual respect. True leadership means listening to the friction, extracting the truth, and using it to deliver better outcomes for the community.

Inspiration: Who is a role model for you?

Who in public life, past or present, do you admire most? Why? And what lesson do you draw from their experience?

Carroll: I admire people who are willing to stand by their principles, even when it's unpopular. Leaders who put service above personal gain remind us that public office is about representing others, not advancing ourselves. The lesson is simple: integrity matters, and trust must be earned every day.

Graham: My late father, Stephen Graham — a man of faith deeply committed to his wife and family. He raised my brothers and me in Scottsdale while building a successful career as a Southwest Airlines pilot. Though not in public life, he showed the profound impact of strong, present fathers. The lesson: set the best example for my own sons.

Knowlden: I admire Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt. Jefferson and I share a birthday. I graduated from law school at his university. A complex historical figure, his belief in a republican government, his advocacy for public education, and his understanding that architecture has civic and moral purpose, all influence my views. Roosevelt was a New Yorker that fell in love with the West. Me too. He is celebrated for protecting land and wildlife, for policies that balanced the needs of businesses, workers, and consumers, and for establishing food and drug safety regulations. My vocations and avocations run along these same pathways.

Littlefield: Kathy Littlefield, Barry Graham and Jan Dubauskas. I admire them because they stood up for their core principles even in the face of intense criticism. Lesson is don’t let criticism cause you to abandon your core principles.

Sloan: Byron Banta, Byron is a preacher and a veteran. He did several tours in Vietnam as a front-line chaplain and planted many churches. He rose to be a leader in his profession and is a dedicated father and husband. He lives a faith-focused life committed to the service of others. He is an inspiration.

Ugenti-Rita: I think one of the problems in society today is the obsession with celebrities and influencers as role models, when we often know little about their true character. The people I admire most are those who personally shaped my values — family members, teachers, mentors, and Christian leaders who led through integrity, sacrifice, discipline and service to others. I admire people who dare to stand firm under pressure and put principle above popularity. The biggest lesson I draw from them is true leadership requires character, accountability and the willingness to pay the price for doing what’s right, even when it’s unpopular.

Whitehead: There is a lot of focus on public figures, but I find inspiration in everyday people whose actions positively impact others and make the world a kinder and better place. For instance, City Equipment Operator Horacio Ventura was off the clock when he saw and helped a person struggling with a flat tire and even paid for the air pump when the young man couldn't afford it. As for public figures, I admire President Harry Truman. A quintessential American leader, he arrived and left the White House without wealth and governed with purpose, common sense and courage.

Zubia: I am profoundly moved by Abraham Lincoln, who navigated a structural crisis that threatened to dismantle our nation. The lesson I draw is that leadership requires both intellectual discipline and deep empathy. He reminded us that the goal of politics isn't to defeat our neighbors, but to summon our better angels. I deeply admire John McCain for his unyielding commitment to country over party. The lesson I draw from his legacy is that political courage means putting the Constitution first, staying grounded in principle, and remembering that our political opponents are not our enemies, but our fellow Americans.

Personality: Who do you most relate to?

Which fictional character from movies or books do you relate to most and why? What lesson do you draw from them?

Carroll: I relate to Erin Brockovich. While based on a real person, her story represents an ordinary citizen willing to challenge powerful interests and fight for accountability. The lesson is that one determined person can make a difference by asking questions, speaking up, and refusing to back down when something isn't right.

Graham: I admire characters like Benjamin Martin in "The Patriot." Figures who step up without seeking the spotlight to unite people for a higher cause. The lesson is the power of moral courage and shared principles — especially in difficult times.

Knowlden: “The Fisher King” earned Robin Williams a Best Actor nomination. But the performance of Jeff Bridges resonates. Bridges plays Jack, a cynical radio “shock jock” at the top of his game, only to have his cruel words on air fuel a mass shooting. Career over, Jack spirals, a reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn. Without giving the plot away, Jack finds a measure of peace by performing a selfless act for Williams’ character, perhaps his first. We are all flawed, selfish at the expense of those around us. Redemption comes through human connection, through compassion and service to others.

Littlefield: Jack Reacher, because he never gives in to or compromises with evil.

Sloan: Captain Miller played by Tom Hanks from “Saving Private Ryan.” He represents quiet leadership, duty, and personal sacrifice. He puts the mission and the people around him ahead of himself. The lesson I draw from him is that real leadership isn’t about recognition; it’s about responsibility, steady judgment, and getting the job done.

Ugenti-Rita: I relate to Miranda Priestly, from “The Devil Wears Prada,” because she is strong, disciplined, demanding, and refuses to lower standards simply to make others comfortable. Too often, people (particularly females) are criticized for being direct, decisive, or expecting excellence. While she is fictional and imperfect, the lesson I take from her is that leadership requires toughness, preparation, confidence and the ability to perform under pressure. You do not earn respect by trying to please everyone. You earn it by being competent, resilient, and willing to make difficult decisions while maintaining high expectations for yourself and those around you.

Whitehead: I enjoy nonfiction, and two recent books about the Colorado River that I highly recommend are “The Emerald Mile” and “Brave the Wild River.” The second tells the story of the first women to survive a boat trip down the Colorado River in the 1930s. Their unconventional expedition — and impressive scientific credentials — should have earned praise, but instead they faced ridicule and skepticism. Yet their cataloguing of plant life proved invaluable to restoration efforts more than 50 years later. I’m inspired by leaders willing to challenge convention, endure criticism and step far outside their comfort zones to do meaningful work.

Zubia: I’ve always been drawn to Atticus Finch, because he embodies the idea that leadership isn’t about the volume of your voice. It's about the steadiness of your moral compass. He operates in a deeply fractured community, yet he refuses to give up on the basic humanity of his neighbors. The lesson I draw from Atticus is that empathy is not a form of weakness, it is a form of courage. True public service requires us to look at the world from other people's perspectives, to stand up for foundational principles of justice, and to speak truth with quiet, unyielding dignity.

Legacy: What do you want to achieve in office?

What specific accomplishment would you most want voters to remember you for when you leave office?

Carroll:Did not respond.

Graham (incumbent): Exposing cost overruns that led to real taxpayer reforms, including the end of wasteful ideological spending that residents opposed. As a councilman and CPA, I will continue protecting Scottsdale’s character and residents' tax dollars.

Knowlden: I am committed to transparent, accountable leadership rooted in decency, respect, and common sense. If I accomplish nothing more than reestablishing Scottsdale’s reputation as a well-run city I will be satisfied. But full implementation of the city’s Water Strategic Plan and achieving water sustainability for our current and future residents, businesses and visitors is what I hope for the most. Scottsdale is a unique city with diverse neighborhoods, but we are one community. We will focus on what binds us and accomplish amazing things for our city, and for each other. It will be a great honor to serve Scottsdale.

Littlefield: I would want voters to remember me for having stopped overdevelopment.

Sloan: I would want voters to remember me as someone who helped keep Scottsdale safe, strong and true to the values that make it special. If there’s one accomplishment I’d hope to leave behind, it would be strengthening public safety while protecting Scottsdale’s quality of life — supporting our police and fire personnel, preserving our parks and open spaces, and ensuring Scottsdale remains a community where families and businesses can thrive for generations to come.

Ugenti-Rita:Did not respond.

Whitehead (incumbent): I am proudest of what we've accomplished together during my first two terms. We have funded critical infrastructure, opened new parks, secured 30 years of funding to revitalize older parks, ended the export of water to Rio Verde Foothills and saved millions of gallons of water through conservation incentives and investments. We have reduced heights in Old Town, doubled the city's financial reserves, lowered tax rates, initiated a police park ranger unit and an ambulance service, expanded wildfire mitigation efforts and protected our McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Scottsdale's success comes from a simple formula: when we work together, we win together.

Zubia: When I leave office, I want to be remembered for restoring a culture of substantive, steady governance to City Council. True leadership isn't about political theater; it is about a practical commitment to the fundamentals. Specifically, that means replacing the noise and chaos with a focus on results: ensuring safe streets, maintaining a livable community, and building an economy that creates real opportunity. By prioritizing common-sense solutions over division and honoring Scottsdale's unique heritage, we will have replaced uncertainty with a clear sense of purpose, proving that when you focus on the daily realities of people's lives, our best days lie ahead.