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Milhaven & Korte: We will not support Phillips’ behavior

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We must show the world that we are a community that respects and values everyone and does not support anyone who thinks and acts otherwise. We show that in what we do today, and every day, and in how we vote on Aug. 4.
– Linda Milhaven & Virginia Korte, Scottsdale City Councilmembers

Councilman Phillips’ comments and behaviors at the recent rally, mocking the words of a dying man, are abhorrent to us. We believe that he has brought dishonor to his position of City Councilmember and to the community he represents.

It is now clear that Councilman Phillips, despite repeated demands from the community, has decided not to resign.

As a City Council, we have no grounds to remove him from office. However, we believe as City Councilmembers we need to show our community that we will not support his intolerable behavior.

His comments last week were not the first time that he made offensive racist comments. Earlier this year, he posted racist misinformation about COVID on Facebook.

In another Facebook post, he was disrespectful of the LGBTQ community. In response to the outrage, he took down the posts and apologized.

Last week’s comments and actions cannot be overlooked or excused, nor are they an isolated incident. His apologies are not enough. His actions demonstrate a troubling pattern.

His comments, as an elected representative, reflect on all of us. We have received thousands of emails not just from Scottsdale citizens but from across the country, and from around the world.

If Councilman Phillips’ conscience does not compel him to resign, as it should, we all have an opportunity to vote in our City Council primary on Aug. 4.

We must show the world that we are a community that respects and values everyone and does not support anyone who thinks and acts otherwise. We show that in what we do today, and every day, and in how we vote on Aug. 4.

Editor’s Note: Linda Milhaven and Virginia Korte are both Scottsdale City Councilmembers. Ms. Korte is a candidate for mayor in the Aug. 4 primary election.