On June 24, 2020, Scottsdale City Council member Guy Phillips organized the "Unmask Us" Rally in front of Scottsdale City Hall to protest the mask mandate implemented by Mayor Jim Lane in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has attacked Arizona.

During this rally, Mr. Phillips used the term "I Can't Breathe" as he took off his mask. These were the famous last words uttered by George Floyd as Minneapolis police officers murdered him, and have become a rallying cry in the nationwide protests against police violence. To use these words to protest against a mask order implemented to protect the public from a deadly virus is at the very least misguided, and likely laced with a bigoted motive.

A member of the city council should have the best interests of the public that he represents at heart. Gathering people to protest a mask order, despite the scientific evidence that masks help to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, sends a message that your own selfish motives matter more than public health. You choose to put Scottsdale's citizens at risk, and do not represent the greater good of the city that you were elected to help lead.

I demand that Guy Phillips submit his immediate resignation from the Scottsdale City Council and apologize to all Scottsdale residents. His arrogance and selfishness is embarrassing and appalling.