PCDP Executive Committee Urges Tucson City Council to Appeal “Paton’s Law;” Restore Local Control
The Pima County Democratic Party’s Executive Committee voted unanimously this week to support Tucson's freedom to chart its own course and hold city elections based on the will of our hometown voters.

The party’s executive committee urges the City Council to appeal Judge Michael Miller's ruling in favor of the non-partisan and ward-only elections imposed on Tucson voters by Phoenix Republican politicians.

The resolution reads:

"The citizens of the City of Tucson deserve the right to pick the method of electing their council persons -- just as every other city in Arizona has up until now." Read the rest of the message.

PCDP Statement on Judge Miller’s Ruling in City of Tucson v. State of Arizona
Pima County Democratic Party Chair Jeff Rogers’ statement on Judge Michael Miller’s ruling today:

“We’re disappointed in today’s ruling. The issue at hand isn’t whether partisan or nonpartisan elections are better. Or whether we should elect council members by ward or city-wide. The issue is local control and our freedom to make our own decisions about our local government." Read the rest of the message.

 

When Ann Coulter Calls You "Cranks," You’re Probably Fringe
The Arizona Legislature is eight months late on a balanced budget, and while the public school system collapses, four southern Arizona lawmakers are somehow finding the time to wade out into the fringe of the "birther" counter-culture.

State Reps. Frank Antenori, David Gowan and David Stevens have joined Sen. Al Melvin in sponsoring legislation that would now, for some reason, require a presidential candidate provide a copy of their birth certificate in order to be placed on the ballot in Arizona. The bill just got voted out of a state House committee.

This issue has never come up in the 98-year history of Arizona, through 25 presidential elections. Read the rest of the message.

Glassman Shows Commitment to Governing
While one southern Arizona politician has decided to put his ambition ahead of his job, Tucson Vice Mayor Rodney Glassman has decided to do his job before making an announcement on his possible U.S. Senate bid.

Others, like Republican State Sen. Jonathan Paton, have abandoned their posts during a budget crisis, when their constituents need them the most. Glassman on the other hand continues to do the hard work required to get Tucson’s financial house in order and will let his intentions be known after the Tucson City Council balances its budget. Read the rest of the message.