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. The same freedom that the State Supreme Court gave the city of Phoenix in Strode v. Sullivan, 72 Ariz. 360, 363, 236 P.2d 48, 50. (1951). We’re just looking to be treated the same way. The Supreme Court’s decision cannot be circumvented simply because Jonathan Paton and his Phoenix political buddies disagree with what we do with the freedom that the court case granted us. We’ve voted on the issue of partisan elections four times and the people have spoken. Is it time to put it back on the ballot? Well, we’ll never know because the heavy hand of the right wing Phoenix politicians has taken away our freedom to make our own decisions. Tucson shouldn't be governed from Phoenix. The Phoenix-dominated State Legislature shouldn't dictate to the people of Tucson how to run their elections.”

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