By Alison Jones
Congratulations to our Democratic candidates for Tucson mayor and three Tucson City Council seats. All prevailed in a historic turnout on November 5. Tucson’s mayor-elect, Regina Romero, articulated a message of inclusion and optimism:
“At a time when our national politics have been sown with division, Tucsonans remain united by our shared desire to promote a safe, just and sustainable city that provides economic opportunity for our families and future generations. This movement is open to everyone, whatever your background, whatever your party, whoever you voted for. Let’s work together! We will always be one Tucson. Somos uno.”
On December 2, Ms. Romero will be sworn in as Tucson’s first woman and only the second Hispanic mayor. The significance of this achievement is garnering national attention, as it should. Well done, Madam Mayor! And well done, Tucson!
First-time City Council members Lane Santa Cruz and Nikki Lee (Wards 1 and 4) will join returning Ward 2 Councilman Paul Cunningham. (Steve Kozachik, Richard Fimbres and Paul Durham will be up for re-election in two years, according to a staggered election schedule). Get your ticket to our inaugural luncheon gala here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/inaugural2019
We cannot forget retiring councilwoman and current vice-mayor, Shirley Scott. After serving 24 years on the council, she is stepping down. With her record tenure, Shirley re-defined community service in Tucson. That’s why the Pima County Democratic Party awarded her its Spirit of Arizona Award last April.
Unfortunately, Prop 409 did not pass, therefore the mayoral and council members will not get raises. In fact, those salaries haven’t risen in two decades. Sub-par pay reduces the number of people able to take up the challenges of these jobs. It is in our best interest to pay these hard-working officials fairly. It will certainly be on the ballot in two years, and Tucsonans should vote YES.
Proposition 205, the Tucson Families Free and Together initiative, also did not pass. Of the many reasons we need to turn our state legislature Blue in 2020, overturning SB1070 should be a top priority.
There’s a lot happening in 2019’s final months, so it’s no time for a break. That said, it’s fun to look back on a few accomplishments. Some examples:
- Three times as many Democrats as Republicans are registering to vote in Pima County (based on data from January-October 2019).
- Our Civics 2.0 series, held the third Sunday of each month, is teaching folks about how governance works at all levels, and engaging them with our party. We’ve held four sessions so far and filled every seat.
- Our Platform Film Series seems to be a hit. Our first film, “And Then They Came for Me,” about Japanese-American Internment Camps during WWII, packed the house. On November 10, we watched, “From Paris to Pittsburgh,” about climate change. A discussion or Q&A session with an expert or special guest follows each film.
Check out our calendar on pimadems.org for upcoming events.
Finally, PCDP stands in solidarity with our union brothers and sisters picketing ASARCO. They have not received a raise in 10 years, and their benefits have diminished. We invite you to help support union families by donating here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/asarco. PCPD and some generous benefactors are matching donations. Organized labor remains one of the last defenders of a healthy middle class. Their success will be a success for all of us.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.
