top of page
PLATFORM
I am committed to ensuring that Tucsonans enjoy an improved quality of life through the responsible use of taxpayer funds. My focus will be on creating a safe and clean environment while fostering economic opportunities for all. Together, we can build a vibrant community that thrives on collaboration and growth.
LIST OF ISSUES
Public safety
Ensuring public safety and fostering compassionate conflict resolution stand as my top priorities. I am dedicated to creating a safe environment for all residents while encouraging collaboration and mutual understanding within the community. Well-staffed departments play an important role in alleviating the burdens on public safety officers, thereby increasing opportunities for meaningful community engagement. When officers are not over extended, they can dedicate more time to cultivating relationships within the community and proactively addressing any concerns that arise. This approach not only improves public safety but also builds a foundation of trust and cooperation between officers and the communities they serve. Emphasizing adequate staffing is vital for maintaining an effective and responsive public safety framework.
Mayor and Council Salaries
Tucson voters narrowly passed Proposition 413, which raised the Mayor's salary to 1.25 times that of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, while aligning the Council's salary with that of the Supervisors. However, voters were not adequately informed that the Supervisors' salary was set to increase from $76,600 to $96,600, resulting in the Mayor's salary rising to $120,000 and the Council's to $96,600, reflecting increases of 185.7% and 302.5%, respectively. It is my belief that the language of the proposition was deliberately ambiguous, leading voters to unknowingly endorse these significant salary hikes for the Mayor and Council. I suggest that we present this issue back to the voters, allowing them the opportunity to reconsider and potentially replace the current salaries with amounts that reflect the median salary instead, thereby incentivizing the Mayor and Council to focus on fostering economic development.
Economic Development
Economic development and business-friendly policies are critical to Tucson's growth. While we cherish Tucson's small-town vibe, we need to ensure that our citizens can earn a fair wage. This necessitates fostering business competition, which will create more job opportunities and boost our local economy. Let's work together to cultivate an environment where businesses can thrive and our community can prosper.
Homelessness
Tackling homelessness requires a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes the protection of property owners while simultaneously providing support for individuals grappling with substance abuse, mental health issues, and financial difficulties. To achieve this, I intend to collaborate with members of the community and HOAs, local business leaders, educational and healthcare institutions, and charitable organizations to create programs focused on delivering mental health services, rehabilitation, and job training, which can serve as preventive measures against homelessness. Additionally, I will advocate for the Arizona State Legislature to reclassify fentanyl as a Schedule I narcotic, thereby increasing penalties for those involved in its trafficking and distribution. To address immediate concerns, I will work alongside the city council and the City Attorney to implement restrictions on homeless encampments and enforce existing trespassing laws. Moreover, I will strive to enhance employment opportunities through initiatives centered on trade and skills development, while also working to attract new businesses to Tucson. My commitment to supporting our most vulnerable community members drives me to seek solutions. Together, we will develop programs designed to improve job prospects, which can act as a proactive strategy against crime and homelessness.
Roads
Investing in better road construction and improving conditions is essential for enhancing our community's safety and accessibility. By updating our infrastructure, we can reduce traffic congestion and ensure smoother routes for all residents. This initiative not only promotes economic growth but also fosters a more connected and vibrant community. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future on our roads.
In addition to depending on the city budget for road repairs, we should actively pursue grant opportunities available through the federal government. The federal government is instrumental in financing infrastructure initiatives, particularly those related to roadways. By directing funds and establishing policies that emphasize transportation, they can enhance safety and efficiency for all travelers. A greater investment in the maintenance and construction of roads can significantly contribute to economic development and strengthen connectivity throughout the country. Therefore, it is imperative to champion federal funding to address essential infrastructure requirements.
Housing Affordability
The Tucson housing market has seen a significant rise in prices in recent years, creating challenges for seniors, low-income families, and average residents. This issue stems from various factors, such as a shortage of available homes, an influx of newcomers from other states, corporate acquisitions of properties, and rising construction costs influenced by local regulations.
To address the increasing housing costs in Tucson, it is crucial to focus on infill and redevelopment projects, supported by improvements in city policies. Streamlining permitting and zoning processes will be key to facilitating these initiatives, along with implementing tiered impact fees, enhancing infrastructure and parks, and strategically planting trees in underserved areas.
Additionally, increasing flexibility in zoning and code requirements while maintaining safety standards is essential and should be supported by both the community and developers. I fully endorse a vision of growth that is smart and innovative, promoting suburban development through thoughtful land-use planning that meets diverse housing needs, including affordable options, market-rate homes, starter houses, luxury properties, and incentives for developers.
Conservation
Tucson is truly a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting a rich variety of avian species, wildlife, and breathtaking cacti that define its landscape. The annual monsoon season enhances this allure, serving as a poignant reminder of our duty to safeguard the environment for the benefit of future generations. It is imperative that the citizens of Tucson, along with local businesses and government entities, collaborate to ensure the preservation of our unique desert ecosystem. One significant initiative that highlights community engagement is the million tree plan; however, it has fallen short of its original objectives. To reinvigorate this initiative, I suggest a more concentrated effort involving Tucson's volunteers and businesses in tree planting activities, particularly in bustling areas like downtown and other locations identified as needing more shade.
Fare-Free Transit
The idea of fare-free transit was initially anticipated to increase ridership and reduce carbon emissions, but the actual outcomes have been disappointing. Instead of seeing a rise in public transportation use, there has been a noticeable decline, with many people choosing to return to their personal vehicles. This shift has been intensified by growing safety concerns and crime, which have significantly impacted the effectiveness of the fare-free initiative. Furthermore, the lack of direct routes and the pressing need for cleaner, more modern bus interiors have added to the difficulties associated with this transit model. The financial implications of fare-free transit are substantial, with an annual cost estimated at around $13 million. I propose that the city consider reinstating fares while offering discounted rates for low-income residents. This approach would not only generate necessary revenue but also allow for the renovation of the current fleet and the improvement of service efficiency.
bottom of page