Tucson City Council member Regina Romero is out way ahead of independent candidate Ed Ackerley and Green Party candidate Mike Cease, according to the first release of ballots in today’s city election. Romero, who will make history as the city’s first Latina mayor, has 56 percent of the vote, compared to Ackerley’s 40 percent and Cease’s 4 percent.
“Tonight’s results affirm that Tucsonans are ready for bold leadership that will take our city to the next level of progress and prosperity,” Romero said in prepared remarks. “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.”
Meanwhile, Prop 205, aka the Sanctuary City initiative, is going down to defeat, with 71 percent of voters rejecting the proposal, which would have limited the ability of local police to inquire about immigration status and prevented federal law-enforcement agents from working with Tucson police unless they signed an agreement that would likewise limit their ability to inquire about immigration status.
In the Tucson City Council races, all the Democrats were safely ahead of Republican candidates. In Ward 1, Democrat Lane Santa Cruz had captured 58 percent of the vote against Republican Sam Nagy and Green Matthew Smith. In Ward 2, Democratic incumbent Councilman Paul Cunningham had 60 percent of the vote against Republican Ewart Williams and Green William Peterson. And in Ward 4, Nikki Lee had 57 percent of the vote against Republican Mike Hicks and Green Cara Bissell.
But none of them are going to see a pay raise. Prop 409, which would have raised salaries for council members, was also headed to defeat, with 60 percent of the voters rejecting it.
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2019.
Thank you Tucson for seeing through the hatred of Prop 205. Mayoral race is a major disappointment.
Congrats to Councilmember Regina Romero!!! Someone who cannot post their real name is a disappointment. You do realize your remarks mean nothing sans a name. That is why the Arizona Daily Star will not print an opinion without verification of the author’s identity.
Tucson will never have safe roads, increased pedestrian safety, better police, as long as Tucson voters keep voting for the same corrupt politicians based solely on party. When politicians have to work for their positions, they will work harder for the people. Unfortunately, when it comes to selecting a candidate, Ignorance, thy name is Tucson. (Also, only 1/3 of the registered voters even bothered to vote this year)
Those who want the city council to work harder for them might consider paying them to do that. Pay for a part time council, that’s what you deserve. One major problem Tucson has had since at least the 1960’s is that half the city is unincorporated. Kinda kills your tax base, especially since it’s the better off neighborhoods that manage to stay outside.
I am really impressed that the (I) candidate Ackerly received 40% of the votes. Someday the stranglehold of failed liberal democrat policy will release Tucson to become what it really could be.
And just to cite history: more taxes equals more waste. Everybody knows that.
^^^^ I like Ackerly, but voted for Regina based on her experience and her plans for the city. I would have been fine with Ackerly too. Both good people. I suspect Ackerly’s numbers, however, have more to do with Republicans and a few independents and Democrats voting against Regina and not for Ackerly. After Rothschild (who was hugely didappointing) I look forward to Romero’s leadership and hope she’s good to her word.