🏗️ Sahuarita's $66 Million Gamble: Small Town Dreams Big
🚨 Border Town Blues: Mayor Weighs In on Controversial Immigration Props 🏘️ Not In My Backyard: Sahuarita's Approach to Homelessness
Based on the 10/18/24 Buckmaster Show on KVOI-1030AM.
🙊 Notable quotes from the show
"We started with 1,800 residents right as you mentioned right pushing 40,000 so that comes with growth needs infrastructure needs and from the recreation side as well." - Mayor Tom Murphy, discussing Sahuarita's rapid growth and need for infrastructure
"I always worry about using the proposition model to fix maybe the ills of certain towns or certain cities or certain sectors, because then the broad brush gets painted upon all of us." - Mayor Tom Murphy, expressing concerns about Proposition 312
"To me, the easy fix is having the federal government back to good governance, doing their job. And we wouldn't even be having this discussion for the most part if you just, the feds honestly enforce the laws that are on the books." - Mayor Tom Murphy, on immigration enforcement and Proposition 314
"We put signs up in the median because you know, you've seen panhandling, but it's a very delicate constitutional balance because when you're in the right of way and public access, you're allowed to be there." - Mayor Tom Murphy, discussing the town's approach to panhandling
"I've been in journalism nearly 40 years and I cannot remember when time that a tax has sunset." - Dan Shearer, commenting on the tendency for taxes to become permanent
⏮️ ICYMI: From the Last Show…
🌵 Clash in the Cactus State: Three Sonorans Challenges SALC's Stance on Arizona's Ballot Measures
Based on the 10/16/24 Buckmaster Show on KVOI-1030AM.
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
📻 A radio show talked about Sahuarita, a town near Tucson. 🏙️ The mayor wants to build new stuff like parks and police buildings. 💰 He's asking people to vote on spending $66 million! 🗳️ Some think it's good, others aren't sure. 👥 The town is growing fast, with almost 40,000 people now. They also talked about laws for immigrants 🌎 and helping homeless people. 🏠 It's important to think about how these big decisions affect everyone!
🗝️ Takeaways
💰 Sahuarita proposes $66 million bond for growth projects
🏘️ Town population exploded from 1,800 to nearly 40,000 in 30 years
🚔 Controversial propositions on property rights and immigration enforcement discussed
🚗 Regional Transportation Authority tax renewal could impact Sahuarita
🏡 Town grappling with homelessness and public space use issues
⏬ Jump to the 🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary based on:
📻 What They Discussed
The Buckmaster Show aired on October 18, 2024, with Dan Shearer, editor of the Green Valley News and Sahuarita Sun, filling in for the vacationing Bill Buckmaster. The main guest was Tom Murphy, Mayor of Sahuarita, a rapidly growing town just south of Tucson. The show covered a range of local issues, from Sahuarita's proposed bond measure to state-wide propositions and regional transportation plans. Ken Carr from 101.7 The Drive also made an appearance to discuss weekend events in the area.
🏗️ Sahuarita's $66 Million Bond Proposal: Building for the Future or Overreaching?
Mayor Tom Murphy presented Sahuarita's ambitious $66 million bond proposal, supplemented by an additional $10 million from town reserves. This significant financial undertaking addresses the growing pains of a rapidly expanding community that has grown from 1,800 residents at incorporation 30 years ago to nearly 40,000 today. The proposed projects span both infrastructure and recreation, including:
Public works building
Police station expansion
Town hall repurposing
Intergenerational recreation building
Sports courts
Park improvements
Trail system expansion
Murphy emphasized the need for these investments, stating, "We started with 1800 residents right as you mentioned right pushing 40,000 so that comes with growth needs infrastructure needs and from the recreation side as well."
The bond proposal reflects a common dilemma growing communities face: balancing the need for infrastructure and services with fiscal responsibility. While the investment could enhance the quality of life and prepare Sahuarita for future growth, it also represents a significant financial commitment for taxpayers.
The mayor explained that the town conducted extensive surveying to gauge community priorities and willingness to pay. They initially considered nine projects, including a dog park expansion and a shooting range, but ultimately narrowed it down to seven based on community feedback. The average monthly cost for homeowners is estimated at $17 for a house valued at $232,000.
Murphy acknowledged the long-term financial implications, noting that over 25 years, the total cost, including interest, could exceed $100 million. However, he argued that building now at current costs is more economical than saving up and building later at potentially much higher prices.
🗳️ Controversial Propositions: Local Impacts of State-Wide Measures
The discussion also touched on two controversial state propositions with potential local impacts:
Proposition 312: This measure would allow property owners to apply for tax refunds if cities fail to enforce certain laws, particularly those related to issues like illegal encampments and loitering. The proposition stems from frustrations with situations like "The Zone" in Phoenix, where widespread homelessness and associated issues have plagued a 15-block area.
Proposition 314: This proposition would permit local and state police to arrest undocumented immigrants, among other provisions. It's a contentious measure that reflects ongoing debates about immigration enforcement and local vs. federal responsibilities.
Mayor Murphy expressed reservations about both propositions, highlighting the complexities of using state-wide measures to address localized issues.
On Proposition 312, he cautioned, "I always worry about using the proposition model to fix maybe the ills of certain towns, cities, or sectors, because then the broad brush gets painted upon all of us."
He raised concerns about the potential impact on state-shared revenue and questioned who would determine whether a city or town was effectively enforcing laws.
Regarding immigration and Proposition 314, Murphy pointed to federal responsibilities, stating, "To me, the easy fix is having the federal government back to good governance, doing their job. And we wouldn't even be having this discussion for the most part if you just, the feds honestly enforce the laws that are on the books."
He acknowledged the complexities of immigration issues, including the need for better legal visa programs and the frustrations of those who have waited years for legal citizenship.
🚗 RTA Next: Regional Transportation and Local Benefits
The conversation also touched on the potential renewal of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) tax, a half-cent countywide sales tax that funds transportation projects across Pima County. With the current tax set to expire in 2026, discussions are underway about a 20-year extension.
Mayor Murphy acknowledged Sahuarita's benefits from the RTA, particularly road improvements.
He emphasized the importance of thinking regionally, stating, "What I've tried to always do is think regionally."
However, he also noted that the cost-benefit ratio for Sahuarita in any future agreement is still to be determined.
Murphy highlighted the significance of the RTA's $100 million annual investment in the region, especially during economic downturns like the Great Recession. He indicated that while the town council hasn't taken an official stance on the renewal, they are closely monitoring the new plan's development.
🏠 Homelessness and Public Space: Navigating Complex Social Issues
The show briefly touched on Sahuarita's approach to homelessness and the use of public spaces. Mayor Murphy mentioned recent measures to prohibit camping on town property and address panhandling, reflecting broader regional and national debates about managing homelessness and maintaining public spaces.
Murphy noted the constitutional complexities involved, stating, "We put signs up in the median because, you know, you've seen panhandling, but it's a very delicate constitutional balance because when you're in the right of way and public access, you're allowed to be there."
The town has adopted an approach similar to Pima County, discouraging direct giving to panhandlers and encouraging support for community nonprofits instead.
This discussion highlighted the challenges growing communities face in addressing complex social issues while balancing public safety, individual rights, and community well-being.
💉 The Drug Crisis: A Brief but Poignant Mention
While not a central focus of the conversation, the show touched on the connection between drug use and crime in the community. Mayor Murphy acknowledged the changing landscape of drug issues, noting the particular dangers of modern substances like fentanyl. He described the current drug crisis as "poisoning the residents," linking it to broader issues of international trafficking and cross-border relationships.
This brief discussion underscored local governments' multifaceted challenges, from public health and safety to international relations and border politics.
🎭 Weekend Watch: Highlighting Local Events and Culture
The show concluded with a segment featuring Ken Carr from 101.7 The Drive, who provided information about upcoming weekend events in the Tucson area. This portion of the show offered a lighter counterpoint to the serious policy discussions, highlighting the vibrant cultural life of the region. Events mentioned included:
Tucson Classics car show
"Brawl in the Fall" wrestling event
Helldorado Days in Tombstone
Boo at the Zoo at Reid Park Zoo
Loft Film Festival
This segment reminded us of the diverse entertainment options available in southern Arizona, from family-friendly events to cultural festivals and sporting exhibitions.
In conclusion, the October 18, 2024, episode of the Buckmaster Show provided a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing Sahuarita and the broader Tucson region. The discussion painted a picture of a dynamic community grappling with rapid development in the American Southwest, from infrastructure investments and population growth to complex social issues and cultural events.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary
🌵 Sahuarita's Growth: A Mirage of Progress in the Desert
In the scorching heat of Arizona's political landscape, the recent Buckmaster Show featuring Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy revealed a troubling vision of "progress" that threatens to strain our fragile desert ecosystem further and marginalize vulnerable communities. As progressives, we must critically examine the narratives being spun about growth, immigration, and social issues in our borderlands.
💰 The $66 Million Question: Who Really Benefits?
Mayor Murphy proudly touts Sahuarita's proposed $66 million bond measure as a necessary step to accommodate the town's explosive growth from 1,800 to nearly 40,000 residents in just 30 years. But we must ask: cui bono? Who truly benefits from this unchecked expansion?
"We started with 1,800 residents right as you mentioned right pushing 40,000, so that comes with growth needs infrastructure needs and from the recreation side as well," Murphy stated, seemingly oblivious to the environmental havoc this rapid development wreaks on our precious desert landscape.
With its focus on new construction and expanded infrastructure, this bond perpetuates a model of unsustainable growth that has long plagued the Southwest. As climate change intensifies, every new development in our water-stressed region is a potential nail in the coffin of our future habitability. Where are the investments in water conservation, renewable energy, or restoration of native ecosystems? The silence on these crucial issues is deafening.
Moreover, the proposed recreational facilities and sports courts raise questions of equity. In a region where many struggle with basic needs, are these amenities truly serving the entire community or just those privileged enough to have leisure time?
🏠 Criminalizing Poverty: The Dark Side of "Public Safety"
Perhaps most disturbing is Sahuarita's approach to homelessness and public space use. Mayor Murphy's comments reveal a troubling prioritization of aesthetics over human dignity:
"We put signs up in the median because, you know, you've seen panhandling, but it's a very delicate constitutional balance because when you're in the right of way and public access, you're allowed to be there."
This "delicate balance" seems to tilt decidedly against our unhoused neighbors. By prohibiting camping on town property and discouraging direct aid to those in need, Sahuarita joins the shameful ranks of cities attempting to legislate poverty out of sight.
The discussion of Proposition 312, which would allow property owners to seek tax refunds for unenforced laws related to homelessness and loitering, is particularly chilling. This measure essentially privatizes public space, prioritizing property values over human lives. Instead of addressing the root causes of homelessness – including lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health services, and economic inequality – this approach seeks to push vulnerable populations out of sight and out of mind.
🚨 Border Town Blues: The Specter of Local Immigration Enforcement
The specter of Proposition 314, which would allow local police to arrest undocumented immigrants, looms large over our communities. Mayor Murphy's comments on immigration enforcement are a masterclass in buck-passing:
"To me, the easy fix is having the federal government back to good governance, doing their job. And we wouldn't even be having this discussion for the most part if you just, the feds honestly enforce the laws that are on the books."
This simplistic view ignores the fundamental injustices baked into our current immigration system and the complex realities of life in a border state. Empowering local police to act as immigration agents would not only undermine community trust and safety but also inevitably lead to racial profiling and civil rights violations.
As descendants of those who didn't cross the border but rather had the border cross us, we must vehemently reject any attempt to militarize our communities further and criminalize our immigrant brothers and sisters.
🌱 A Vision for True Progress
The challenges facing Sahuarita and other growing Southwest communities are real, but the solutions proposed by Mayor Murphy and his ilk are stuck in an outdated and destructive paradigm. As progressives, we must demand a different vision for our communities – one that prioritizes environmental sustainability, social justice, and the preservation of our cultural heritage.
This means:
Implementing strict growth controls to protect our fragile desert ecosystem and water resources.
Investing in affordable housing and rent control measures ensures that development benefits all residents, not just property owners and developers.
Creating comprehensive, compassionate programs to address homelessness that focus on housing first and wrap-around services.
Rejecting any attempt to involve local law enforcement in immigration matters and instead working towards comprehensive immigration reform that respects human rights and dignity.
All new developments prioritize green infrastructure, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
The story of Sahuarita is not unique – it's a microcosm of the challenges facing the entire Southwest as climate change, demographic shifts, and economic pressures reshape our homeland. But we have the power to write a different ending to this story. By rejecting the false promises of unbridled growth and punitive policies, we can build communities that are truly sustainable, equitable, and rooted in the rich cultural soil of the borderlands.
La lucha sigue. The struggle continues.
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👯 People Mentioned
Tom Murphy - Mayor of Sahuarita
"We started with 1800 residents right as you mentioned right pushing 40,000 so that comes with growth needs infrastructure needs and from the recreation side as well."
"I always worry about using the proposition model to fix maybe the ills of certain towns or certain cities or certain sectors, because then the broad brush gets painted upon all of us."
"To me, the easy fix is having the federal government back to good governance, doing their job. And we wouldn't even be having this discussion for the most part if you just, the feds honestly enforce the laws that are on the books."
Dan Shearer - Editor of Green Valley News and Sahuarita Sun, filling in as host
"I've been in journalism nearly 40 years and I cannot remember when time that a tax has sunset."
Bill Buckmaster - Regular host of the Buckmaster Show, mentioned as being on vacation
No direct quotes, but referenced as being in the Pacific Northwest
Tom Fairbanks - Likely a staff member or co-host
Briefly mentioned discussing weather, no memorable quotes
Ken Carr - From 101.7 The Drive radio station
Provided information about weekend events, no specific quotes
Dylan Smith - Mentioned as a friend of Dan Shearer, associated with TucsonSentinel.com
No direct quotes
Congressman Ciscomani - Attended a Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber Breakfast
Mentioned as providing legislative updates, no direct quotes
Randy - CEO and president of the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce
Mentioned as discussing propositions at a chamber breakfast, no direct quotes
Dwayne Bloomer - Previous mayor of Sahuarita
Mentioned as having presented a white paper on changing how the mayor is selected, no direct quotes
Mayor Honea - Mayor of Marana
Briefly mentioned in a joking context by Tom Murphy, no direct quotes
Carlos Valles - Heads the Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center
Mentioned as now overseeing the Marana operation, no direct quotes