👮♂️ Sheriff's No-Show Showdown: Nanos Dodges Board's Questions
🌵 Sonoran Struggle: Pima County's Climate Action Plan Unveiled 🚔 Thin Blue Line Gets Thinner: Sheriff's Department Under Fire
🙊 Notable quotes from the meeting
"Unlike certain members of the Board, I will not re-victimize this young lady and allow politics to further their agenda." - Sheriff Chris Nanos, in response to the Board's request for him to address potential rule violations
"This is the freaking Sheriff. Wow. So this is incredibly troubling." - Supervisor Heinz, reacting to the allegations against Sheriff Nanos
"None of us, the people that are executive leaders, have conspired to conceal their discovery that 98 to 148,000 voters who have unverified citizenship status have a history of voting for two decades without detection." - Melinda Sherwin, community member, making claims about voter fraud
"We didn't want this to be a perfunctory document that just checks boxes. We wanted to be customized to the unique needs of our community." - Daniel Sullivan, presenting the Workforce Development Plan
"But you guys are trying to destroy this man, and I mean Democrats. He's been dead for much longer than all of us have been alive, but you guys are out to destroy him. Why?" - Gary Frank, defending Christopher Columbus
⏮️ ICYMI: The Last Meeting
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
🏛️ The Pima County Board of Supervisors had a big meeting! 🌡️ They talked about how it's getting really hot and what we can do to help. 👮♂️ They also had questions for the sheriff, but he didn't show up. 💼 They made plans to help more people get good jobs. 🏠 They're trying to make houses cheaper so everyone can have a home. 🗳️ Some people were worried about voting, so they talked about that too. 🌿 The county is working hard to take care of the environment and help people in the community. It was a long meeting with lots of important decisions!
🗝️ Takeaways
🌡️ Climate crisis intensifies: Pima County faces 35+ days over 100°F annually
💼 Workforce development plan approved, emphasizing innovation and collaboration
👮 Sheriff Nanos under scrutiny for potential rule violations
💰 County finances stable, but debates persist over grant-funded positions
🏘️ Affordable housing initiatives and food bank support highlight community needs
🗳️ Election integrity concerns raised by the public, Board approves worker appointments
🌿 Sustainability efforts progress, with county operations reducing carbon emissions by 40%
Pima County Board of Supervisors: A Desert Oasis of Democracy and Drama
On October 15, 2024, the Pima County Board of Supervisors tackled issues ranging from the scorching effects of climate change to the frigid response of law enforcement accountability. With a packed agenda that mirrored the Sonoran Desert's diversity, the Board navigated through the treacherous terrain of public opinion, fiscal responsibility, and social justice. From workforce development to affordable housing, election integrity to environmental sustainability, no stone was left unturned in this desert of democracy.
📣 Voices of the People: Call to the Audience Highlights
In the spirit of democratic engagement – or perhaps, a masterclass in the art of public venting – the Pima County Board of Supervisors' Call to the Audience section was a veritable smorgasbord of citizen concerns, conspiracy theories and impassioned pleas. Let's dive into this potpourri of public opinion, shall we?
🇨🇺 Roth Polo: A Tale of Two Systems
First up, we had Roth Polo, who came in hot with a personal story of fleeing Marxism, only to find himself concerned about the very system he fled to:
"Well, I came to the United States legally and alone at the age of 11. My parents were not allowed to leave the country. You see, Marxism destroys the nuclear family, then takes God away from the political equation."
Polo went on to accuse the Board of Supervisors of aiding and abetting violence through inaction on vandalism of conservative candidates' signs. It's a bold move, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off for him.
👮♀️ Corey Stevens: The Thin Blue Line Gets Thinner
Corey Stevens stepped up to the podium with the intensity of a monsoon storm, ready to unleash a torrent of accusations and concerns about the state of Pima County's law enforcement leadership. His opening salvo set the tone for a blistering critique of Sheriff Chris Nanos and the department's recent actions:
"I'm here today to demand to know why the Republican candidate for sheriff has been placed on administrative leave. Last night, I was forwarded an article from the Green Valley News, which states she was placed on leave citing a possible criminal infraction."
Stevens wasn't content to question the recent administrative leave; he came armed with a laundry list of alleged misdeeds and controversies surrounding Sheriff Nanos. It was as if he was reading from a rap sheet of departmental drama:
FBI Investigation: "He was under investigation by the FBI for misuse of RICO funds, which ended in the unfortunate suicide of one of his chiefs."
Nepotism Allegations: "The jail cafeteria run by Radtke's family member." This accusation hints at potential conflicts of interest within the department's operations.
Procedural Violations: "Castigar making a felony stop without post-certification." This allegation suggests a disregard for proper law enforcement procedures.
Sexual Assault Case Mishandling: "Deputy pape case and subsequent outside investigation, which found numerous departmental failures." This point touches on a sensitive issue of how the department handles internal investigations, especially those involving sexual assault.
Staffing Crisis: "All-time low departmental staffing due to a toxic work environment created by a dictator who uses retaliation as his weapon of choice."
Stevens didn't pull any punches in his assessment of Nanos' leadership style, painting a picture of a department in crisis:
"He knows nothing about accountability because he himself has never been held accountable. Has he threatened any of you?"
This rhetorical question directed at the Board members was a bold move, insinuating potential intimidation tactics by the Sheriff.
Stevens went on to highlight the financial implications of these alleged mismanagements:
"How many millions of dollars has he cost the county? Deaths in the jail. Numerous. Too many to count. Escaped inmates from the jail. Causing havoc in our community that has cost this county money."
In a call to action, Stevens urged for greater accountability and transparency:
"It is time, Nanos, be held accountable. It is time the citizens of Pima County vote him out of office. Victims need to come forward. His employees should speak up and be heard. They should not be afraid to do so. Retaliation at any level should be unacceptable."
He also called for improved oversight and exit procedures:
"The HR for the county needs to do exit interviews with their employees when they leave this department and not be afraid to do so. Did you all properly vet when three captains left the jail? More than 80 years of service. 80 years of experience left that jail. Did you find out why?"
Stevens' impassioned speech painted a picture of a department in turmoil, led by a figure he sees as unaccountable and potentially corrupt. His demands for answers and accountability echo a broader national conversation about law enforcement oversight and the challenges of maintaining integrity within police departments.
The fact that Stevens felt compelled to bring these issues to a public forum suggests a deep frustration with existing channels for addressing departmental concerns. It also highlights the complex relationship between elected law enforcement officials, like sheriffs, and the county boards that oversee budgets but often have limited direct authority over departmental operations.
In the context of the broader meeting, Stevens' comments added fuel to the fire of concerns about Sheriff Nanos, setting the stage for the later discussion about the Sheriff's non-response to the Board's request for answers regarding potential rule violations. It's a vivid example of how public comment periods can bring to light issues that might otherwise remain hidden from public view, serving as a crucial check on local government and law enforcement power.
💰 Susan Kelly: High Expectations and Low Satisfaction
Susan Kelly brought her high expectations to the podium, and boy, was she disappointed:
"Sheriff Nanos has, on numerous occasions, failed me and the public. He allegedly allowed a deputy to be assaulted at a holiday party while he was present."
Kelly also took aim at the Board's spending on immigrant care and lack of attention to the local homeless population. It seems the Board's priorities aren't quite aligning with Kelly's high standards.
🐘 Sharon Green: A Party Shift Manifesto
Sharon Green came with a history lesson and a political platform rolled into one:
"Consider this. The Republican Party of today is now the party of the working class and has the values which the Democrat Party had 30 years ago."
Green proceeded to outline a laundry list of conservative talking points, from energy independence to transgender issues in sports. It was like a Fox News greatest hits compilation, live and in person.
🗳️ Shirley Ricard: Constitutional Crusader
Shirley Ricard took the Board to task for allegedly violating their oaths of office:
"Your oath of office insists that you agree to honor our constitutional rights and to follow Arizona's laws, which you have failed to do."
Ricard's speech was a passionate plea for adherence to the Constitution, sprinkled with accusations of treason and UN tyranny. Just another day in local politics, folks.
📜 Brenda Bowman: Rules, What Rules?
Brenda Bowman came with questions about the Board's rules and regulations:
"So I'm confused. I got the agenda for today's meeting that you published that said that all attendees are advised that the Board of Supervisors strongly adhere. Board of Supervisors rules and regulations. But I asked for a copy of the regulations and it's not available."
Bowman's confusion quickly turned into a constitutional law lecture, citing Supreme Court cases on free speech. Who needs law school when you have public comment periods?
🇲🇽 Sylvia (last name not provided): Identity Politics Pushback
Sylvia, who identified herself as "the other half of that racist white man," came with a fiery rebuke of identity politics:
"Oh my God, Merida, Mexican. He's so racist. He's white. Yes. And he has Arab grandchildren. Oh, because that's how we raised our children to be color blind."
Her impassioned speech touched on abortion, cartels, and political motivations. It was a veritable bingo card of hot-button issues.
🗳️ Melinda Sherwin: Voter Integrity Alarm Bells
Melinda Sherwin rang the alarm on alleged voter fraud:
"None of we, the people that are executive leaders, have conspired to conceal their discovery that 98 to 148,000 voters who have unverified citizenship status have a history of voting for two decades without detection."
Sherwin's claims were as explosive as they were unverified, adding fuel to the ever-burning fire of election integrity debates.
🇺🇸 Robert Royce: A Moderate Voice in the Wilderness
Robert Royce offered a more measured take on immigration and political candidates:
"I've always been offended by this Brazilian system whereby Mexico, in particular, is held in poverty so that we have a steady stream of cheap labor."
Royce's nuanced approach to immigration reform was a breath of fresh air in the otherwise polarized discussion.
🎭 Gary Frank: Columbus Day Defender and Modern-Day Critic
Gary Frank began his speech with a provocative statement:
"I rise today because I want to celebrate a man who I have a lot of admiration for, a man, a visionary man. His name's Christopher Columbus."
Frank immediately acknowledged the historical inaccuracies surrounding Columbus:
"Several decades ago, centuries ago, he came across the water and he did not discover America. We all know that by now. But a lot of people thought he did for centuries because they hadn't dug enough stuff to figure out he didn't."
However, his main argument wasn't about Columbus's achievements but rather about the modern attempts to criticize historical figures:
"But you guys are trying to destroy this man, and I mean Democrats. He's been dead for much longer than all of us have been alive, but you guys are out to destroy him. Why?"
Frank then drew a parallel between historical actions and modern-day policies:
"Because he did some stuff to future generations, and he did things to the American Indians. Sure, we did. There's no question about it. They used bioweapons against them. They used smallpox against them. But the Democrats have used bioweapons against the United States of America, against my friends and family. It's called the jab."
He continued this comparison:
"We took their kids. Yes, we did. White Anglo-Saxons took their kids and put them into places and try to turn them into little white boys. We all know that. A lot of them died. But you guys are taking our kids. We put them in your schools so you can educate them, but you turn them against us. You turn them against our families. You turn them against our faith. You turn them against our country."
Frank then drew parallels between the historical treatment of Native American artifacts and what he perceives as modern cultural destruction:
"Yeah, it was popular back in the 1850s and 60s and probably longer to go out into the country and dig up anything that's Indian and destroy it. That was popular. Well, you guys are doing it right now. You're destroying our culture just as much as you can, including the reputation of Christopher Columbus."
He concluded with a defense of American land ownership:
"But keep in mind, the Louisiana Purchase, Alaska was purchased and this place right here was purchased. This is American land. This is not Indian land. You can't claim it just because you want to claim its Indian land. This is the United States of America. This is my country, and I'm going to defend it."
Frank's defense of Columbus was less about the historical figure himself and more about using Columbus as a springboard to criticize what he perceives as modern-day cultural and political issues. His argument essentially posits that attempts to reevaluate historical figures like Columbus are part of a broader effort to undermine traditional American values and culture.
Frank's speech was a rollercoaster ride through historical comparisons and modern-day grievances, touching on everything from bioweapons to cultural destruction.
🌵 Isabel Garcia: Prop 314 Concerns
Isabel Garcia brought attention to Proposition 314 and its potential impacts:
"What I'm here for today is to plead with you to draw estimates on what it would cost to hire additional police officers in the Sheriff's Office, additional space, training on immigration law or something."
Garcia's plea for transparency and cost estimates highlighted the complex intersections of law enforcement, immigration, and local governance.
🚔 Kevin Kubitsky: Sheriff's Department Drama
Kevin Kubitsky, a former candidate for sheriff, shared concerns about recent administrative leaves in the Sheriff's Department:
"Recently three people were just put on administrative leave by Chris Nanos for their stance on this upcoming election. The reasoning and the status behind it seems weird to me, but I think it's something that needs to kind of get exposed."
Kubitsky's insider perspective added another layer to the ongoing drama surrounding Sheriff Nanos and his department.
In conclusion, the Call to the Audience was a microcosm of the political and social tensions simmering in Pima County. From immigration to election integrity, from law enforcement accountability to historical revisionism, the citizens of Pima County brought their A-game in voicing their concerns, grievances, and, occasionally, their conspiracy theories. It's democracy in action, folks – messy, passionate, and endlessly entertaining.
🌡️ Climate Crisis: Pima County Feels the Heat
In a presentation that could make even the most hardened climate denier sweat, Sarah Davis and Director Tobias laid bare the stark reality of Pima County's climate crisis. The county has been cooking up a storm, quite literally, with an average increase of over 35 days above 100°F annually. This isn't just a matter of cranking up the AC; it's a fundamental shift in the livability of our beloved desert home.
The Climate Action Executive Team, now boasting 24 interdisciplinary department directors and over 60 staff members, has been working tirelessly to address this existential threat. Their efforts have focused on four critical areas: reduced greenhouse gas emissions, extreme heat mitigation, water resource management, and tackling invasive species and wildfire risks.
Perhaps the most impressive achievement highlighted was the 40% reduction in carbon emissions from county operations, surpassing the 2025 goals a year early. But before we break out the prickly pear margaritas in celebration, let's remember that we're still on a path that could turn Tucson into a real-life version of Mad Max: Fury Road.
The plans outlined, including a comprehensive climate action plan for county operations and a regional partnership approach, sound promising. But one can't help but wonder if we're bringing a cactus needle to a gunfight when it comes to battling climate change.
👮 Sheriff Showdown: Nanos No-Show Sparks Controversy
In a plot twist worthy of a Tucson noir novel, Sheriff Chris Nanos found himself in the hot seat – or rather, conspicuously absent from it. The Board had requested his presence to address potential rule violations outlined in a letter from the Arizona Attorney General's office. These weren't your run-of-the-mill parking tickets, folks. We're talking about allegations that cut to the very core of law enforcement integrity:
Failing to provide help to a deputy in danger
Failing to act in an official capacity
Failing to document staff involvement
Failing to secure evidence properly
Supervisor Heinz didn't mince words when he said, "This is the freaking Sheriff. Wow. So this is incredibly troubling." Indeed, Supervisor Heinz. Indeed.
But where was our illustrious Sheriff when these concerns were raised? Apparently, he was too busy crafting a response that would make any PR professional cringe:
"Unlike certain members of the Board, I will not re-victimize this young lady and allow politics to further their agenda. Mr. Christy's timing is rather suspicious. I will answer any and all questions after November 6th in the executive session."
The Board found itself in a pickle, grappling with its limited power to address these concerns. It's a stark reminder that even in the Wild West of local politics, the sheriff still seems to be the only one wearing a badge.
💼 Workforce Wonders: Pima County's Plan to Put People to Work
In a rare moment of progressive action, the Board unanimously approved the Pima County Local Workforce Development Area Plan for 2025-2028. This plan, presented by the ever-enthusiastic Daniel Sullivan, promises to be a beacon of hope in the desert of economic inequality.
The plan emphasizes collaboration across sectors, innovation in job training, and a focus on "dignity of work" – a concept that might seem as foreign in our capitalist hellscape as a penguin in the Sonoran Desert. Key elements include:
Targeting sectors like health sciences, aerospace, and logistics
Expanding apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs
Deploying "navigators" to connect job seekers with opportunities
Partnering with over 120 local businesses and organizations
While it's a step in the right direction, let's not forget that true economic justice requires dismantling the very systems that create inequality in the first place. But hey, in the land of cacti and rattlesnakes, we'll get what we can.
🏘️ Housing Hopes and Hurdles: Tackling Affordability in the Desert
The Board took steps to address the issue as the housing crisis continues to grip our community like a Gila monster on a field mouse. They approved a $750,000 contract with Family Housing Resources, Inc. for an Affordable Housing Gap Funding Agreement. It's a drop in the bucket compared to the ocean of need, but it's something.
The discussion quickly turned to the perennial question of balancing community needs with fiscal responsibility. The debate over grant-funded positions highlighted the precarious nature of relying on external funding for essential services. As Supervisor Scott pointed out:
"I have to say that overall, I was surprised that we had 71 appeals that were granted. I get the reasons under the general fund. I now get the reasons under the special revenue funds, but I'm still struggling with the grant-funded positions."
It's a struggle that epitomizes the challenges local governments face in an era of austerity and uncertainty. How do we provide for our community when forces beyond our control continually tighten the purse strings?
🗳️ Election Excitement: Integrity Issues and Worker Woes
In a move that should reassure voters (but probably won't), the Board approved the appointment of election board workers for the upcoming election. However, the specter of election integrity concerns loomed large during the public comment period. Melinda Sherwin, a community member, raised alarming claims:
"None of we, the people that are executive leaders, have conspired to conceal their discovery that 98 to 148,000 voters who have unverified citizenship status have a history of voting for two decades without detection."
While these claims should be taken with a grain of salt larger than the Sonoran Desert itself, they highlight the ongoing tensions and mistrust surrounding our electoral process. It's a reminder that democracy is a fragile thing, constantly under threat from both internal and external forces.
The Board's approval of election worker appointments is a crucial step in ensuring the smooth operation of our democratic process. But in an era of heightened political polarization and rampant misinformation, will it be enough to quell the doubts of a skeptical public?
💰 Fiscal Finagling: Pima County's Budget Balancing Act
The meeting wouldn't be complete without a deep dive into the county's finances, would it? Michelle Campagne, the county's financial guru, presented an update that was part good news, part cautionary tale.
On the bright side, the county is "basically on target for budget with regard to revenue projections as well as for expenses." Property tax revenues are expected to meet budgeted goals, despite the actual collections looking a bit anemic in the early months of the fiscal year.
The real drama came in the discussion of vacant positions and implementing the vacant position policy. Out of 156 positions that hit the 240-day vacancy threshold:
39 positions are being eliminated
46 positions were filled
71 appeals were granted
This policy implementation will result in about $340,000 of budgeted salary and benefit dollars being moved to the general fund contingency. It's a drop in the bucket of the overall budget, but every penny counts when you're trying to keep the lights on in the desert.
The debate over grant-funded positions highlighted the precarious nature of relying on external funding for essential services. It's a tightrope walk between providing needed services and maintaining fiscal responsibility – a balancing act that would make even the most skilled Cirque du Soleil performer sweat.
🌵 Desert Democracy in Action
As the sun set on this marathon meeting, one thing became clear: democracy in the desert is messy, complicated, and often frustrating. From climate change to sheriff showdowns and workforce development to election integrity, the Pima County Board of Supervisors tackled it all with determination, skepticism, and occasional exasperation.
While progress was made on many fronts, the meeting also highlighted the ongoing challenges local governments face in addressing complex, interconnected issues. As we move forward, one can only hope that the spirit of collaboration and innovation showcased in some of these initiatives will continue to grow, much like the resilient flora of our beloved Sonoran Desert.
In the end, this meeting was a reminder that local government, for all its flaws and frustrations, remains a crucial arena for addressing the issues that impact our daily lives. It's up to us, the citizens of Pima County, to stay engaged, stay informed, and keep pushing for the change we want to see in our community. After all, in the desert, every drop of progress counts.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary
🌡️ Climate Crisis: The Desert's Fury Unleashed
Let's start with the elephant in the room – or should I say, the cactus in the desert? Our beloved Sonoran Desert is burning up, folks. Sarah Davis, one of the county's climate action warriors, dropped a bombshell that should make every resident sit up and take notice:
"Over the SAPCO period, the six-year period, we had an average, a cumulative average of over 35 days, the equivalent of an extra month of 100 plus degree days that have extended our summer period from April through October."
This isn't just about sweating a little more, mi gente. We're talking about a fundamental shift in our region's livability. The county's response? A multi-pronged approach includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, tackling extreme heat, managing water resources, and battling invasive species and wildfire risks.
But let's be honest – is this enough? While the county pats itself on the back for reducing carbon emissions by 40% in its operations, we're still hurtling towards a future where our desert home could become uninhabitable. The capitalist machine continues to churn, spewing out greenhouse gases faster than our prickly pear can absorb them. We need radical action, not incremental change.
👮 Law Enforcement: The Thin Blue Line or a Thick Blue Wall?
The saga of Sheriff Chris Nanos and his department reads like a telenovela – but with real-life consequences for our community, especially our Black and Brown brothers and sisters. The allegations against Nanos are serious:
Failing to provide help to a deputy in danger
Failing to act in an official capacity
Failing to document staff involvement
Failing to secure evidence properly
Supervisor Heinz didn't mince words: "This is the freaking Sheriff. Wow. So this is incredibly troubling." You think, Supervisor?
But where was Sheriff Nanos when these concerns were raised? Hiding behind a weak excuse:
"Unlike certain members of the Board, I will not re-victimize this young lady and allow politics to further their agenda. Mr. Christy’s timing is rather suspicious. I will answer any and all questions after November 6th in executive session."
This, mis amigos, is what we call deflection. It's the same tactic used by those in power to avoid accountability, especially when it comes to issues of racial justice and police brutality. The fact that our county's top law enforcement officer can refuse to answer to the public is a stark reminder of the work we still need to do to achieve true accountability.
💼 Workforce Development: A Band-Aid on a Bullet Wound?
The Board unanimously approved the Pima County Local Workforce Development Area Plan for 2025-2028. Sounds great, right? Daniel Sullivan, the plan's cheerleader, says:
"We didn't want this to be a perfunctory document that just checks boxes. We wanted to be customized to the unique needs of our community, be it somebody experiencing homelessness or an engineer laid off to a business looking maybe in trouble of closing down."
But let's peel back the layers of this nopal, shall we? While the plan talks about "dignity of work" and helping marginalized communities, it's still operating within a capitalist framework that perpetuates inequality. Where's the discussion about worker-owned cooperatives? Where's the push for a living wage that allows families to thrive, not just survive?
Yes, apprenticeship programs and job training are important. But they're band-aids on the gaping wound of economic inequality that disproportionately affects our Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.
🏠 Housing Crisis: A Roof Over Every Head or Profits Over People?
The Board approved a $750,000 contract with Family Housing Resources, Inc. for affordable housing. It's a step, but it's like trying to dam the Colorado River with a pile of tumbleweeds.
The housing crisis in Pima County is a direct result of centuries of discriminatory policies, from redlining to predatory lending, that have systematically denied communities of color the opportunity to build generational wealth through homeownership. And now, as gentrification creeps through our barrios like an invasive species, we're seeing the displacement of families who have called this desert home for generations.
We need bold, radical action: rent control, community land trusts, and a massive investment in public housing. Anything less is just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
🗳️ Election Integrity: Democracy Under Siege
The specter of voter suppression continues to haunt our democratic process, dressed up in the guise of "election integrity." When community member Melinda Sherwin claims:
"None of we, the people that are executive leaders, have conspired to conceal their discovery that 98 to 148,000 voters who have unverified citizenship status have a history of voting for two decades without detection."
We need to call it what it is – a dog whistle. These baseless claims of voter fraud are nothing more than thinly veiled attempts to disenfranchise voters of color, immigrants, and other marginalized communities. It's the same playbook that's been used since the Jim Crow era, just with updated language.
🎭 The Columbus Controversy: Confronting Our Colonial Past
Gary Frank's impassioned defense of Christopher Columbus is a stark reminder of the work we must do to decolonize our understanding of history. When Frank says:
"But you guys are trying to destroy this man, and I mean Democrats. He's been dead for much longer than all of us have been alive, but you guys are out to destroy him. Why?"
He misses the point entirely. It's not about "destroying" Columbus – it's about acknowledging the full truth of our history, including the genocide, enslavement, and cultural destruction that followed in the wake of European colonization.
When Frank claims, "This is American land. This is not Indian land," he's perpetuating the same colonial mindset that has dispossessed Indigenous peoples for centuries. This land was stolen, plain and simple. And until we reckon with that fact, we cannot move forward as a truly just and equitable society.
🌵 The Path Forward
As we navigate these turbulent times, we must remember that our struggles in Pima County are microcosms of larger, systemic issues. Climate change, police brutality, economic inequality, housing insecurity, voter suppression – these are not isolated problems but interconnected symptoms of a system built on exploitation and oppression.
But just as the saguaro stands tall in the face of harsh desert conditions, so too must we stand firm in our commitment to justice, equality, and sustainability. We must push our local government to adopt truly progressive policies that center the needs of the most marginalized in our community. We must continue to show up, speak out, and demand accountability.
The path forward isn't easy, but then again, nothing worth fighting for is ever easy. As we look out over the beautiful, resilient landscape of the Sonoran Desert, let it remind us of our own resilience. We've survived centuries of colonization, exploitation, and oppression. And we'll continue to survive—and thrive—as long as we stand together in solidarity.
La lucha sigue, compañeros. The struggle continues.
☕ If you enjoyed this article, buy us a cup of coffee! We 🤎☕‼️
People Mentioned
Chair Grijalva: Chair of the Board of Supervisors, led the meeting.
Jan Lesher: County Administrator.
Quote: "We look at each of these grants on an individual basis. The Readers' Digest version is currently, there is not a plan to automatically transfer any grant funded position onto the general fund. We review them individually."
Supervisor Christy: Board member, often voiced concerns about immigration-related spending.
Quote: "This obviously we keep talking about some of the broken system, the broken immigration system, and that the federal government should be doing items that the county seems to be straddled with to have to do so."
Supervisor Heinz: Board member, expressed strong concerns about Sheriff Nanos's potential rule violations.
Quote: "This is the freaking Sheriff. Wow. So this is incredibly troubling."
Supervisor Lee: Board member, showed interest in affordable housing and food bank initiatives.
Quote: "I would love to see cool tainers in some of those communities, be it with the city of Tucson partnership, but to have those the ability when we when the temperature rises, we know we are going to lose electricity."
Supervisor Scott: Board member, often asked detailed questions about financial matters and grant-funded positions.
Quote: "I have to say that overall, I was surprised that we had 71 appeals that were granted. I get the reasons under the general fund. I now get the reasons under the special revenue funds, but I'm still struggling with the grant funded positions."
Sarah Davis: Presented on climate action initiatives.
Quote: "Over the SAPCO period, the six-year period, we had an average, a cumulative average of over 35 days, the equivalent of an extra month of 100 plus degree days that have extended our summer period from April through October."
Daniel Sullivan: Presented the Workforce Development Plan.
Quote: "We didn't want this to be a perfunctory document that just checks boxes. We wanted to be customized to the unique needs of our community, be it somebody experiencing homelessness to an engineer laid off to a business who's looking maybe in trouble of closing down."
Sheriff Chris Nanos: County Sheriff was not present at the meeting but discussed due to potential rule violations.
Quote: "Unlike certain members of the Board, I will not re-victimize this young lady and allow politics to further their agenda. Mr. Christie's timing is rather suspicious. I will answer any and all questions after November 6th in the executive session."
Melinda Sherwin: Community member who spoke during public comment about election integrity concerns.
Quote: "None of us, the people that are executive leaders, have conspired to conceal their discovery that 98 to 148,000 voters who have unverified citizenship status have a history of voting for two decades without detection."
Gary Frank: Community member who defended Christopher Columbus during public comment.
Quote: "But you guys are trying to destroy this man, and I mean Democrats. He's been dead for much longer than all of us have been alive, but you guys are out to destroy him. Why?"
Michelle Campagne: County Finance Director, presented financial updates.
Sam Brown: County Attorney, provided legal advice during the meeting.
Roth Polo: Community member who spoke during public comment about Marxism and immigration.
Quote: "Well I came to the United States legally and alone at the age of 11. My parents were not allowed to leave the country. You see, Marxism destroys the nuclear family, then takes God away from the political equation."
Corey Stevens: Community member who spoke during public comment about concerns with Sheriff Nanos.
Quote: "Last night, I was forwarded an article from the Green Valley News, which states she was placed on leave citing a possible criminal infraction. Let's just revisit Sheriff Nanos' history with the department."
Susan Kelly: Community member who spoke during public comment criticizing Sheriff Nanos and the Board's spending.
Quote: "Sheriff Nanos has on numerous occasions failed me and the public. He allegedly allowed a deputy to be assaulted at a holiday party while he was present."
Sharon Green: Community member who spoke during public comment about the Republican Party.
Quote: "Consider this. The Republican Party of today is now the party of the working class and has the values which the Democrat Party had 30 years ago."
Shirley Ricard: Community member who spoke during public comment accusing the Board of violating their oaths of office.
Quote: "Your oath of office insists that you agree to honor our constitutional rights and to follow Arizona's laws, which you have failed to do."
Brenda Bowman: Community member who spoke during public comment questioning the Board's rules and regulations.
Sylvia (last name not provided): Community member who spoke during public comment about identity politics.
Robert Royce: Community member who spoke during public comment offering a more moderate take on immigration.
Isabel Garcia: Community member who spoke during public comment about Proposition 314.
Kevin Kubitsky: Former candidate for sheriff who spoke during public comment about recent administrative leaves in the Sheriff's Department.