🔥 Pima County Supervisors Demand Investigation into Sheriff Nanos' Alleged Election Interference
🚨 Suspected Violations of Free Speech, Election Laws by Sheriff Nanos 💰 Long-Term Funding Concerns for Homelessness Transition Center Program
🙊 Notable quotes from the meeting
"If you or I were to go to the airport with a loaded weapon in our suitcase, check our baggage, and not declare said weapon, what do you suppose would happen to you or me? Not if you are Chris Nanos and you are above the law, which is exactly what happened." - Corey Stevens, criticizing Sheriff Nanos
"This is a clear case of election interference. Nanos is using the power of his office to silence and intimidate his political opponents, all in a shameless grab for power." - Corey Stevens
"This is not a partisan issue - it's about upholding the Constitution and protecting the integrity of our elections. Nanos has betrayed the public trust, and he must be held accountable." - Supervisor Matt Heinz
"We cannot leave our most vulnerable communities behind in the digital age. These [broadband] programs must be tailored to meet the unique needs of our diverse population." - Supervisor Adelita Grijalva
"This is a wake-up call for all of us. We must remain vigilant in defending our democratic institutions, no matter who seeks to undermine them." - Supervisor Steve Christy
⏮️ ICYMI: The Last Meeting
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
🤯 The county leaders had a big meeting where they talked about lots of important things! 🗳️ They were really upset with the sheriff for maybe doing some bad things to try and win an election, so they asked other officials to look into it. 🏢 They also made some new rules about how the county can name buildings and programs. 💻 The leaders talked about helping more people get internet access and using computers, which is super important nowadays. 🏘️ They discussed ways to provide more affordable housing and help people who don't have homes. 🎖️ And they celebrated some amazing county workers who do great jobs serving the community. Phew, that was a busy meeting!
🗝️ Takeaways
🔍 Supervisors unanimously voted to refer allegations against Sheriff Nanos to state and federal authorities for investigation
💼 County policy updates sought to centralize control over facility/program namings under the Board
💻 Broadband and digital equity programs highlighted as crucial investments for underserved communities
🏘️ Affordable housing initiatives and criminal justice reform emerged as priorities to address local challenges
🎖️ Employee recognition program showcased dedication of public servants amid turbulent backdrop
🎙️ Voices of the People: Call to Audience Highlights
Call to the Public
Corey Stevens, a local resident, strongly criticized Sheriff Chris Nanos for his actions against political rivals. He drew a comparison between Nanos' handling of a firearm incident at the airport and how he believes law enforcement would treat an ordinary citizen in a similar situation. Stevens accused Nanos of "impersonating a truly untarnished law enforcement officer" and called for the Board to censure Nanos, stating that his actions against Lt. Heather Lappin amounted to "election interference."
Emily Bressler, a county resident, advocated for more inclusive scheduling of Board meetings, suggesting some be held in the evenings to allow more working residents to participate. Bressler also proposed regulating short-term rentals to address housing availability issues rather than measures that criminalize homelessness.
Dave Smith, a longtime resident, expressed concerns about the "ambiguity" in the ongoing election vote-counting process, which he said is "creating suspicion, fear, and anger." He urged the Board to work bipartisanally to address issues with the county's elections system. Smith also raised concerns about "corruption" in the Sheriff's Department and called for investigations.
Lane Meyers, a Supervisor Grijalva's district resident, spoke about his ongoing prosecution for booing at a Tucson City Council meeting. He read from a court ruling that the government's actions were "objectively outrageous" in regulating political speech. Meyers argued his case should have been dismissed.
Keith Van Heineken unleashed a scathing critique of the "Marxist Democrats" he believes county bureaucrats serve. He accused the Board of wasting taxpayer money and being "paranoid beyond belief," threatening to show up "with bells on" when the "last Republican is voted out."
Anastasia Sakis, a local organizer, lambasted the county's handling of the election vote-counting process, accusing the Recorder's Office of "active disenfranchisement of Voters" and saying Florida has "shamed" Pima County. Sakis also criticized Supervisor Hines for past statements during COVID-19.
Mary Dolormy, a retired Sheriff's Deputy, defended Sergeant Aaron Cross's right to criticize Sheriff Nanos, saying he should not have been placed on paid leave.
While the Board did not take formal action in response to the speakers, Supervisor Heinz introduced a motion to censure Nanos and request a criminal investigation, which was ultimately modified to request the investigation.
Land Acknowledgement and Employee Recognition
The meeting began with a land acknowledgment statement from Dr. Karletta, Chief Director of the University of Arizona Indigenous Resilience Center. Dr. Chief recognized the Tohono O'odham Nation as the ancestral caretakers of the land and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present the statement.
This was followed by the recognition of several "We A.R.E. Gems" quarterly award recipients from various county departments. The recipients included:
Diego Rocha from the Assessor's Office
Byron Christopher from Community and Workforce Development
Steve Burklow from Conservation Lands and Resources
John Stuckey from County Administration
Adela Gonzales and Mayra Jeffery from the Health Department
Mannde Chiasson from Parks and Recreation
Mark Hotchkiss and Daniel Karbon from the Pima County Attorney's Office
Marco Diaz from the Regional Flood Control District
These employees were recognized for their exceptional work and contributions to serving the Pima County community.
Investigation into Sheriff Nanos' Actions
Supervisor Matt Heinz introduced a motion to censure Sheriff Chris Nanos and request a criminal investigation into his actions regarding his political opponents. Hines stated that Nanos had "violated the First Amendment free speech rights" of Lieutenant Heather Lappin and Sergeant Aaron Cross by placing them on leave during the election.
Heinz argued that Nanos was "using the power of his office to silence and intimidate his political opponents" in a "clear case of election interference." He called Nanos' actions a "betrayal of his oaths" and a "violation of federal and/or state laws regarding free speech and election interference."
While the Board ultimately opted not to pursue a formal censure due to legal concerns raised by the County Attorney's office, they voted unanimously to refer the matter to the Arizona Attorney General's Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office for a full investigation.
Facility and Program Naming Policies
The Board unanimously approved revisions to an existing policy and adopted a new policy governing the naming of county facilities and programs.
This was intended to clarify that the Board of Supervisors is responsible for approving such namings rather than allowing individual departments or officials to make those decisions unilaterally.
County Contracts, Grants, and Agreements
The Board approved a range of contracts, grants, and intergovernmental agreements across various county departments and programs, including:
A $3.1 million contract with KE&G Construction, Inc. for a Santa Cruz River pedestrian bridge project
A $500,000 annual contract with Baker & Taylor, LLC for library book leasing services
A $1 million affordable housing gap funding agreement with La Frontera Partners, Inc.
Acceptance of grants for homelessness initiatives, environmental programs, public safety, and elections security from state and federal agencies
These actions reflected the Board's efforts to support county operations, community needs, and public services.
Homelessness and Public Safety Initiatives
The Board received an update on the county's Transition Center, which aims to reduce recidivism rates among misdemeanor offenders.
While the program has seen some success, with reduced repeat bookings, supervisors expressed concerns about its long-term sustainability as it relies on federal ARPA funding.
Broadband and Digital Equity Programs
Representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority, including Erin Lorandos and Kelly Krusee, provided an update on the state's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity initiatives.
Supervisors asked about ensuring equitable distribution of these resources, particularly in reaching rural and underserved communities.
Votes taken
Election Investigation The Board unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Hines to refer Sheriff Nanos' actions regarding his political opponents to the Arizona Attorney General's Office and U.S. Attorney's Office for investigation. This was in response to concerns raised during public comment about alleged violations of free speech and election interference.
Facility and Program Naming Policies The Board unanimously approved revisions to the existing board policy and adopted a new policy governing the naming of county facilities and programs. This was intended to clarify the Board's role in approving such namings.
Contracts, Grants, and Agreements The Board approved numerous contracts, grants, and intergovernmental agreements across various county departments and programs, including:
$3.1 million contract for a Santa Cruz River pedestrian bridge project
$500,000 annual contract for library book leasing services
$1 million affordable housing gap funding agreement
Acceptance of grants for homelessness initiatives, environmental programs, public safety, and elections security
The votes on these items were largely unanimous, with a few 4-1 votes, particularly on the Sheriff's Department grants.
The meeting covered a wide range of county business, with significant discussion and action around issues related to the Sheriff's Department, elections, community priorities, and infrastructure investments.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary:
🚨 Pima County Sheriff Accused of Abusing Power, Violating Civil Rights Ahead of Election
In a stunning display of authoritarian overreach, the Pima County Sheriff's Department has been accused of trampling on the constitutional rights of political opponents in a naked power grab.
During a heated Board of Supervisors meeting, residents lambasted Sheriff Chris Nanos for placing Lieutenant Heather Lappin, his Republican rival in the upcoming sheriff's race, on paid administrative leave just weeks before early voting began.
"This is a clear case of election interference," decried Corey Stevens. "Nanos is using the power of his office to silence and intimidate his political opponents, all in a shameless grab for power."
Lappin was not the only target of the sheriff's wrath. The embattled sheriff also placed Sergeant Aaron Cross on leave, the president of the Pima County Deputies Organization, which had issued a "no confidence" vote in Nanos.
"This is not a partisan issue - it's about upholding the Constitution and protecting the integrity of our elections," said Supervisor Matt Heinz. "Nanos has betrayed the public trust and must be held accountable."
The Board unanimously voted to refer the matter to the state Attorney General's office and the U.S. Attorney for a full criminal investigation, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against Nanos.
The meeting also exposed the county's ongoing struggles with housing and homelessness. Emily Bressler, a concerned resident, proposed regulating short-term rentals as a means of addressing the affordable housing crisis rather than resorting to draconian measures that criminalize the unhoused.
"We cannot leave our most vulnerable communities behind," said Supervisor Adelita Grijalva. "These [broadband] programs must be tailored to meet the unique needs of our diverse population."
Indeed, the digital divide emerged as another area of concern, with representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority outlining the state's efforts to expand broadband access and digital equity. Supervisors pressed for assurances that these initiatives would reach rural and marginalized communities.
Throughout the proceedings, residents' and county leaders' testimonies shared a common thread of righteous indignation and a steadfast commitment to social justice. This was no mere bureaucratic exercise—it was a battle for the very soul of Pima County.
As the meeting drew to a close, the weight of the challenges facing this community was palpable. But in the faces of those who stood up to defend the vulnerable and hold the powerful accountable, a flame of defiance burned that could not be extinguished.
The fight for a more equitable, just, and democratic Pima County is far from over. And with courageous voices like those heard in this chamber, the people of this region will not go gently into that good night.
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