๐ฎ Pima BOS 9/17/24 Meeting - Sheriff's Silence Deafening: Board Demands Answers on Rape Investigation
๐ RTA Next: Driving Debate on Pima's Transportation Future ๐ Housing Crisis Takes Center Stage: $10 Million Band-Aid or Real Solution?
A speaker identifying herself only as "a woman" repeated the phrase "I'm a woman" multiple timesโฆ
Chair Adelita Grijalva stated, "I find it completely hypocritical for you to demand of me what you don't of your candidate for president. I'll make you a deal. I'll acknowledge wrongdoing when Trump apologizes for the racist, misogynistic, sexist, inflammatory comments he's made about women, people of color, LGBTQ, immigrants, and frankly, anyone who disagrees with him or isn't one of his fans."
๐ฝ Keepinโ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
๐ง๐พโ๐พ๐ฆ๐พ
๐๏ธ The Pima County Board of Supervisors had a big meeting! ๐ฃ๏ธ People were upset about something a leader posted online. ๐ They talked about helping more people find homes. ๐ There were plans about fixing roads and buses. ๐ฟ They gave a special award to a lady who helps protect nature. ๐ฐ The Board decided to give money to help people who need it. ๐ฎ They also asked the sheriff to explain some problems in his department. It was a long meeting with lots of important decisions!
๐๏ธ Takeaways
๐ Affordable housing crisis intensifies as Board explores $10 million funding boost
๐ RTA Next plan sparks debate on regional transportation priorities and funding
๐ฅ Public outcry over Chair Grijalva's social media post highlights political tensions
๐ฟ Environmental champion Carolyn Campbell honored for decades of conservation work
๐ฐ Board approves significant grants for migrant services and community programs
๐ Sheriff's Department under scrutiny following Attorney General's investigation
๐ข Call to the Audience: Voices of Dissent and Concern
The Call to the Audience segment of the Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting on September 17, 2024, was a microcosm of the community's diverse concerns and frustrations. This democratic forum became a stage for impassioned pleas, pointed criticisms, and calls for accountability, reflecting the deep-seated tensions within our community.
๐ฅ Social Media Firestorm
The most contentious issue raised by multiple speakers was Chair Adelita Grijalva's controversial social media post. Christy Broderick articulated the concerns of many, stating, "Your divisive posts contribute to the political violence that is happening in our country right now. And no elected official should be taking part of that."
Other speakers echoed this sentiment, highlighting the community's deep political divisions and elected officials' responsibility to bridge, rather than widen, these gaps.
๐บ๐ธ Constitutional Concerns and Immigration
Several speakers, including Nelida Spruin, raised issues related to immigration and constitutional rights. Spruin, identifying herself as a legal immigrant, cautioned against "unfettered spending and the invasion at the border," reflecting a conservative stance on immigration policy.
This perspective contrasted sharply with the Board's generally more progressive approach to immigration issues.
๐ฎ Law Enforcement Accountability
Mike Aaron brought attention to serious allegations against the Pima County Sheriff's Department, stating, "The Pima County Sheriff Female attended a Christmas party and she was raped. Now, what has Chris Nanos done? Not a damn thing."
This bold statement underscored the community's demand for transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
๐๏ธ Historical Perspective and Cultural Preservation
Steve Wilcox offered a unique perspective, sharing a memory of a 1984 reggae concert at the Hopi Community Center. While seemingly unrelated to current issues, his statement served as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry of our region and the importance of preserving diverse cultural experiences.
๐ Diversity and Representation
A speaker identifying herself only as "a woman" repeated the phrase "I'm a woman" multiple times.
๐ณ๏ธ Election Integrity
Christine Fowlsman raised concerns about voter registration and the processing of federal-only ballots, touching on the sensitive topic of election integrity. Her comments reflected ongoing national debates about voting processes and the need for transparent and fair elections.
The Call to the Audience segment vividly illustrated the complex tapestry of concerns, ideologies, and experiences that make up our community. From immigration and law enforcement to cultural preservation and election integrity, the voices of our citizens remind us of the diverse challenges facing Pima County and the critical importance of responsive, accountable governance.
๐ Housing Crisis: A $10 Million Band-Aid on a Gaping Wound?
As the specter of gentrification continues to haunt our barrios and displace our gente, the Board grappled with a proposal to boost affordable housing funding from $5 million to $10 million. While the increase might seem substantial, it's a drop in the bucket compared to the ocean of need created by centuries of systemic inequality and capitalist greed.
Seemingly grasping the urgency, Supervisor Heinz stated, "I think it's important enough to do that. But I don't think anybody is interested in increasing taxes at this moment or probably at all."
While acknowledging the importance of housing, this sentiment reveals the tightrope between addressing critical needs and the political aversion to raising taxesโeven for the common good.
The Board's hesitation to commit fully to this funding increase speaks volumes about the ongoing struggle between social responsibility and fiscal conservatism. As our community members sleep on the streets or struggle to make rent, we must ask: at what point does fiscal prudence become moral bankruptcy?
๐ RTA Next: Paving Over People's Needs or Driving Progress?
General Ted Maxwell's presentation on the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Next plan unveiled a complex web of projects and priorities. While infrastructure improvement is crucial, we must scrutinize whether these plans genuinely serve the needs of our most vulnerable community members or facilitate the continued dominance of car culture and suburban sprawl.
Maxwell's statement, "Is the plan perfect? No. Is it time to go and listen to the community and see what their thoughts on this are? Absolutely," rings hollow when we consider the historical lack of genuine community input in such large-scale projects.
The $1.1 billion earmarked for roadway elements over 20 years begs the question: how much will benefit those who rely on public transportation or cannot afford a vehicle?
๐ฌ The Power of Words: Chair Grijalva's Social Media Misstep
The meeting took a contentious turn as members of the public lambasted Chair Adelita Grijalva for a social media post perceived as divisive and inappropriate. The post, which reportedly included a profane phrase in Spanish directed at former President Trump and his supporters, ignited a firestorm of criticism.
Christy Broderick, a community member, stated, "Your divisive posts contribute to the political violence that is happening in our country right now. And no elected official should be taking part of that."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power wielded by elected officials and their responsibility to foster unity rather than division.
Chair Grijalva's response to the criticism was equally problematic. She stated, "I find it completely hypocritical for you to demand of me what you don't of your candidate for president. I'll make you a deal. I'll acknowledge wrongdoing when Trump apologizes for the racist, misogynistic, sexist, inflammatory comments he's made about women, people of color, LGBTQ, immigrants, and frankly, anyone who disagrees with him or isn't one of his fans."
While the Chair's frustration with the former president's rhetoric is understandable, her response fails to acknowledge the higher standard to which elected officials should be held. Two wrongs don't make a right, and stooping to the level of those we criticize only serves to erode public trust in our institutions further. Thereโs a vast difference between saying, โI did nothing wrong,โ and โIโll acknowledge my wrongdoing (implying wrong was done) when you do.โ
For what itโs worth, Three Sonorans thought Grijalvaโs post was fine and considered it muy chingon.
๐ฟ A Moment of Unity: Honoring Carolyn Campbell
In a rare moment of harmony amidst the political turbulence, the Board unanimously proclaimed September 21, 2024, as "Carolyn Campbell Appreciation Day." Campbell's tireless work over 26 years with the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection exemplifies the power of grassroots activism in preserving our precious natural heritage.
Mayor Regina Romero's words captured the significance of Campbell's contributions: "Everything I know about open space and biodiversity and wildlife, I learned from Caroline Campbell."
This recognition serves as a poignant reminder of a dedicated individual's positive impact on their community and the environment.
๐ฎ Silence and Scrutiny: The Sheriff's Department Under Fire
The meeting took a serious turn as Supervisor Christy raised concerns about the Attorney General's investigation into the Sheriff's Department's handling of a rape allegation. The absence of Sheriff Nanos at the meeting to address these concerns was notable and troubling.
Supervisor Heinz didn't mince words, stating, "I mean, it's hard to put into words to have forces. This kind of failure doesn't make any sense to me. You would never see an 11-month delay at the University of Arizona, at Microsoft, at Raytheon, at TPD. Come on."
While the Board's decision to formally request a response from the Sheriff is a step in the right direction, it highlights the limitations of oversight and accountability in our current system. As guardians of public safety, law enforcement agencies must be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
A Community at a Crossroads
As the sun set on this marathon meeting, it became clear that Pima County stands at a crossroads. The decisions made in these chambers will shape the future of our community for generations to come. From housing and transportation to environmental conservation and public safety, the challenges we face demand bold, progressive solutions prioritizing the needs of the many over the profits of the few.
It is incumbent upon us, as engaged citizens and journalists, to continue highlighting these issues, holding our elected officials accountable, and pushing for policies that truly serve all members of our diverse community. The struggle for social justice, environmental protection, and genuine democracy continues, and it is through our collective efforts, we can hope to build a more equitable and sustainable future for Pima County.
Voting Record
Proclamation for Constitution Week: Passed unanimously
Proclamation for Employee Ownership Month: Passed unanimously
Proclamation for Annual Toy Drive Days: Passed unanimously
Proclamation for International Peace Day: Passed unanimously
Proclamation for Carolyn Campbell Appreciation Day: Passed unanimously
Non-Exclusive Franchise Agreement with Southwest Gas Corporation: Passed unanimously
Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program: Passed unanimously
Landscape Maintenance Services and Repairs Contract Award: Passed unanimously
Appeal of Procurement Director's Decision (Item 48A): Denied unanimously
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grant Acceptance: Passed 4-1 (Supervisor Christy voted no)
Arizona Department of Health Services Grant Amendment: Passed 4-1 (Supervisor Christy voted no)
MacArthur Foundation Grant Amendment: Passed 4-1 (Supervisor Christy voted no)
State of Arizona Office of the Attorney General Grant Acceptance: Passed unanimously
Department of Justice Grants for Sheriff's Department: Passed unanimously
Fireworks Permits for Caterpillar: Passed 4-1 (Supervisor Heinz voted no)
Rezoning Ordinances (Items 45, 46, 47): Passed unanimously
Motion to Formally Request Sheriff's Response: Passed 3-2 (Chair Grijalva and Supervisor Scott voted no)
Avra Valley Irrigation and Drainage District Annual Election Cancellation: Passed unanimously
Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance Contract: Passed unanimously
Reappointments to Corrections Officer and Public Safety Personnel Retirement Boards: Passed unanimously
๐ฆ Three Sonorans Commentary
The Housing Crisis: Band-Aids on Bullet Wounds
First, the Board grappled with a proposal to increase affordable housing funding from $5 million to $10 million. Sounds good, right? But let's be realโin a county where gentrification is displacing our gente faster than you can say "luxury condos," this is barely a drop in the bucket.
Supervisor Matt Heinz hit the nail on the head when he said, "I think it's important enough to do that. But I don't think anybody is interested in increasing taxes at this moment or probably at all."
Ah, there's the rub! We need housing, but heaven forbid we ask the wealthy to pay their fair share. It's the same old story - the poor get poorer, while the rich clutch their pearls at the mere mention of taxes.
RTA Next: Paving Over Our Communities?
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Next plan was another hot topic. General Ted Maxwell tried to sell it with a classic line: "Is the plan perfect? No. Is it time to go and listen to the community and see what their thoughts on this are? Absolutely."
But here's the million-dollar question (or should we say billion-dollar, given the $1.1 billion price tag): Who's really benefiting from these transportation plans? Are we building infrastructure that serves our working-class communities, or are we just making it easier for the privileged to commute from their suburban enclaves?
Law Enforcement: The Deafening Silence
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the meeting was the discussion around the Sheriff's Department's handling of a rape allegation.
Mike Aaron, a public speaker, didn't mince words: "The Pima County Sheriff Female attended a Christmas party and she was raped. Now, what has Chris Nanos done? Not a damn thing."
The Board's decision to formally request a response from Sheriff Nanos is a step in the right direction (Chair Grijalva and Supervisor Scott voted no), but it's not nearly enough. How many more victims need to suffer before we see real accountability in our law enforcement agencies?
A Ray of Hope: Honoring Our Environmental Guardian
In a rare moment of unity, the Board honored Carolyn Campbell for her 26 years of work protecting our precious Sonoran Desert. Mayor Regina Romero's words were touching: "Everything I know about open space, biodiversity, and wildlife, I learned from Caroline Campbell."
This recognition reminds us of the power of grassroots activism and the importance of protecting our natural heritage. But let's not forget - environmental justice is intrinsically linked to social justice. The same communities bearing the brunt of economic inequality are often the most affected by environmental degradation.
The Struggle Continues
Amigos, this meeting was a stark reminder of the challenges we face. From housing and transportation to environmental protection and law enforcement accountability, the issues are complex, and the stakes are high.
But let's not lose hope. Our community has a long history of resilience and resistance. We must hold our elected officials accountable and demand policies that serve all community members, not just the privileged few.
La lucha sigue, Tucson. The struggle continues.