💰 The $10 Million Question: Where Did Tucson's Economic Development Money Go? Columbus Day Debate and More
💰 The $10 Million Question: Where Did Tucson's Economic Development Money Go? Columbus Day Debate and More
🔍 Follow the Money: Tracing Pima County's Questionable Financial Decisions 🇮🇹 Meatballs and Politics: Italian-American Heritage in the Political Discourse
Based on the 10/14/24 Wake Up Tucson Show on KVOI-1030AM.
As Joe Arpaio once infamously declared, "Aw, come on. I'm proud to be an Italian-American. I'm proud of Christopher Columbus," we see how easily pride in one's heritage can be weaponized to dismiss the very real pain of others.
In Tucson, where we are surrounded by rich Indigenous history and culture, from the Tohono O'odham Nation to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, it is particularly egregious to cling to outdated and harmful celebrations. Our city should be at the forefront of honoring Indigenous peoples, not clinging to colonial myths.
🙊 Notable quotes from the show
"What TREO has confirmed is when it comes to the business community of Tucson, Arizona, other than I'm going to give you some bright spots... Rest of them useless, just useless." - Chris DeSimone, criticizing local business leadership groups
"Every legal vote should count. Only legal votes count." - Brother Joe, commenting on voting rights
"There were 11 individuals who received overpayments... ranging from $998 to $10,324 during the period September 10th, 2023, October 5th, 2024." - Dr. JoAnn di Filippo, discussing Pima County compensation errors
"You don't have any correlation between what you're trying to develop and attract versus the available talent pool." - Dr. JoAnn di Filippo, critiquing workforce development efforts
⏮️ ICYMI: From the Last Show…
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
📻 A radio show called Wake Up Tucson talked about grown-up stuff in Tucson, Arizona. 🏙️ They said Tucson isn't growing as fast as other cities nearby. 💼 People who are supposed to help businesses in Tucson haven't done a good job. 💰 They spent a lot of money but didn't fix the problems. 🗳️ The show also talked about voting and said some not-nice things about people from other countries voting. 🌍 It's important to remember that everyone deserves to be treated fairly, no matter where they're from!
🗝️ Takeaways
🏙️ Tucson's business environment has shown little improvement over 18 years, despite significant investment in economic development organizations.
💼 Local business leadership groups have been ineffective in addressing long-standing economic issues.
🗳️ Controversial voting policies in Arizona raise concerns about voter suppression and election integrity.
💰 Pima County's financial management faces scrutiny for inefficiency and questionable practices.
🌐 The show displays a bias against progressive policies and immigrant communities, promoting a conservative agenda.
⏬ Jump to the 🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary based on:
📻 What They Discussed
The October 14, 2024, episode of Wake Up Tucson, hosted by Chris DeSimone with co-host Matt Neely, featured a deep dive into Tucson's economic challenges, local government issues, and contentious voting rights debates.
The show's primary guest, Dr. JoAnn di Filippo, extensively commented on Pima County government operations. Later in the program, Brother Joe, a financial advisor, offered insights on economic and political matters.
This Columbus Day broadcast also touched on Italian-American heritage, intertwining cultural commentary with its primary focus on local and national issues.
🏙️ Tucson's Economic Quagmire: A Tale of Stagnation and Wasted Potential
The hosts began by highlighting a troubling trend in Tucson's economic development – or lack thereof. Chris DeSimone presented a scathing critique of local business leadership groups, including chambers of commerce and economic development organizations like Sun Corridor (formerly TREO). He pointed out that the same issues plaguing Tucson's business environment 18 years ago remain primarily unaddressed today despite significant financial investment.
DeSimone referenced a presentation by Sun Corridor that inadvertently confirmed the lack of progress.
He stated, "What TREO has confirmed is when it comes to the business community of Tucson, Arizona, other than I'm going to give you some bright spots... The rest of them useless, just useless."
This harsh assessment underscores the frustration with these organizations' perceived ineffectiveness.
The show highlighted that approximately $10 million has been spent on Sun Corridor/TREO over the years, with little tangible improvement to show for it. The hosts argued that this represents a significant waste of taxpayer money and a failure of leadership.
A caller named Shawn starkly compared Tucson's development to other Arizona cities like Tempe and Casa Grande. He described these areas' rapid growth and modernization, contrasting sharply with Tucson's apparent stagnation. This comparison further emphasized the hosts' point about Tucson's lagging economic progress.
🗳️ Voting Rights and Election Integrity: A Controversial Debate
The show delved into contentious issues surrounding Arizona voting rights and election integrity. The hosts and guests discussed recent legal decisions and policies that they view as potentially compromising the integrity of elections.
One key point of discussion was a federal judge's decision not to require county recorders to immediately investigate the citizenship status of 40,000 registered voters who are only eligible to vote in federal elections. The hosts expressed concern about this ruling, with Brother Joe stating, "Every legal vote should count. Only legal votes count."
The conversation also touched on 98,000 potentially ineligible voters on Arizona's rolls. The hosts framed this as a serious issue that could impact the upcoming election. However, they noted that some Republican officials even supported the current ruling for various reasons.
These discussions reflected a broader conservative narrative about election integrity, often focusing on the potential for non-citizens to vote illegally. However, it's important to note that extensive research has shown voter fraud, including by non-citizens, to be extremely rare in the United States.
💼 Pima County Government: A Web of Inefficiency and Questionable Practices
Dr. JoAnn di Filippo provided an in-depth analysis of various Pima County government issues, highlighting what she sees as inefficiencies, questionable financial practices, and lack of accountability.
One significant topic was a compensation study that resulted in errors and overpayments.
Di Filippo noted, "There were 11 individuals who received overpayments... ranging from $998 to $10,324 during September 10th, 2023, and October 5th, 2024."
She questioned how large overpayments could occur and whether anyone would be held accountable for these errors.
The discussion also covered the county's vacant position policy, workforce development programs, and financial management practices.
Di Filippo criticized the lack of correlation between workforce development efforts and actual job creation, stating, "You don't have any correlation between what you're trying to develop and attract versus to the available talent pool."
The lease agreement between Pima County and the Southwestern Fair Commission was a particularly contentious issue. Di Filippo revealed that the county leases the entire fairgrounds to the commission for just $10 per year, while the commission then subleases a building back to the county for a significant sum. This arrangement was an example of questionable financial management and potential conflicts of interest within the county government.
🍝 Italian-American Heritage: A Complicated Legacy
In their misguided celebration of Columbus Day, the hosts of "Wake Up Tucson" attempted to frame the holiday as a celebration of Italian-American heritage. This seemingly innocuous perspective reveals a troubling lack of critical engagement with history and the complexities of cultural identity in America.
Chris DeSimone's casual remark, "Celebrating Columbus Day, Italian American Heritage Day. This is like we've been doing this for years," reflects a narrow understanding of what it means to honor one's heritage.
While it's important to recognize the contributions of Italian-Americans to our nation's fabric, tying this celebration to a figure as problematic as Columbus does a disservice to the rich and diverse Italian-American experience.
The show's approach to Italian-American heritage was peppered with stereotypical references and superficial cultural nods. As DeSimone mentioned, "We're not all about meatballs around here. As we like to say, even though they're good."
This reduction of Italian-American culture to food and folklore while playing Italian music in the background fails to engage with the complex history of Italian immigration to the United States and the challenges faced by early Italian-American communities.
Moreover, the hosts shared personal anecdotes about growing up in Italian-American families and working in their father's food import business. While these stories provide a glimpse into their personal experiences, they also highlight the privileges afforded to some immigrant groups over others. The ability to maintain cultural ties through food imports and celebrate heritage openly is not a luxury afforded to all immigrant communities in the U.S., particularly those from Latin America and other regions facing ongoing discrimination and xenophobia.
As progressive Chicanos, we must recognize the nuanced nature of immigrant experiences in America. While we can appreciate the desire to celebrate one's heritage, we must also be critical of how these celebrations can sometimes come at the expense of other marginalized groups. The uncritical embrace of Columbus as an Italian-American hero ignores the devastating impact his "discovery" had on Indigenous peoples and the long-lasting effects of colonialism that continue to shape our society today.
Instead of clinging to problematic figures like Columbus, we should encourage a more thoughtful engagement with Italian-American heritage that:
Acknowledges the struggles faced by early Italian immigrants, including discrimination and exploitation
Celebrates the diverse contributions of Italian-Americans to art, science, politics, and social movements
Recognizes how Italian-Americans have both faced oppression and, over time, become part of the white power structure in America
Promotes solidarity between Italian-Americans and other immigrant and marginalized communities
Encourages critical reflection on the complex history of immigration, assimilation, and cultural identity in the United States
By doing so, we can honor the positive aspects of Italian-American heritage while working towards a more just and equitable society. Let us move beyond simplistic celebrations and towards a nuanced understanding of our shared histories and interconnected struggles. In this way, we can build bridges between communities and foster true cultural appreciation that doesn't come at the expense of others.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary
🌵🎙️ Querida comunidad, once again, we find ourselves dissecting the problematic narratives pushed by the conservative radio show "Wake Up Tucson." Their October 14, 2024 broadcast was a cornucopia of regressive ideologies, thinly veiled racism, and economic misinformation that demands our critical attention. As your progressive Chicano voice in the Sonoran Desert, we're here to break down these harmful narratives and offer a vision of justice and equity for our beloved Tucson.
💼 The Myth of Trickle-Down Economics in the Desert
The hosts of "Wake Up Tucson" spent considerable time lamenting Tucson's economic woes, with Chris DeSimone declaring local business leadership groups as "useless, just useless." This simplistic view ignores the systemic issues at play and promotes a dangerous narrative of trickle-down economics that has failed our communities time and time again.
The $10 million spent on Sun Corridor/TREO over the years raises important questions, but not the ones "Wake Up Tucson" is asking. We should be interrogating:
Who really benefits from these "economic development" initiatives?
How much of this money actually reaches our barrios and working-class neighborhoods?
Why aren't we investing in community-led development that prioritizes local needs?
As progressives, we understand that true economic justice means:
Living wages for all workers, especially our essential labor force
Investment in education and job training for marginalized communities
Support for small, local businesses, particularly those owned by people of color
Sustainable practices that protect our fragile desert ecosystem
Instead of pursuing corporate handouts and tax breaks, we should demand policies that build a just and equitable economy from the ground up, centered on the needs of our most vulnerable populations.
🗳️ Voter Suppression: The Real Threat to Democracy
Perhaps the most alarming segment of the show was the thinly veiled promotion of voter suppression tactics. Brother Joe's statement, "Every legal vote should count. Only legal votes count," is a dog whistle that echoes the harmful rhetoric used to justify restrictive voting laws nationwide.
Let's be clear, hermanas y hermanos: voter fraud, especially by non-citizens, is extremely rare. The real threat to our democracy comes from:
Closing polling locations in predominantly Latinx and Black neighborhoods
Implementing strict voter ID laws that disproportionately affect communities of color
Purging voter rolls without proper notification
Spreading misinformation about voting procedures, especially targeting Spanish-speaking communities
As defenders of civil rights, we must vigilantly oppose any attempt to silence the voices of our gente. The right to vote is sacred; we must protect it at all costs.
🏙️ Urban Development: Gentrification in Disguise
The show's comparison of Tucson to other Arizona cities reveals a troubling obsession with a particular vision of "progress" that often comes at the expense of long-time residents and erases our cultural heritage.
When we hear praise for rapid development in places like Tempe or Casa Grande, we must ask: Who benefits from this growth? All too often, gentrification displaces established communities, particularly in historically Chicano and Indigenous neighborhoods.
As we envision Tucson's future, we must prioritize:
Affordable housing initiatives that keep our communities intact
Preservation of historical and cultural sites that tell our stories
Green spaces and public transportation are accessible to all, not just the privileged few
Development projects that include community input and benefit agreements to ensure local residents aren't pushed out
🏴☠️ Columbus Day: Celebrating Genocide or Honoring Indigenous Resilience?
In our today’s analysis of the "Wake Up Tucson" broadcast, we now look at a crucial aspect that demands our attention – the show's casual celebration of Columbus Day. This observance, steeped in colonial mythology, represents a glaring blind spot in the hosts' worldview and serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples.
Chris DeSimone's flippant remark, "Celebrating Columbus Day, Italian American Heritage Day. This is like we've been doing this for years," epitomizes the willful ignorance that perpetuates harmful colonial narratives.
By framing Columbus Day as a celebration of Italian-American heritage, the show glosses over the brutal reality of Columbus's legacy – a legacy of genocide, enslavement, and cultural destruction that continues to impact Indigenous communities today.
Genoa, where Columbus was born, was part of the Spanish Empire. There is no evidence of writings in Italian by Columbus, despite the many in Spanish for the Spanish Empire and to the Spanish Crown. Furthermore, Columbus never reached the United States, so why is this genocidal leader considered as the symbol of an Italian-American?
As progressive Chicanos, we must reject this sanitized version of history and stand in solidarity with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. The movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day is not merely about changing a name on a calendar but acknowledging historical truths and committing to a more just future.
Why Indigenous Peoples' Day Matters:
Historical Accuracy: Columbus did not "discover" America. The Americas were home to thriving civilizations long before European contact. Indigenous Peoples' Day helps correct this Eurocentric narrative.
Acknowledging Genocide: Columbus's arrival marked the beginning of a centuries-long campaign of violence, disease, and forced assimilation that decimated Indigenous populations. Celebrating Columbus whitewashes this painful history.
Honoring Resilience: Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrates the survival and continued cultural contributions of Native communities despite overwhelming odds.
Promoting Education: This shift encourages a more nuanced understanding of history, fostering empathy and cross-cultural understanding.
Supporting Contemporary Struggles: By centering Indigenous voices, we bring attention to ongoing issues like land rights, environmental justice, and cultural preservation.
The "Wake Up Tucson" hosts' uncritical embrace of Columbus Day reflects a broader pattern of historical amnesia that serves to maintain systems of oppression.
As Joe Arpaio once infamously declared, "Aw, come on. I'm proud to be an Italian-American. I'm proud of Christopher Columbus," we see how easily pride in one's heritage can be weaponized to dismiss the very real pain of others.
In Tucson, where we are surrounded by rich Indigenous history and culture, from the Tohono O'odham Nation to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, it is particularly egregious to cling to outdated and harmful celebrations. Our city should be at the forefront of honoring Indigenous peoples, not clinging to colonial myths.
Moving Forward:
As we challenge the narratives promoted by shows like "Wake Up Tucson," we must also push for concrete actions:
Advocate for Tucson to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day
Support Indigenous-led initiatives for land reclamation and cultural preservation
Promote Indigenous history and perspectives in our schools and public discourse
Stand against resource extraction and environmental degradation on Native lands
Amplify Indigenous voices in local politics and decision-making processes
By rejecting the celebration of Columbus and embracing Indigenous Peoples' Day, we take a step towards healing historical wounds and building a more inclusive, just society. It's time for Tucson to wake up to the true history of our land and honor those who have called it home for millennia.
Let us move forward together, honoring the past while building a future that respects and uplifts all members of our diverse community. The path to justice is long, but with each step, we draw closer to the world our ancestors dreamed of – a world of equality, respect, and harmony with the land.
¡La lucha sigue! The struggle continues! ✊🏽🌵🏜️
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👯 People Mentioned
Chris DeSimone (Host): Conservative radio host critical of Tucson's economic development
Matt Neely (Co-host): Supports DeSimone's views on the show
Dr. JoAnn di Filippo (Guest): Provides detailed analysis of Pima County government issues
Brother Joe (Guest): Financial advisor offering conservative economic and political commentary
Shawn (Caller): Compares Tucson's development unfavorably to other Arizona cities
Jan Lesher: Pima County Administrator mentioned in discussions of county policies
Chris Nanos: Pima County Sheriff criticized for politicizing his office
Heather Lappin: Candidate running against Chris Nanos for Sheriff
Steve Farley: Briefly mentioned as a potential replacement for Monica Dangler at Pima Animal Care Center
🧐 Propaganda AI-nalysis
The Wake Up Tucson show exhibits several propaganda techniques:
Scapegoating: The hosts blame local business leadership and government officials for Tucson's economic problems, simplifying complex issues.
Card stacking: The show presents selective information that supports their conservative viewpoint while omitting contradictory evidence.
Bandwagon: The hosts create a sense that "everyone" agrees with their assessment of Tucson's problems, encouraging listeners to join their perspective.
Name-calling: Derogatory terms like "Chalupa corridor" are used to discredit organizations they disagree with.
Testimonial: They use anecdotes and caller experiences to support their arguments without providing broader context or data.
Fear-mongering: The discussion of voting rights and non-citizen voting plays on fears of election fraud, despite little evidence of widespread issues.
Repetition: Key themes, such as the ineffectiveness of local leadership, are repeated throughout the show to reinforce the message.
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