💸 Pima Supervisors Accused of Reckless Spending, Hiking Taxes Amid Inflation
🔍 Checks and Balances Key to Preventing Corruption in Pima County
Based on the 10/29/24 Winn Tucson Show on KVOI-1030AM.
🧠 Mindmap of today’s show
🙊 Notable quotes from the show
"If the treasurer's office falls down, if paychecks start bouncing, if transactions aren't going through, it could bring the county to a standstill if the office doesn't function." - Chris Ackerly, Pima County Treasurer
"He believes that he should be using it to influence a political agenda. And I strongly disagree. So the treasurer's office doesn't or shouldn't, should I say play in politics." - Chris Ackerly
⏮️ ICYMI: From the Last Show…
💰 Tucson Housing Market Sees Upswing, but Affordability Remains Elusive
Based on the 10/28/24 Winn Tucson Show on KVOI-1030AM.
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
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🎙️ This radio show is all about making sure the money in Pima County is being used the right way, not for any political agenda. 💰 The Treasurer's job is to take care of everyone's tax dollars, not play favorites. 🔍 They're talking about how important it is for people, even if they're frustrated with national politics, to still vote in local races because that's where a lot of the decisions that impact your daily life get made. 🗳️ Things like roads, schools, and public safety all come down to the people you elect locally. 🗺️💡
🗝️ Takeaways
💰 Pima Treasurer Chris Ackerly vows to be a fiscal watchdog, not a political player
📊 Importance of independent, experienced leadership in the Treasurer's office
🗳️ Urging independent voters to participate in local races despite national disillusionment
🔎 Calls for transparency, internal controls, and checks on county officials
📻 What They Discussed
This episode of the "Winn Tucson" radio show aired on October 29, 2024. The host was Kathleen Winn, who spoke with several guests about important issues facing Pima County. The key guests included:
Chris Ackerley, the current Pima County Treasurer who is running for re-election
Jay Christian Adams, the president and general counsel of the Public Interest Legal Foundation
Steve Spain, a candidate for the Pima County Board of Supervisors in District 1
These guests provided insights on topics ranging from the role and responsibilities of the Treasurer's office to concerns about election integrity and the direction of local government.
🗂️ The Crucial Role of the Pima County Treasurer
Chris Ackerley, the Pima County Treasurer, emphasized his office's significant responsibilities and influence. As the overseer of $2 billion in county funds and facilitator of $300 million in weekly transactions, the Treasurer's role is akin to that of a credit union president. Ackerley stressed that the office is not a partisan position but focused on prudent financial management and serving as a counterbalance to other county entities.
Ackerley's opponent, however, has indicated a desire to use the office to advance a political agenda, which Ackerley firmly rejects. He believes the Treasurer's role should be to safeguard taxpayer money and maximize investment returns, not to influence policy through the selective allocation of funds. Ackerley's experience, having worked under the previous Republican Treasurer for three years, has equipped him with the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of the office.
The discussion highlighted the crucial importance of having a Treasurer committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources. With the county's budget and financial health hanging in the balance, the choice of Treasurer holds significant consequences for Pima County residents.
💰 Pima County's Fiscal Health and the Need for Fiscal Responsibility
The conversation also delved into the broader fiscal challenges facing Pima County. According to Ackerley, while the county currently has sufficient cash reserves to avoid immediate budgetary crises, the long-term outlook is concerning. As federal COVID-19 relief funds dry up and inflationary pressures continue to mount, the county's ability to maintain a balanced budget could be jeopardized.
Candidate Steve Spain emphasized that over the past four years, the current Board of Supervisors has raised taxes by a staggering 37%, all while pushing for additional sales tax increases. Spain argued that this reckless spending and taxation approach has directly contributed to the economic strain felt by Pima County residents, particularly amidst the highest inflation levels in decades.
Ackerley and Spain stressed the need for a more fiscally conservative and responsible approach to county governance. This would involve reducing unnecessary spending, prioritizing core functions like infrastructure and public safety, and creating an environment more conducive to economic growth and business investment. The guests believed that a shift in the political composition of the Board of Supervisors could be a crucial step towards restoring fiscal discipline and prosperity in Pima County.
🗳️ The Importance of Local Elections and Voter Participation
Throughout the discussion, the hosts and guests emphasized the critical importance of voter engagement in local elections, particularly among independent and unaffiliated voters. They acknowledged that while national politics may be disheartening for some, the decisions made at the county and municipal levels profoundly impact people's daily lives.
Ackerley urged listeners, especially those registered as independents, to participate in the upcoming election, stressing that "just because there's noise at the national level, don't give up your voice in that." The guests argued that issues like school funding, city council representation, and the quality of local infrastructure are all directly shaped by the leaders elected at the county and city levels.
Additionally, the discussion highlighted the potential for local elected officials to safeguard or undermine electoral processes' integrity. Jay Christian Adams of the Public Interest Legal Foundation raised concerns about problematic voting practices in certain states, such as extended ballot deadlines and lax verification procedures, and the need for legal challenges to ensure finality and transparency on election night.
The overall message conveyed was a call to action for Pima County residents to become informed, engaged, and proactive in shaping the future of their local government and communities, regardless of their partisan affiliations.
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👯 People Mentioned
Chris Ackerly
Pima County Treasurer running for re-election
"If the treasurer's office falls down, if paychecks start bouncing, if transactions aren't going through, it could bring the county to a standstill if the office doesn't function."
"He believes that he should be using it to influence a political agenda. And I strongly disagree. So the treasurer's office doesn't or shouldn't, should I say play in politics."
Rex Scott
Ackerly's opponent in the Treasurer's race, accused of wanting to use the office for political purposes
Beth Ford
Previous Pima County Treasurer who recruited Ackerly and served for 24 years
Jay Christian Adams
President and general counsel of the Public Interest Legal Foundation
Raised concerns about problematic voting practices in certain states and the need for legal challenges to ensure electoral integrity
Steve Spain
Candidate for Pima County Board of Supervisors in District 1
Criticized the current Board's reckless spending and tax increases, arguing for a more fiscally responsible approach
Clint Bullock
Arizona Supreme Court Justice praised for his solid jurisprudence
Allison Riggs
North Carolina Supreme Court Justice criticized for undermining election integrity
Dan Bishop
Candidate for North Carolina Attorney General, described as a "brilliant, conservative lawyer"