Young Wright will replace Saradnik in state House

In a decision that became wrapped up in a spirited debate over gender, affirmative action and the democratic process, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 1 Friday morning to appoint Young Wright, a 48-year-old county employee, to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Lena Saradnik this month in District 26.

The district serves Oro Valley, the Foothills, part of Marana and the southern tip of Pinal County.

Young Wright, a Democrat who is credited with bringing dramatic change to the Amphitheater School District during her tenure on the board, said she is looking forward to transitioning to state level policy, even with the state facing a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall.

“I know it’s a difficult, but I’ve been through a lot of difficult times at Amphi with the budget,” Young Wright said.

Saradnik, who suffered a stroke in November, resigned to focus on her recovery and had endorsed another candidate, Don Jorgensen, to serve out the remaining year of her term.

Jorgensen also received the most votes on Tuesday night from Democratic precinct committeemen, who forwarded the names of Jorgensen, Young Wright and Cheryl Cage to the supervisors for final approval.

Some area activists opposed the board’s decision, arguing that Young Wright was chosen based on gender.

“I am upset that the Pima County Board of Supervisors did not heed to the people of (District 26). It’s the peoples’ choice,” said Jeff Latas, a committeeman in the district.

But Francine Shacter, also a district committeeman, said the board “picked the most qualified person.”

“I don’t think women should step away from the idea that gender is an issue,” Shacter said. “It’s not everything, but it’s an issue.”

Young Wright said she planned to offer the county her resignation Friday, and she's expected to be sworn-in Tuesday in Phoenix.