Tucson speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Oct. 2, 2026
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Arizona Daily Star.
- Updated
Bipartisan? Really?
Juan Ciscomani is campaigning on the idea that he’s Arizona’s most bipartisan Congressional representative.
While that’s not untrue, looking at the numbers makes it – at best – a distinction without a difference. His five fellow Republican Congressmen earn a 90%-plus rating on the conservative Heritage Foundation scorecard, topped by Paul Gosar at 100%, Andy Biggs at 98%, Abe Hamadeh at 94%, and David Schweikert and Eli Crane at 92%.
Ciscomani’s rating is 87% in support of Trump’s dystopian agenda. This includes voting to slash food stamp and ACA support for millions of low-income Americans while granting tax breaks to the wealthiest and raising the national debt to all-time highs. He also tacitly supports Trump’s ruinous war against Iran.
Guess these facts don’t make for a great re-election platform.
In a few weeks voters will have an opportunity to demonstrate what we think of Ciscomani’s brand of “bipartisanship.”
Michael P. Cuno
Oro Valley
Prop 320: The devil is in the details
Requiring school districts to spend 60% of operational funding on "direct instruction" sounds reasonable. But what is direct instruction?
Counselors, nurses, many special education services, reading/math interventions, transportation and teacher development are excluded, though they're essential for learning and often legally required. These expenses are included in the larger category, "classroom spending," and districts spend 69.1% there.
Districts average 52.1% on direct instruction. With no new money provided by the proposition, districts below 60% will have to cut services to comply.
Worse, districts that fall short will lose 25% of their Classroom Site Fund — money that supports teachers and classrooms. Inexplicably, Prop. 320 will reduce money for direct instruction because a district isn't spending enough on direct instruction.
This mandate applies only to certain public school districts; public charter schools are exempt.
If we want stronger public education, we should invest more in schools, not impose a poison-pill formula that guarantees a reduction in funding. Vote no on Prop. 320.
Eileen Jackson
Foothills
Rating our roads
Thanks to Mark Moral for his letter (Arizona Daily Star, Sept. 24) pointing out the glaring contrast between many of Tucson's pitiful roads and properly maintained streets that are the norm in other parts of the country.
Road infrastructure in Tucson has suffered from decades of neglect and deferred maintenance. The maxim "When you find yourself in a hole, the No. 1 rule is to stop digging" was ignored in spades by the City. The only thing that can be said now is that they appear to have stopped digging.
John Fristik
Southeast side
What good is a shutdown?
As part of the May Day Strong Coalition, TucsonShutdown.org supports all aspects of election protection up to and including a grassroots, nationwide economic shutdown if our elections are sabotaged in any way. A shutdown is a tool of last resort. It is one of the few ways that the citizenry of the entire nation can come together in a unified, non-violent response to a government that refuses to abide by the laws of the land. Ideally, we will not need to have a shutdown. However, if our right to vote is impeded, if our votes are discounted, if our duly elected representatives are not sworn in and seated, what are our non-violent alternatives to a shutdown? You say the courts will handle it? Trump and members of his regime have bulldozed the norms and ignored court orders repeatedly. There is no one to enforce court rulings. It’s up to us. If we do nothing, we acknowledge the end of the American Experiment.
Jude Glass
Midtown
How are we safer?
How are we safer when ICE arrests Eissa Hashemi, a professor and mentor of PhD students in the Business Psychology department of the Chicago School, and his wife and son? All three are legal permanent residents; Eissa and his wife have valid green cards and have committed no crimes, not even a traffic ticket. ICE says it is because Eissa’s mother was an interpreter for the Iranian hostage takers in 1979, before he was even born! Because of this, their green cards were revoked with no notification and no due process. Eissa is in one detention center, his wife and son in another. What happened to the rule of law? What happened to removing the “worst of the worst?” ICE is out of control and must be contained.
Don Ries
Southeast side
Pantano bumps and potholes
I was happy to see the “bump” sign in front of Leman Academy on Golf Links. Very thoughtful, but unnecessary. The ”bump” is smoother than Pantano Parkway. Pantano Parkway, between Golf Links and 22nd, is unsafe. We can’t look for people, pets or bikes. We’re too busy driving an obstacle course. Trying not to ruin our cars. The voters gave you money, please fix the road, or put up 141 “ bump” signs.
Sue Smith
Southeast side
Neighbor Connect experience
Over the past year, I've had the chance to support Tucson Electric Power's Neighbor Connect program and attend community events around Tucson. Through those experiences, I've seen how important it is to connect people with resources that can help them manage energy costs and keep their homes comfortable.
Many residents don't realize there are programs available to help with utility bills, improve energy efficiency, and provide energy-saving information. At community events, I've met people who were thankful just to learn these resources existed and that someone could help guide them through their options.
That's one reason I support Proposition 421.
The Energy Collaboration Agreement will expand support for low-income assistance, weatherization programs, and energy education. These investments can make a real difference for families facing financial challenges, especially during Tucson's hottest months.
Neighbor Connect has shown me the value of bringing resources directly to the community, which is why I encourage voters to support Proposition 421.
Lesly Romero
Ajo
Community Food Bank, 50 years of impact
The statement “50 years of impact” by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona could not be truer when you think of the countless hours of work done by staff, volunteers and donors making this organization a nationally recognized leader in food banking. IMPACT at the Community Food Bank means:
Innovation with a plethora of programs meeting the need where they need to be met and adjusting with the times.
Multitalented staff, volunteers and a board of directors working towards a hunger-free community.
Persistence-working with multiple government agencies and donors at all levels to keep funding in place.
Advocating for food security in our community and country.
Community building, establishing strong ties with local and national partners.
Talented staff and volunteers who, through the years, evolve and refine programs to offer support to those who need a helping hand.
Please let us continue supporting the Community Food Bank in whatever way we can.
Barbara Joy Tucker
Vail
Mystery numbers at UA
In an excellent and detailed piece of reporting about the University of Arizona’s shrinking enrollment, I am left mystified by the UA’s chief financial officer’s report to the Regents. The article states there is an 18% drop in enrollment. The largest drop is in out-of-state and international students, the high-dollar tuition. Yet the CFO’s report to the Regents states that tuition revenue will drop less than 1%. How is this possible?
David Rollins
North side
Inflation
Registered as an Independent, looking at Republicans blaming Dems for high inflation and prices is really comical. President Trump is responsible for a tariff policy that has driven prices up dramatically. He is responsible for increasing diesel and gas prices, which increase prices for growing products, for transporting those products to the grocery store, and the overall cost of our energy produced from fuel. If you vote for a Trump supporter and like what you see at the gas pump and everywhere else, don't complain about higher prices. If you don't like higher prices, vote for someone who doesn't support Trump and his policies. Simple!
Dave Locey
Foothills
The dog that didn’t bark
What's interesting is that Tim Steller wrote about the incumbent Juan Ciscomani on Sunday, not JoAnna Mendoza. Normally, it's “vote for me!,” not “don't vote for him.” Is she any good? Who knows. How come nobody competed against her in the primary? Who picked her in the first place? In Massachusetts, where I come from, an open seat for Congress opened up, and 10 people jumped in. Five were pretty serious. It was tooth and nail. One eventually was victorious. Mendoza ran against a bunch of nobodies. Who ever heard of Mendoza before April? Maybe Tim can find out about Mendoza and how the challenger got to where she is. (And why she doesn't use “JoJo left her home in Tucson, Arizona” as a theme song. “I had to go fight Al-Qaeda!”)
Walter Ramsley
East side
One vet helped — how about the rest of us?
I’m a disabled U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era living in Congressman Juan Ciscomani's district. I was glad to hear that Ciscomani’s office helped a fellow veteran navigate a difficult VA issue. While that kind of constituent service matters, it's also worth considering how Ciscomani's votes affect the economic security and healthcare of all veterans and working families.
Ciscomani voted for the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which he's described as delivering relief to Arizona families. Really? He voted against stopping the war in Iran, and we're paying for it at the pump. And his support for the administration’s tariffs deserves scrutiny as we continue to face rising costs.
Ciscomani's voting record matters when he, himself, is the one talking about how much Arizonans are “hurting.” The rising costs of housing, groceries, healthcare, utilities and other necessities are already putting pressure on families.
The original letter tells one veteran’s story. Ciscomani’s record tells a much bigger one.
USAR CW2 Retired
Charles E. Grantham, Ph. D.
Northeast side
Crumbs for public education
The Star has published at least a couple of letters recently from people who support Juan Ciscomani because of his appropriations for education, such as $2.7 million for Pima JTED. When a bigger picture is looked at, however, it is clear that Ciscomani’s true support is for the ESA voucher system, the system that is currently bleeding $1 billion annually from public schools. His support for the ESA system began years ago when he was a member of Gov. Doug Ducey’s leadership team. His most recent show of support came in January 2026 when he introduced a bill to provide federal funding for charter school facilities, with no money for traditional public schools. The ESA system that he supports is costing the Arizona public school system a staggering 370 times more than the $2.7 million preliminarily secured for Pima JTED.
Kathryn Pensinger
Foothills
Voting for Mendoza or Ciscomani
Taking away all the ads by both JoAnna Mendoza and Juan Ciscomani, and I'm certain I'm not the only one tired of these incessant ads and billboards. The real issue voters should be based on is that Ciscomani has voted 100% of the time with Trump's agenda. If you favor Trump's policies, then vote for Ciscomani. If you disagree with how the country's going, vote Mendoza. It's really that simple.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
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Climate change hits home
Arizona’s homeowners insurance premiums have soared 71% in the past five years due to the high costs of wildfires, floods and severe storms. Between 2020-24, Arizona experienced nine extreme weather events with losses exceeding $1 billion. However, every dollar invested in disaster prevention could save six dollars in future property losses.
But that’s not all. Since Trump’s drastic EPA and FEMA cuts, climate disasters have become more widespread and destructive, causing more damage, injuries, illnesses and deaths, along with food and water shortages and species extinctions. Extreme heat waves are now the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
Save money and save lives by electing climate advocates who will invest in disaster prevention:
• Arizona Corporation Commission candidates Clara Pratte and Jonathan Hill will harness Arizona’s clean energy sources and lower energy costs.
• LD 17 House candidates Kevin Volk and Holly Lyon will protect our water resources.
• Attorney General Kris Mayes will continue to sue for climate justice.
Jackie Marshall
Oro Valley
Having trouble finding a doctor? Blame MAGA
Having trouble finding a doctor? Blame MAGA.
I ran into a friend today and asked how her daughter, a Tucson pediatrician, was doing. Her answer: her daughter moved to Canada months ago. Two of her physician colleagues moved with her. I did research and found the real number may be close to a thousand in the U.S. last year. Canadian healthcare is managed at the province or territory level, and there is not a national “total” readily available.
I know personally and through “the grapevine” of friends that finding a new physician here in Tucson, in almost any field, is a long-term, difficult undertaking. Many physicians are not taking on new patients, some have retired at a young age, and some have moved. But to Canada?
Reasons given lead back to the Trump administration’s assault on medicine and science. The CDC is no longer trustworthy. Blame MAGA. Vote Democratic.
Mel Strijdonk
Northwest side
Early voting and your ID options
I’m sharing our experience and alerting people to a new option offered in Pima County. During the primary election, I mailed my ballot, while my husband took his to a voting center. He was offered the option of just dropping it into the box or showing his driver’s license to the poll worker, verifying his signature right then and saving them a time-consuming step later on. He did so, the worker marked his unopened ballot envelope, and it went into the box. Both our ballots counted just fine, and election officials said later that they were thrilled with how smoothly on-site signature verification went and how much it sped up the counting.
I’m fine with presenting an ID when I vote, and encourage everyone to do this if you can. Arizona elections are safe and secure, but we voters can do our part to make them even more safe and secure. Democracy benefits everyone.
Gail Gibbs
Oro Valley
A suggestion
The polls suggest that Democrats will take control of the House at the mid-term elections. Assuming that happens, I suggest that the first line of business be a law to make the sale of pardons illegal. The Constitution grants the exclusive right to pardon to the executive with no real guardrails. The framers wrongly assumed that the executive would be an honorable person. I would legislate that any compensation, gift, or donation for receipt of a pardon results in the pardon being revoked, and the person receiving the gift to pardon would remit double the amount of the remuneration to the U.S. Treasury. The lawyers in Congress could do the specific wording so that gifts to election funds, or libraries, or affiliated charities or offspring would be included in the prohibition. I would also include the restriction that self-pardons are banned. That would be a good start to restoring credibility to government.
Ronald Nowicki
Green Valley
I want America's honor back
The WH resident walked President Xi through the gallery of self-indulgent, disgusting and sickening portraits of former presidents that the WH resident created. What a shame that the current resident has no sense of values, no sense of honor, no sense of decorum, no credibility among decent human beings and no intellectual conscience. Vote his equally un-American cronies out in November. Time to bring back the United States as a world leader instead of an entity for ridicule and disgust.
Cynthia Schiesel
East side
DHS Detention
$1.2B for housing in Arizona! Where can first-time home buyers sign up?
How many will be incarcerated in the new Arizona $1.2B DHS detention warehouse, and how many human beings are and will be held in the $7.3B program passed by Representative Juan Ciscomante and the Republicans?
How many tax-paying workers have been and will be rounded up, destroying their families? What is the annual cost to maintain this inhumane program? What is the plan?
Why is this our best use of our resources and of those human beings held captive?
How long will we ignore what is happening to the "other?"
How many homes could be built in Arizona with $1.2B?
Melvin Cohen
Midtown
Ciscomani stages smear campaign
As a 100% Trumper, our CD6 congressman’s record on the economy, health, ICE, the environment, borderland desecration, and the war in Iran is indefensible. He is adept at deflecting issues. So how does he win? With his many “JUAN Ciscomani” billboards, and the recent posting of signs that smear his opponent as a tax cheat, proponent of “Guys in Girls’ Sports,” etc.
JoAnna Mendoza should take the gloves off. Start with the incumbent’s status as a citizen. As The Star has reported, Ciscomani’s campaign has declined to explain the circumstances of how his father secured a religious worker visa to move his family from Sonora in 1993.
If Ciscomani were a Democrat, you can bet that a cloud of suspicion and the whiff of denaturalization would be in the air. Technically, misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact pertains to the citizenship process itself, but no matter. Remember that Trump got his start as a birther. Yes, Juan, let’s “show your papers.”
Robert Laux-Bachand
Green Valley
Voter registration
An election bill called the Save Act is currently being considered in Congress. It would require those registering to vote to do so in person using either their passport or birth certificate to confirm their U. S. citizenship. This will affect many women who took their spouses' names when they married.
A married acquaintance of mine received a letter in the mail addressed to her former name listed on her birth certificate. I urged her to call her county recorder, which she did. She was told that the letter came from "a third party" and that her current voter registration was valid.
It appears that this missive was sent to try to confuse my friend so she wouldn't vote on November 3. I urge other women who may have received this letter to contact their county recorders immediately. Everyone who is duly registered must vote.
Carol W. West
East side
Steller Unmasks Ciscomani
In his column in Sunday’s paper, Tim Steller exposes the real Congressman Juan Ciscomani. On meaningless issues, he can sound bipartisan and reasonable. At times he even puts out statements that are sensible, like defending Medicaid. However, when it comes to doing the thing that matters most, ie his vote, he comes up short again and again. He has had two terms in Congress to prove himself. He has failed to do so. It is time for a change.
Elias Toubassi
East side
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Toxic politeness won’t solve serious problems
Come December, the Cold War will have ended 35 years ago. Numerous Western and Southwestern peer cities fell into a hole, and only recently have ones like El Paso, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, etc. managed to climb their way out. But not Tucson; it got comfortable down in the crater, enjoying its crime, squalor, retired indulgences, flaky social consciousness, lack of planning, university sinecures, etc. Well, bad news, folks, those salad days are ending. No more “Urban Stockholm Syndrome” ahead. And yet, Tucson is still beset with problems it should have solved decades ago. Maybe it’s time to end all the toxic politeness saddled to the city’s obvious cancel culture, should you violate. The first step in solving any problem is to admit you got one, then look clearly and transparently at its obvious root cause(s), and stop deluding yourselves. Enough toxic politeness; it’s rotting our brains.
Bill Sellers
Oro Valley
Candidate integrity
When deciding who to vote for in the election, one of the critical items should always be integrity. Everyone realizes that each candidate says what will make them look like the best choice in the eyes of the voters; however, isn't there an expectation that the commercials don't present false images? The recent commercials from Gov. Katie Hobbs seem to leave integrity in the distant past. The commercials state that Andy Biggs is pushing for a 23% increase in taxes, however, the truth is that Andy Biggs proposed a 23% tax that would replace the existing income tax, and he has always tried to make that clear. Did anyone else notice that so many of Hobbs' accomplishments were left over from the previous administration? Andy Biggs may not be perfect, but trust is high on the list.
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
Why I’m voting no on Prop 421
TEP is a privately held entity. That is a fact so many don’t realize. They do not care about us, only their shareholders. They can give us all the greenwashing, e-bike rebates, and freebies in the mail and events they want, but in the end they double down on data centers and rate hikes. They do not care that they could make power unaffordable and refuse to underground transmission lines because that would hurt their profit margins. If 421 passes, Tucson will become a lifeless husk in a few decades, and the only ones who will win are 2,200 miles away in Canada. It is time to tame this out-of-control rattlesnake, and put our power back in public hands and away from corporate greed.
Ryland Plassmann
Midtown
Tucson homeless response
Rural SW Virginia new transplant Tim F.’s letter to the editor complained about the homeless here. This isn't just a Tucson problem; it’s a countrywide problem. Comparing rural vs. urban bus stops is a whole different apple vs. orange. Our metro population is over 1 million; estimated 2,200 being homeless. Yes, homelessness is visible here. Tucson has programs and partnerships with charitable organizations for food and shelter, work and support programs. There are drug rehabs that will accommodate the homeless, but when even celebrities with all life’s advantages succumb to drugs, people will do what they do. No doubt the City can do better, but what will you do to help?
Jeff Albiniak
Midtown
Misleading ads
Ads against JoAnna Mendoza are deliberately misleading. Supposedly she wants to raise all our taxes. No. She is talking about billionaires. Republicans, including Juan Ciscomani, have cut funding for services to veterans, Medicaid and SNAP, all to fund tax cuts to the wealthy. When Mendoza said no more tax cuts or sales tax exemptions, she was talking about billionaires, not us. Also, when she said everyone must pay. She wants to protect us and the services our loved ones rely on.
Nancy Ward
Northeast side
Congress, where are you?
Now we have Senator John Kennedy claiming the President’s new ads, “paid for by the government,” are not appropriate, maybe even illegal. Congress, we are here because you haven’t done your job. McCain/Feingold was a good start on campaign reform, yet the Supreme Court gutted it with Citizens United. Where have you been since Congress? Did you address it – no. We have a political system dominated by dark money, unidentified contributors, etc. Loopholes are exploited by both sides of the aisle. If we want to let citizens regain control of the political process, Congress needs to step up now. Or, maybe having access to corporate largesse is easier!
Norman Patten
Midtown
Follow the money
Researching the immigration system, our tax dollars are going towards other countries who happily accept those who are being forced out of our country. Immigrants who are detained waiting for deportation are put into detention centers waiting for deportation. Following the recent arrest record by ICE, the only one who is profiting from deportation is owners of detention centers, third-world countries accepting immigrants ... we, in turn, are losing because many immigrants are no longer paying taxes, performing jobs which many citizens don’t care to do … Need to stop this madness. Vote for reclaiming our country. Stop the illegal war.
David Valenzuela
East side
Definitely NO on 421
Regarding the Sept. 27 letter to the editor “No on 421?” Yes, I will vote no on 421.
The physical infrastructure, front-line employees, foremen, middle managers and vendors are in place. Few of those people will relocate. So that is straightforward.
If upper management incentives are based on system reliability and minimizing rate hikes, which are not mutually exclusive goals, it should not be difficult to retain or replace upper management.
Fortis will have to accept a reasonable price and financing conditions. If not, would eminent domain be an effective tool to force Fortis’ hand?
Oversimplification or opportunity?
James Abels
Midtown
Ravens-Cowboys game
Man, talk about an exciting finish for the man who won that game in Rio de Janeiro on Sept. 27: The UA’s Tyler Loop! Take that, doubters from last year’s not-so-good season.
Benito Whatley
South side
Militant chaos come election time
President Trump has announced the beginning of militant chaos in the political world. In a new TV ad, he calls his disciples to make holy war on the upcoming election, much like he did on Jan. 6, 2021.
He makes clear reference to the decisive Armageddon battle between good and evil promised in the Bible’s Book of Revelations: “This is the final battle.” Trump wants all manner of election interference to push back against the blue wave of Democrat sentiment roiling across the country.
He says the enemy today is “communists, Marxists and fascists,” clearly projecting his own political lifestyle onto the opposing party. He is the one using Marxist-Leninist-Stalinist purges of government officials, exile of innocents to far-away Siberia-like places, and illegal militarism turned against his own neighbors in big cities. He is the far-right fascist propagandist he says his opponents are.
He wants the focus on consolidation of his own illicit power rather than Jesus’ return to construct a humanitarian world.
Kimball Shinkoskey
Downtown
Why 'Yes' on Prop 425?
Ask yourself if you value Pima College, good roads, safety, health, public audits. That's what 425 is about. Go for it.
Ford Burkhart
Midtown
Saving archaeological sites
Since it sued the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CPB) in June, the Tohono O’odham Nation has physically protested the construction of a second 30-foot border wall on their land, along 23 miles of the national wildlife refuge west of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Armed border agents guard the construction site, keeping the protesters a significant distance away to watch the destruction of cultural and sacred sites. Last week, professional archaeologists joined the protest after the threat to a desert spring in the Monument and the destruction of petroglyphs and an intaglio scraped into the dark soil by humans 6,500 years ago. CPB claims it solicited public comment last year during the planning of this second barrier. But now CPB is magnanimously open to public comment again, until Oct. 12. Please email your opposition to the loss of these irreplaceable sites to TucsonComments@cpb.dhs.gov with the subject line “Tucson Sector Secondary Barrier System Construction” today! Thank you!
Stephanie Cady
Northeast side
Midterms at risk
Trump continues to talk about dealing with Iran “after the elections.” Here’s my fear: There will be no midterm elections. Trump will find a pretext to invoke the Insurrection Act, then federalize the National Guard and deploy it, along with the FBI and ICE, to block access to the polls. Then, with the backing of the current compliant Congress, he will prevent voters from replacing his allies and retain his power.
Glenn Kjos
East side
Fontes deserves our thanks
In an ongoing battle over Trump’s illegal demands to turn over voters' protected information, Adrian Fontes was steadfast in protecting our mail-in ballots used by over 80% of Arizonans. After repeatedly refusing to relinquish Arizonans’ private data, he won against the Trump Administration in court. Fontes again argued repeatedly in multi-state lawsuits against Trump’s order to restrict the US Postal Service’s delivery of mail-in ballots, which was ultimately blocked by the Supreme Court.
Fontes is fully committed to ensuring free and fair elections using well-established voter identification laws and keeping Arizona’s voter rolls up to date. He has established an Election Security Advisory Committee to protect against AI threats. His leadership in election administration and security has earned him national awards of excellence.
Whether you vote by mail or in person, Fontes has done everything in his power to ensure your ballot is safe and secure. Thank him with your vote.
Karen D. Grinfeld
Oro Valley
Ciscomani not worthy of a vote
The gazillions of uncontrolled spending and an unending purse for Trump is on Juan Ciscomani. A U.S. Representative serves as the direct link between their local community and the federal government, balancing legislative work in Washington, D.C. with representation and services back home. Getting money for JTED is but one of the many things Ciscomani "should" be doing for us (it's his job) and pointing out one goodie is not making me think he is doing his job well at all. The "Big Bad Bill," that's on Juan. DT is out of control, and Juan is supporting him hook, line, and sinker, not us. He is prioritizing Trump interests over local economic needs. Economy, healthcare, gas prices, Medicare, Medicaid, world status, safety, "war," Social Security, environment, USPS, voting. All failures, with Ciscomani's unfettered support. Sliced are necessary government programs that may help pay for food, housing, medical and other basic living expenses.
Peter Bisschop
East side
More like this...
Bipartisan? Really?
Juan Ciscomani is campaigning on the idea that he’s Arizona’s most bipartisan Congressional representative.
While that’s not untrue, looking at the numbers makes it – at best – a distinction without a difference. His five fellow Republican Congressmen earn a 90%-plus rating on the conservative Heritage Foundation scorecard, topped by Paul Gosar at 100%, Andy Biggs at 98%, Abe Hamadeh at 94%, and David Schweikert and Eli Crane at 92%.
Ciscomani’s rating is 87% in support of Trump’s dystopian agenda. This includes voting to slash food stamp and ACA support for millions of low-income Americans while granting tax breaks to the wealthiest and raising the national debt to all-time highs. He also tacitly supports Trump’s ruinous war against Iran.
Guess these facts don’t make for a great re-election platform.
In a few weeks voters will have an opportunity to demonstrate what we think of Ciscomani’s brand of “bipartisanship.”
Michael P. Cuno
Oro Valley
Prop 320: The devil is in the details
Requiring school districts to spend 60% of operational funding on "direct instruction" sounds reasonable. But what is direct instruction?
Counselors, nurses, many special education services, reading/math interventions, transportation and teacher development are excluded, though they're essential for learning and often legally required. These expenses are included in the larger category, "classroom spending," and districts spend 69.1% there.
Districts average 52.1% on direct instruction. With no new money provided by the proposition, districts below 60% will have to cut services to comply.
Worse, districts that fall short will lose 25% of their Classroom Site Fund — money that supports teachers and classrooms. Inexplicably, Prop. 320 will reduce money for direct instruction because a district isn't spending enough on direct instruction.
This mandate applies only to certain public school districts; public charter schools are exempt.
If we want stronger public education, we should invest more in schools, not impose a poison-pill formula that guarantees a reduction in funding. Vote no on Prop. 320.
Eileen Jackson
Foothills
Rating our roads
Thanks to Mark Moral for his letter (Arizona Daily Star, Sept. 24) pointing out the glaring contrast between many of Tucson's pitiful roads and properly maintained streets that are the norm in other parts of the country.
Road infrastructure in Tucson has suffered from decades of neglect and deferred maintenance. The maxim "When you find yourself in a hole, the No. 1 rule is to stop digging" was ignored in spades by the City. The only thing that can be said now is that they appear to have stopped digging.
John Fristik
Southeast side
What good is a shutdown?
As part of the May Day Strong Coalition, TucsonShutdown.org supports all aspects of election protection up to and including a grassroots, nationwide economic shutdown if our elections are sabotaged in any way. A shutdown is a tool of last resort. It is one of the few ways that the citizenry of the entire nation can come together in a unified, non-violent response to a government that refuses to abide by the laws of the land. Ideally, we will not need to have a shutdown. However, if our right to vote is impeded, if our votes are discounted, if our duly elected representatives are not sworn in and seated, what are our non-violent alternatives to a shutdown? You say the courts will handle it? Trump and members of his regime have bulldozed the norms and ignored court orders repeatedly. There is no one to enforce court rulings. It’s up to us. If we do nothing, we acknowledge the end of the American Experiment.
Jude Glass
Midtown
How are we safer?
How are we safer when ICE arrests Eissa Hashemi, a professor and mentor of PhD students in the Business Psychology department of the Chicago School, and his wife and son? All three are legal permanent residents; Eissa and his wife have valid green cards and have committed no crimes, not even a traffic ticket. ICE says it is because Eissa’s mother was an interpreter for the Iranian hostage takers in 1979, before he was even born! Because of this, their green cards were revoked with no notification and no due process. Eissa is in one detention center, his wife and son in another. What happened to the rule of law? What happened to removing the “worst of the worst?” ICE is out of control and must be contained.
Don Ries
Southeast side
Pantano bumps and potholes
I was happy to see the “bump” sign in front of Leman Academy on Golf Links. Very thoughtful, but unnecessary. The ”bump” is smoother than Pantano Parkway. Pantano Parkway, between Golf Links and 22nd, is unsafe. We can’t look for people, pets or bikes. We’re too busy driving an obstacle course. Trying not to ruin our cars. The voters gave you money, please fix the road, or put up 141 “ bump” signs.
Sue Smith
Southeast side
Neighbor Connect experience
Over the past year, I've had the chance to support Tucson Electric Power's Neighbor Connect program and attend community events around Tucson. Through those experiences, I've seen how important it is to connect people with resources that can help them manage energy costs and keep their homes comfortable.
Many residents don't realize there are programs available to help with utility bills, improve energy efficiency, and provide energy-saving information. At community events, I've met people who were thankful just to learn these resources existed and that someone could help guide them through their options.
That's one reason I support Proposition 421.
The Energy Collaboration Agreement will expand support for low-income assistance, weatherization programs, and energy education. These investments can make a real difference for families facing financial challenges, especially during Tucson's hottest months.
Neighbor Connect has shown me the value of bringing resources directly to the community, which is why I encourage voters to support Proposition 421.
Lesly Romero
Ajo
Community Food Bank, 50 years of impact
The statement “50 years of impact” by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona could not be truer when you think of the countless hours of work done by staff, volunteers and donors making this organization a nationally recognized leader in food banking. IMPACT at the Community Food Bank means:
Innovation with a plethora of programs meeting the need where they need to be met and adjusting with the times.
Multitalented staff, volunteers and a board of directors working towards a hunger-free community.
Persistence-working with multiple government agencies and donors at all levels to keep funding in place.
Advocating for food security in our community and country.
Community building, establishing strong ties with local and national partners.
Talented staff and volunteers who, through the years, evolve and refine programs to offer support to those who need a helping hand.
Please let us continue supporting the Community Food Bank in whatever way we can.
Barbara Joy Tucker
Vail
Mystery numbers at UA
In an excellent and detailed piece of reporting about the University of Arizona’s shrinking enrollment, I am left mystified by the UA’s chief financial officer’s report to the Regents. The article states there is an 18% drop in enrollment. The largest drop is in out-of-state and international students, the high-dollar tuition. Yet the CFO’s report to the Regents states that tuition revenue will drop less than 1%. How is this possible?
David Rollins
North side
Inflation
Registered as an Independent, looking at Republicans blaming Dems for high inflation and prices is really comical. President Trump is responsible for a tariff policy that has driven prices up dramatically. He is responsible for increasing diesel and gas prices, which increase prices for growing products, for transporting those products to the grocery store, and the overall cost of our energy produced from fuel. If you vote for a Trump supporter and like what you see at the gas pump and everywhere else, don't complain about higher prices. If you don't like higher prices, vote for someone who doesn't support Trump and his policies. Simple!
Dave Locey
Foothills
The dog that didn’t bark
What's interesting is that Tim Steller wrote about the incumbent Juan Ciscomani on Sunday, not JoAnna Mendoza. Normally, it's “vote for me!,” not “don't vote for him.” Is she any good? Who knows. How come nobody competed against her in the primary? Who picked her in the first place? In Massachusetts, where I come from, an open seat for Congress opened up, and 10 people jumped in. Five were pretty serious. It was tooth and nail. One eventually was victorious. Mendoza ran against a bunch of nobodies. Who ever heard of Mendoza before April? Maybe Tim can find out about Mendoza and how the challenger got to where she is. (And why she doesn't use “JoJo left her home in Tucson, Arizona” as a theme song. “I had to go fight Al-Qaeda!”)
Walter Ramsley
East side
One vet helped — how about the rest of us?
I’m a disabled U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era living in Congressman Juan Ciscomani's district. I was glad to hear that Ciscomani’s office helped a fellow veteran navigate a difficult VA issue. While that kind of constituent service matters, it's also worth considering how Ciscomani's votes affect the economic security and healthcare of all veterans and working families.
Ciscomani voted for the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which he's described as delivering relief to Arizona families. Really? He voted against stopping the war in Iran, and we're paying for it at the pump. And his support for the administration’s tariffs deserves scrutiny as we continue to face rising costs.
Ciscomani's voting record matters when he, himself, is the one talking about how much Arizonans are “hurting.” The rising costs of housing, groceries, healthcare, utilities and other necessities are already putting pressure on families.
The original letter tells one veteran’s story. Ciscomani’s record tells a much bigger one.
USAR CW2 Retired
Charles E. Grantham, Ph. D.
Northeast side
Crumbs for public education
The Star has published at least a couple of letters recently from people who support Juan Ciscomani because of his appropriations for education, such as $2.7 million for Pima JTED. When a bigger picture is looked at, however, it is clear that Ciscomani’s true support is for the ESA voucher system, the system that is currently bleeding $1 billion annually from public schools. His support for the ESA system began years ago when he was a member of Gov. Doug Ducey’s leadership team. His most recent show of support came in January 2026 when he introduced a bill to provide federal funding for charter school facilities, with no money for traditional public schools. The ESA system that he supports is costing the Arizona public school system a staggering 370 times more than the $2.7 million preliminarily secured for Pima JTED.
Kathryn Pensinger
Foothills
Voting for Mendoza or Ciscomani
Taking away all the ads by both JoAnna Mendoza and Juan Ciscomani, and I'm certain I'm not the only one tired of these incessant ads and billboards. The real issue voters should be based on is that Ciscomani has voted 100% of the time with Trump's agenda. If you favor Trump's policies, then vote for Ciscomani. If you disagree with how the country's going, vote Mendoza. It's really that simple.
Craig Miller
Northwest side
Climate change hits home
Arizona’s homeowners insurance premiums have soared 71% in the past five years due to the high costs of wildfires, floods and severe storms. Between 2020-24, Arizona experienced nine extreme weather events with losses exceeding $1 billion. However, every dollar invested in disaster prevention could save six dollars in future property losses.
But that’s not all. Since Trump’s drastic EPA and FEMA cuts, climate disasters have become more widespread and destructive, causing more damage, injuries, illnesses and deaths, along with food and water shortages and species extinctions. Extreme heat waves are now the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
Save money and save lives by electing climate advocates who will invest in disaster prevention:
• Arizona Corporation Commission candidates Clara Pratte and Jonathan Hill will harness Arizona’s clean energy sources and lower energy costs.
• LD 17 House candidates Kevin Volk and Holly Lyon will protect our water resources.
• Attorney General Kris Mayes will continue to sue for climate justice.
Jackie Marshall
Oro Valley
Having trouble finding a doctor? Blame MAGA
Having trouble finding a doctor? Blame MAGA.
I ran into a friend today and asked how her daughter, a Tucson pediatrician, was doing. Her answer: her daughter moved to Canada months ago. Two of her physician colleagues moved with her. I did research and found the real number may be close to a thousand in the U.S. last year. Canadian healthcare is managed at the province or territory level, and there is not a national “total” readily available.
I know personally and through “the grapevine” of friends that finding a new physician here in Tucson, in almost any field, is a long-term, difficult undertaking. Many physicians are not taking on new patients, some have retired at a young age, and some have moved. But to Canada?
Reasons given lead back to the Trump administration’s assault on medicine and science. The CDC is no longer trustworthy. Blame MAGA. Vote Democratic.
Mel Strijdonk
Northwest side
Early voting and your ID options
I’m sharing our experience and alerting people to a new option offered in Pima County. During the primary election, I mailed my ballot, while my husband took his to a voting center. He was offered the option of just dropping it into the box or showing his driver’s license to the poll worker, verifying his signature right then and saving them a time-consuming step later on. He did so, the worker marked his unopened ballot envelope, and it went into the box. Both our ballots counted just fine, and election officials said later that they were thrilled with how smoothly on-site signature verification went and how much it sped up the counting.
I’m fine with presenting an ID when I vote, and encourage everyone to do this if you can. Arizona elections are safe and secure, but we voters can do our part to make them even more safe and secure. Democracy benefits everyone.
Gail Gibbs
Oro Valley
A suggestion
The polls suggest that Democrats will take control of the House at the mid-term elections. Assuming that happens, I suggest that the first line of business be a law to make the sale of pardons illegal. The Constitution grants the exclusive right to pardon to the executive with no real guardrails. The framers wrongly assumed that the executive would be an honorable person. I would legislate that any compensation, gift, or donation for receipt of a pardon results in the pardon being revoked, and the person receiving the gift to pardon would remit double the amount of the remuneration to the U.S. Treasury. The lawyers in Congress could do the specific wording so that gifts to election funds, or libraries, or affiliated charities or offspring would be included in the prohibition. I would also include the restriction that self-pardons are banned. That would be a good start to restoring credibility to government.
Ronald Nowicki
Green Valley
I want America's honor back
The WH resident walked President Xi through the gallery of self-indulgent, disgusting and sickening portraits of former presidents that the WH resident created. What a shame that the current resident has no sense of values, no sense of honor, no sense of decorum, no credibility among decent human beings and no intellectual conscience. Vote his equally un-American cronies out in November. Time to bring back the United States as a world leader instead of an entity for ridicule and disgust.
Cynthia Schiesel
East side
DHS Detention
$1.2B for housing in Arizona! Where can first-time home buyers sign up?
How many will be incarcerated in the new Arizona $1.2B DHS detention warehouse, and how many human beings are and will be held in the $7.3B program passed by Representative Juan Ciscomante and the Republicans?
How many tax-paying workers have been and will be rounded up, destroying their families? What is the annual cost to maintain this inhumane program? What is the plan?
Why is this our best use of our resources and of those human beings held captive?
How long will we ignore what is happening to the "other?"
How many homes could be built in Arizona with $1.2B?
Melvin Cohen
Midtown
Ciscomani stages smear campaign
As a 100% Trumper, our CD6 congressman’s record on the economy, health, ICE, the environment, borderland desecration, and the war in Iran is indefensible. He is adept at deflecting issues. So how does he win? With his many “JUAN Ciscomani” billboards, and the recent posting of signs that smear his opponent as a tax cheat, proponent of “Guys in Girls’ Sports,” etc.
JoAnna Mendoza should take the gloves off. Start with the incumbent’s status as a citizen. As The Star has reported, Ciscomani’s campaign has declined to explain the circumstances of how his father secured a religious worker visa to move his family from Sonora in 1993.
If Ciscomani were a Democrat, you can bet that a cloud of suspicion and the whiff of denaturalization would be in the air. Technically, misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact pertains to the citizenship process itself, but no matter. Remember that Trump got his start as a birther. Yes, Juan, let’s “show your papers.”
Robert Laux-Bachand
Green Valley
Voter registration
An election bill called the Save Act is currently being considered in Congress. It would require those registering to vote to do so in person using either their passport or birth certificate to confirm their U. S. citizenship. This will affect many women who took their spouses' names when they married.
A married acquaintance of mine received a letter in the mail addressed to her former name listed on her birth certificate. I urged her to call her county recorder, which she did. She was told that the letter came from "a third party" and that her current voter registration was valid.
It appears that this missive was sent to try to confuse my friend so she wouldn't vote on November 3. I urge other women who may have received this letter to contact their county recorders immediately. Everyone who is duly registered must vote.
Carol W. West
East side
Steller Unmasks Ciscomani
In his column in Sunday’s paper, Tim Steller exposes the real Congressman Juan Ciscomani. On meaningless issues, he can sound bipartisan and reasonable. At times he even puts out statements that are sensible, like defending Medicaid. However, when it comes to doing the thing that matters most, ie his vote, he comes up short again and again. He has had two terms in Congress to prove himself. He has failed to do so. It is time for a change.
Elias Toubassi
East side
Toxic politeness won’t solve serious problems
Come December, the Cold War will have ended 35 years ago. Numerous Western and Southwestern peer cities fell into a hole, and only recently have ones like El Paso, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, etc. managed to climb their way out. But not Tucson; it got comfortable down in the crater, enjoying its crime, squalor, retired indulgences, flaky social consciousness, lack of planning, university sinecures, etc. Well, bad news, folks, those salad days are ending. No more “Urban Stockholm Syndrome” ahead. And yet, Tucson is still beset with problems it should have solved decades ago. Maybe it’s time to end all the toxic politeness saddled to the city’s obvious cancel culture, should you violate. The first step in solving any problem is to admit you got one, then look clearly and transparently at its obvious root cause(s), and stop deluding yourselves. Enough toxic politeness; it’s rotting our brains.
Bill Sellers
Oro Valley
Candidate integrity
When deciding who to vote for in the election, one of the critical items should always be integrity. Everyone realizes that each candidate says what will make them look like the best choice in the eyes of the voters; however, isn't there an expectation that the commercials don't present false images? The recent commercials from Gov. Katie Hobbs seem to leave integrity in the distant past. The commercials state that Andy Biggs is pushing for a 23% increase in taxes, however, the truth is that Andy Biggs proposed a 23% tax that would replace the existing income tax, and he has always tried to make that clear. Did anyone else notice that so many of Hobbs' accomplishments were left over from the previous administration? Andy Biggs may not be perfect, but trust is high on the list.
Loran Hancock
Northwest side
Why I’m voting no on Prop 421
TEP is a privately held entity. That is a fact so many don’t realize. They do not care about us, only their shareholders. They can give us all the greenwashing, e-bike rebates, and freebies in the mail and events they want, but in the end they double down on data centers and rate hikes. They do not care that they could make power unaffordable and refuse to underground transmission lines because that would hurt their profit margins. If 421 passes, Tucson will become a lifeless husk in a few decades, and the only ones who will win are 2,200 miles away in Canada. It is time to tame this out-of-control rattlesnake, and put our power back in public hands and away from corporate greed.
Ryland Plassmann
Midtown
Tucson homeless response
Rural SW Virginia new transplant Tim F.’s letter to the editor complained about the homeless here. This isn't just a Tucson problem; it’s a countrywide problem. Comparing rural vs. urban bus stops is a whole different apple vs. orange. Our metro population is over 1 million; estimated 2,200 being homeless. Yes, homelessness is visible here. Tucson has programs and partnerships with charitable organizations for food and shelter, work and support programs. There are drug rehabs that will accommodate the homeless, but when even celebrities with all life’s advantages succumb to drugs, people will do what they do. No doubt the City can do better, but what will you do to help?
Jeff Albiniak
Midtown
Misleading ads
Ads against JoAnna Mendoza are deliberately misleading. Supposedly she wants to raise all our taxes. No. She is talking about billionaires. Republicans, including Juan Ciscomani, have cut funding for services to veterans, Medicaid and SNAP, all to fund tax cuts to the wealthy. When Mendoza said no more tax cuts or sales tax exemptions, she was talking about billionaires, not us. Also, when she said everyone must pay. She wants to protect us and the services our loved ones rely on.
Nancy Ward
Northeast side
Congress, where are you?
Now we have Senator John Kennedy claiming the President’s new ads, “paid for by the government,” are not appropriate, maybe even illegal. Congress, we are here because you haven’t done your job. McCain/Feingold was a good start on campaign reform, yet the Supreme Court gutted it with Citizens United. Where have you been since Congress? Did you address it – no. We have a political system dominated by dark money, unidentified contributors, etc. Loopholes are exploited by both sides of the aisle. If we want to let citizens regain control of the political process, Congress needs to step up now. Or, maybe having access to corporate largesse is easier!
Norman Patten
Midtown
Follow the money
Researching the immigration system, our tax dollars are going towards other countries who happily accept those who are being forced out of our country. Immigrants who are detained waiting for deportation are put into detention centers waiting for deportation. Following the recent arrest record by ICE, the only one who is profiting from deportation is owners of detention centers, third-world countries accepting immigrants ... we, in turn, are losing because many immigrants are no longer paying taxes, performing jobs which many citizens don’t care to do … Need to stop this madness. Vote for reclaiming our country. Stop the illegal war.
David Valenzuela
East side
Definitely NO on 421
Regarding the Sept. 27 letter to the editor “No on 421?” Yes, I will vote no on 421.
The physical infrastructure, front-line employees, foremen, middle managers and vendors are in place. Few of those people will relocate. So that is straightforward.
If upper management incentives are based on system reliability and minimizing rate hikes, which are not mutually exclusive goals, it should not be difficult to retain or replace upper management.
Fortis will have to accept a reasonable price and financing conditions. If not, would eminent domain be an effective tool to force Fortis’ hand?
Oversimplification or opportunity?
James Abels
Midtown
Ravens-Cowboys game
Man, talk about an exciting finish for the man who won that game in Rio de Janeiro on Sept. 27: The UA’s Tyler Loop! Take that, doubters from last year’s not-so-good season.
Benito Whatley
South side
Militant chaos come election time
President Trump has announced the beginning of militant chaos in the political world. In a new TV ad, he calls his disciples to make holy war on the upcoming election, much like he did on Jan. 6, 2021.
He makes clear reference to the decisive Armageddon battle between good and evil promised in the Bible’s Book of Revelations: “This is the final battle.” Trump wants all manner of election interference to push back against the blue wave of Democrat sentiment roiling across the country.
He says the enemy today is “communists, Marxists and fascists,” clearly projecting his own political lifestyle onto the opposing party. He is the one using Marxist-Leninist-Stalinist purges of government officials, exile of innocents to far-away Siberia-like places, and illegal militarism turned against his own neighbors in big cities. He is the far-right fascist propagandist he says his opponents are.
He wants the focus on consolidation of his own illicit power rather than Jesus’ return to construct a humanitarian world.
Kimball Shinkoskey
Downtown
Why 'Yes' on Prop 425?
Ask yourself if you value Pima College, good roads, safety, health, public audits. That's what 425 is about. Go for it.
Ford Burkhart
Midtown
Saving archaeological sites
Since it sued the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CPB) in June, the Tohono O’odham Nation has physically protested the construction of a second 30-foot border wall on their land, along 23 miles of the national wildlife refuge west of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Armed border agents guard the construction site, keeping the protesters a significant distance away to watch the destruction of cultural and sacred sites. Last week, professional archaeologists joined the protest after the threat to a desert spring in the Monument and the destruction of petroglyphs and an intaglio scraped into the dark soil by humans 6,500 years ago. CPB claims it solicited public comment last year during the planning of this second barrier. But now CPB is magnanimously open to public comment again, until Oct. 12. Please email your opposition to the loss of these irreplaceable sites to TucsonComments@cpb.dhs.gov with the subject line “Tucson Sector Secondary Barrier System Construction” today! Thank you!
Stephanie Cady
Northeast side
Midterms at risk
Trump continues to talk about dealing with Iran “after the elections.” Here’s my fear: There will be no midterm elections. Trump will find a pretext to invoke the Insurrection Act, then federalize the National Guard and deploy it, along with the FBI and ICE, to block access to the polls. Then, with the backing of the current compliant Congress, he will prevent voters from replacing his allies and retain his power.
Glenn Kjos
East side
Fontes deserves our thanks
In an ongoing battle over Trump’s illegal demands to turn over voters' protected information, Adrian Fontes was steadfast in protecting our mail-in ballots used by over 80% of Arizonans. After repeatedly refusing to relinquish Arizonans’ private data, he won against the Trump Administration in court. Fontes again argued repeatedly in multi-state lawsuits against Trump’s order to restrict the US Postal Service’s delivery of mail-in ballots, which was ultimately blocked by the Supreme Court.
Fontes is fully committed to ensuring free and fair elections using well-established voter identification laws and keeping Arizona’s voter rolls up to date. He has established an Election Security Advisory Committee to protect against AI threats. His leadership in election administration and security has earned him national awards of excellence.
Whether you vote by mail or in person, Fontes has done everything in his power to ensure your ballot is safe and secure. Thank him with your vote.
Karen D. Grinfeld
Oro Valley
Ciscomani not worthy of a vote
The gazillions of uncontrolled spending and an unending purse for Trump is on Juan Ciscomani. A U.S. Representative serves as the direct link between their local community and the federal government, balancing legislative work in Washington, D.C. with representation and services back home. Getting money for JTED is but one of the many things Ciscomani "should" be doing for us (it's his job) and pointing out one goodie is not making me think he is doing his job well at all. The "Big Bad Bill," that's on Juan. DT is out of control, and Juan is supporting him hook, line, and sinker, not us. He is prioritizing Trump interests over local economic needs. Economy, healthcare, gas prices, Medicare, Medicaid, world status, safety, "war," Social Security, environment, USPS, voting. All failures, with Ciscomani's unfettered support. Sliced are necessary government programs that may help pay for food, housing, medical and other basic living expenses.
Peter Bisschop
East side
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