Local opinion: Prop 414 Is good for business and good for Tucson

I represent a commercial real estate business located primarily here in Tucson, Arizona. We have shopping centers and standalone commercial properties, and we are a third-generation local family business, not some out-of-state investment conglomerate. More than most businesses, we have been negatively affected by the increase in homelessness, drug addiction and nonviolent crime — for instance, our security costs have risen dramatically, much of which is passed on to our tenants and ultimately to our customers. Our experience is consistent and well documented with other communities across the United States, not just in Tucson.

When we Learned about the details of Prop 414 here in Tucson, we were ecstatic, because it showed a focus on what we care most about — public safety and economic growth. In our business, we make more money when the city of Tucson is growing. When the City of Tucson is growing more jobs will be created, and when more jobs are created, more money will enter into the economy and when that happens, more businesses will be needed to supply the needs of a vibrant and thriving community. Much like having good schools and roads, more people will want to live in Tucson and more businesses will want to relocate or open operations here when citizens feel safe. Some of those new businesses will hopefully become our tenants and successful long-term companies, which is good for everyone.

It is undisputed that our police department, fire department and emergency services are underfunded. No one argues with that point. The business formula is not complicated in places like Tucson where there is inadequate police, fire and emergency services: More and better public safety services = less crime and a safer environment = increased economic activity and growth. If you were thinking about moving to a new city or if you were a company that was thinking about opening a headquarters or possibly expanding business operations, would you want to move to a city whose police officers are driving around in beat-up 2016 Ford Explorers? Or to a city that can’t afford a new hook and ladder fire truck? Or can’t respond properly to 911 calls? I think we all know the answer. The logical question would be, what’s wrong with a city that doesn’t even properly fund its police, fire and emergency services!? Or its roads!? Or its schools?!

Supporting Prop 414 is pro-growth, pro-business AND pro-community. In addition to a 65% focus on improving basic public safety, which is not even a contested issue, it also includes critical support for low-income housing, affordable housing, helping to house the homeless, drug treatment and early childhood programs, which have proven to be the number one predictor of attainment of higher education and avoidance of incarceration.

So, not only does it give the business community what we want in terms of more police and better fire protection and emergency services, which are basic, fundamental, infrastructure needs for any vibrant community across the Country, it also addresses some of the major systemic causes of poverty and crime.

Is Prop 414, Safe and Vibrant City pro-growth and pro-business? You bet it is! And it’s also compassionate and takes into account those most in need. This is the perfect balance for what Tucson stands for.

From my perspective, Prop 414 is pro-growth and pro-community, which includes all members of our amazing Southern Arizona community. Let’s nurture our community in a pro-growth, compassionate way that helps everyone meet their potential and makes Tucson one of the most attractive cities to live in. I urge you to support Prop 414 because it’s good for Tucson. Go Tucson!