Local opinion: Why I support Sadie Shaw for Ward 3 seat

Now more than ever, every vote we cast matters. It takes time to find out about candidates. We’ve become accustomed to looking at the D or R, I or G by the name and just checking the box or filling the circle. We can see daily the damage done by not finding out what candidates really believe.

This election for new council members is extremely important. We are at a crossroads. Those of us that are dissatisfied with the direction Tucson is going need to do our homework so we don’t vote in the status quo.

Three of those on the ballot have made a decision that has changed my living situation and that of my immediate neighbors. Those three, Kevin Dahl, Miranda Schubert and Jesse Lugo, all decided that a soup kitchen should be reclassified as an Adult Day Care facility so it could be put in the middle of my neighborhood instead of operating out of a commercial property as required for a soup kitchen by code.

These three, all of them, ignored the letters from 11 neighbors immediately next to the proposed soup kitchen and listened instead to those in favor of putting the facility next door to us. The letters in favor of the soup kitchen came from all over town. Many came from outside the Tucson city limits. Some came from supporters from another state. Miranda Schubert and Jesse Lugo were sitting members on the Board of Adjustment when my neighbors and I took our case to them. They didn’t ask us, the neighbors, one single question addressing our concerns.

Councilman Dahl and his office never answered a single letter from the same 11 neighbors when our letters of concern were sent to his office.

I have attended 3 different forums for the upcoming council race. I heard from all of the candidates with the exception of Kevin Dahl that they want to have their offices open and available to their constituents 8 hours a day. Each had their own idea of how they would achieve this. They all agreed that they would be more available than 9 to 1 Monday through Friday, hours Councilman Dahl strongly supports over and over again. Now that the Mayor and Council have received a generous raise it seems only right their offices have hours that fit the norm for a business day.

If you believe that our free bus service needs to change, find out how the candidates feel.

If you believe there are better solutions dealing with homeless in Tucson find out how the candidates feel. We have seen the homeless situation under Councilman Dahl, his record speaks for itself. Ward 3 suffers daily.

Find out how the candidates feel about safety in Tucson. What are their ideas to make this a better, safe city?

Find out how the candidates would vote on the proposed Project Blue. This is a project that will ultimately affect all of us. Is it really in our best interest, how would they vote?

Why when Tucson collects 8.7% in sales tax are we in such financial trouble?

Please spend the time it takes to learn about the candidates on your ballot. I have and I strongly support Sadie Shaw for Ward 3 but don’t take my word for it. Read about her, her accomplishments on the TUSD governing board. Take the time to make an informed decision. Our city depends on it.