Don't let progress stop
Our region’s economy depends on a transportation system that keeps people moving safely and allows businesses to operate efficiently. Props 418 and 419 renew a proven regional model that has delivered real results for nearly two decades.
Since voters first approved the Regional Transportation Authority Plan (RTA), more than 900 projects have been completed across Pima County, including safer intersections, improved roadways, expanded transit options for seniors and students, and critical upgrades in every jurisdiction. These are not theoretical benefits. They are improvements we rely on every day.
Prop 418 updates the expiring RTA plan to reflect today’s needs and future transportation demands. The project list was developed through years of public input, technical review, and coordination among local governments. Prop 419 provides the funding needed to deliver those projects without increasing the tax rate. Both measures must pass for the plan to move forward.
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Supporting Props 418 and 419 ensures progress continues. Vote yes on Props 418 and 419 to keep our community moving forward.
Courtney Henson
Foothills
Moral examination
For a number of years, Americans have cynically commented that Trump was mentally unstable. Now, we are no longer being cynical, but most likely being clinically accurate.
From Trump's comments about his "own morality" to abandoning peace efforts since he failed to win the Nobel Peace Prize to his ICE actions in Minneapolis, all markings of a man daily more out of control.
Some days, I don't know where to direct my anger and fear.
— At the 49.8% who voted for this man.
— The spineless Republican members of the House of Representatives, including Juan Ciscomani.
— The portion of the business community that has failed to speak out.
Or all of the above?
Not only are these supporters and enablers spineless, but they also lack integrity and a moral compass. Clergy are now speaking out, from Archbishop Timothy Broglio about threats to seize Greenland to the Pope's comments about the treatment of migrants. Maybe clergy condemning these actions will help some to examine their own morality rather than accepting Trump's.
Fran McNeely
Northeast side
An open letter to our representatives
To our representatives: We have a president who is threatening to acquire a country that wants no part of it, who casually questions if we should have mid-term elections, who leads by his disputable morality and unstable mind without regard for law, who insults our allies, who unabashedly seeks revenge on his perceived enemies, threatens the chairman of the Fed, has reduced the DOJ to henchmen doing his bidding and overall is driven by greed and a lust for power. Will you follow him or stand with the Constitution? This is the person who has the nuclear codes. I fear for the future of my children and grandchildren with this petulant, impulsive and vindictive man in charge. Do you not worry about the future of your own children under his authoritarian rule? He is not making America great again; he is creating instability, isolationism and chaos. Trump is not fit to lead this country. It is time to impeach.
Sarah Kennedy
Northwest side
The reality of the chaos
Observing the non-violent (obviously not) demonstrations in Minnesota and other locales, one wonders why this activity is occurring. The left claims it is heavy-handed federal action swooping up innocent citizens. The right claims it is legal action to apprehend criminal illegals. Why is all of this activity occurring in the last year? Is it that the Biden Administration allowed nearly 20 million unvetted illegals into the country in four years, promising them government support for all of their needs? Does Federal law define any person who has entered the country without proper authorization has broken our laws and is subject to removal? Will criminal illegal aliens turn themselves in if requested? At least 1,500 illegal aliens, including murderers, pedophiles, rapists and gang members have been arrested across Minnesota since Operation Metro Surge began. The elephant in the room is whether you believe that the laws of the United States should be observed, or are you willing to only support and obey those laws you determine are appropriate.
Loyal M. Johnson Jr.
Oro Valley
Will Marana be the next Minneapolis?
Reports of an ICE detention center coming to Marana led me to attend last night's Marana Town Council meeting. Since October, concerned residents have been trying to alert local officials to halt this endeavor within town limits. A private company, MTC (Management Training Co), bought the empty jail in the area. Thirteen residents voiced objections and were delivered a “our hands are tied” statement from the Mayor with similar response from the Vice-Mayor. It would cost $15 Million for the town of Marana to fight this. Talking to some of the protesters, this is the amount that MTC paid to purchase the empty jail building. There is a Pima County Resolution 2017-97 that prohibits the private operation of a correctional facility in the county. “Follow the money”: who was paid the $15 million and who contracted with ICE to move in? Marana residents have been left out of the information loop.
Marana is trying to rebuild its image (new Town Center) and safety of its residents impacted.
Paula Palotay
Marana
Here's what Trump could do
If there were a drop of goodness in Mr. Trump, here's what he could do. Involve Denmark with a pretend takeover of Greenland. Send troops into northern Greenland, breathing down Russia's neck. An enraged Putin threatens the U.S., demanding they leave Greenland. Begrudgingly, Trump says we will only leave Greenland if Russia leaves the Ukraine. Both superpowers recede. Then perhaps he gets a Nobel Prize.
Rich Bailowitz
Northeast side
Rupture
Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, recently stated, “we are in the midst of a rupture,” relating to a new era or world order. Long-standing rules, alliances, and the practice of fair play no longer apply. You may remember the movie “The King and I” with Yul Brenner, who, on his deathbed, allows his son, the prince, to give orders. The initial order is to stop the act of bowing before the king. Out of respect for the dying king, all bow before him. In today’s era, bowing or kowtowing before the current king in D.C. and his administration is the new order. Allegiance to the federal government is without doubt. If you disagree or question, the White House will see you in court or worse, cyberbully you on social media. As the world is being torn by continued mean-spirited rhetoric and actions from our administration, we need to “call foul” and, of course, bow to the king.
Tim O'Connor
West side
Let's make a deal
How utterly amazing is our President? After only one day and one speech at Davos, he has brokered the “framework” of a deal to claim Greenland! This was apparently negotiated with the Secretary General of NATO, a Trump fanboy.
Unfortunately, NATO does not own Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said no negotiations had been held with NATO regarding the sovereignty of Greenland. Once more, we see that Trump works one of his astounding deals by negotiating with an agreeable party, not the necessary participants. Settle the Russia invasion of Ukraine? Talk with Putin and ignore Ukraine. Peace in Gaza? Ignore the Palestinians and Hamas and reward Israel's destruction of Gaza and expansion into the West Bank.
Who knows what Trump's framework might include, but I can guarantee you it will be a one-sided deal that does not respect the interests of the people of Greenland and Denmark.
Bruce Hilpert
North side
Gobbling Greenland
A recent LTE asserted that acquiring Greenland was no different than the Louisiana Purchase or the purchase of Alaska. Wrong. The U.S. did not already have a major voluntary military presence in either territory when France (1803) and Russia (1867) voluntarily chose to sell those territories; in neither case was the U.S. breaking an international pact (the UN) of which we are a member; nor were the purchases done in the face of vehement opposition by the populace. Most importantly, in both cases the purchases were effectuated by treaties passed by the Senate. No: to compare Trump's grandiose, bombastic, imperialistic threats to voluntary and willing sales shows a lack of historical knowledge. Of course, Trump is hellbent to rewrite American history to glorify himself and erase the past, so it's not surprising his worshippers have swallowed the Kool-Aid, history be damned.
Sally Wasielewski
East side
