Tucson Speaks Out: October 16

Ciscomani’s paid vacation

Hello Representative,

I just thought I would check in to see how you are enjoying yet another paid vacation. Are you enjoying it by spending time with your family? Are you able to continue to shop, go out to dinner, spend money unlike the federal employees in your district who either aren’t getting paid, or have been laid off?

Or are you spending this time meeting with your constituents? Are you using this time to hold town hall meetings? Are you responding to calls and emails with actual responses?

Of course, we all know the answers to those last three questions. As always, no.

We, your constituents, look forward to sending you on a permanent vacation come your next election. I have a feeling that even those folks who trusted you and voted for you won’t want to do so again.

Enjoy your paid vacation, from an Arizonan since 1969.

Thom Melendez

Midtown

Dear Trump voters

It is hard to believe that in July 2026, we will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. Our country should be ashamed that the words of that document have still not been achieved: “That all men are created equal.” We continue racial, class and religious hatred and attack, which will only get worse with the continuation of this cruel, authoritarian government.

Our foolish MAGA and independent voters elected Trump while he and the Project 2025 told us exactly what was coming. Surprise and regret are not a defense anymore. You people own this. The poor and middle class will suffer much, millionaires and billionaires not so much. We are really becoming the worst of humanity.

The GOP represents Fascism, and ICE (Proud Boys) is the Gestapo. There is killing and imprisonment coming for anyone who protests, even if peacefully.

And you did this. Thank you for your attention.

Luther Creed

Foothills

Healthcare

Dear Editor:

I’m a veteran and diabetic who’s been hospitalized twice in the past year due to insulin access issues. Even with a good job and insurance, profit-driven practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) — like prior authorization delays and cost barriers — have pushed me into medical debt. Millions of Americans face the same struggles.

Instead of chasing failed ideas like tying U.S. drug prices to those overseas, Congress should focus on PBM reform. PBMs restrict access, inflate costs, and profit while patients suffer. Thankfully, some lawmakers are taking this on, and I strongly urge support for Representative Carter’s PBM Reform Act. It would bring transparency, stop abusive profit-taking, and ensure savings reach patients.

It’s time to hold PBMs accountable for the harm they cause and finally put patients before profits. Congress must act now.

Bryan Ortega

Vail

Abolish the death penalty

Richard Djerf is scheduled to be executed on Oct. 17. I deeply regret that the State of Arizona will take this man’s life. It will be the second execution this year in Arizona. I remain steadfast in my opposition to the death penalty.

My primary opposition to the death penalty is rooted in the fact that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. For this reason, I am compelled to uphold the sacred dignity of all human life.

Throughout the country, including in Arizona, the use of the death penalty is troublesome because it is often disproportionately imposed on people of color and on those of limited economic means.

The risk of executing an innocent person is not illusory. At least two hundred people in the United States have been wrongfully convicted. In Arizona alone, eleven people have been released from death row after evidence was later found to exonerate them.

The death penalty is not a deterrent and should be abolished.

Tom McGorray

Northwest side

Posturing

Posturing seems the “way to be” these days. Stand out and stand firm is the present norm. Most times, the above will cause rifts and strife, all the while demolishing or dooming the outcome of your intended objective.

Posturing (behavior that is intended to impress or mislead) is present on both sides of the political spectrum. The president uses this posturing to start the ball rolling. He takes a stance, no matter how absurd, and then like a bowling ball, it rolls down the lane, knocking over whatever pins that are “in the way.”

Being “in the way”, is the key to his success. Choices need to be made whether you prefer to be “in the way” or do you choose to deflect the postured attitude and stay “out of the way.” The bowling center has many lanes, so choose your lanes carefully. Do you stand “in the way” of the presidential ball, or choose a less harmful lane to operate? Remember the pins will always be reset.

Ed LeGendre

East side

Montezuma Castle turns away tourists

The recent government shutdown has led to the closure of sites like Montezuma Castle National Monument, leaving many visitors disappointed. On one hand, keeping national parks and monuments open during shutdowns allows people to enjoy the outdoors, support nearby communities, and connect with our country’s natural and cultural treasures. On the other hand, operating parks with limited staff can create safety issues, reduce maintenance, and leave important resources unprotected.

While national parks are closed, visiting a nearby state park or local recreation area is a great alternative. Arizona’s state parks may not have the same level of recognition as places like Montezuma Castle or the Grand Canyon, but they still offer beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and quiet places to experience nature.

Hopefully, national parks will reopen soon. In the meantime, there are still plenty of ways to get outside and explore nature right here in Arizona. Getting out and exploring state parks and local natural areas can keep us connected to the outdoors until full access returns.

Aubrey Seitz

North side

No Kings means exactly that

No Kings protest declares today exactly what 1776 Declaration of Independence stated: We will not be subservient to any monarch — not King George III nor presumptive King Trump.

In 1776 in the American colonies, many did not want to defy King George III; they wanted colonies to remain subjects, commoners, peasants; they were known as Royalists. Today’s Republicans are political descendants of Royalists. Republicans/Royalists don’t want government by the people and for the people — they want a tyrant, their tyrant, telling everyone how to live and what to believe; an autocrat to arrest and imprison their enemies without cause or justice; a dictator denying freedom of speech and press. These GOP Royalists don’t want freedom of religion — they want a state religion called Christan Fascism. These MAGA/Republicans call themselves patriots. That’s a lie; in truth, they are the political resurrection of 1776 Redcoats/Royalists intent on returning America to rule by a King, an American Monarchy under King Trump. No Kings protests Oct. 18. Be there and be a true patriot.

Glenn Johnson

Marana

Performance violence

Having recently read the book “Columbine” (by Dave Cullen), I was impressed by the following:

“Sociology professor Mark Juergensmeyer identified the central characteristic of terrorism as “performance violence.” Terrorists design events “to be spectacular in their viciousness and awesome in their destructive power. Such instances of exaggerated violence are constructed events: They are mind-numbing, mesmerizing theater.”

“Performance violence” sort of describes Trump and his ICE employees to me.

Sue Thompson

SaddleBrooke

Trump’s peace credentials

If Donald Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating a cease-fire in Gaza and securing the release of 20 hostages, then President Biden deserves one as well. Biden negotiated two cease-fires and the release of more than 100 hostages. On March 19, 2025, during the Trump presidency, Israel broke the cease-fire brokered earlier that year, starting with extensive airstrikes on Gaza shortly after the Trump administration authorized an additional $12B in military aid to Israel and after President Trump said, “I told Bibi, you do whatever you want.” A Nobel Peace Prize for Donald? Really?

John Prugh

Foothills

Ward 3 at large

As an independent resident voter of Ward 3 in Tucson, I was researching the candidates for our City Council seat in the November election. While checking out the Republican candidate, JL Wittenbraker’s Facebook page I came across this post on Charley Kirk’s assassination, “God chose him to remind us the battle between good and evil continues beyond Trump’s election.” While I abhor assassination of any individual for speaking their mind, I will vehemently defend their right to speak their mind. What disturbs me is the implication that this quote condones the racist and sexist speech that was embedded in Mr. Kirk’s opinions based solely on his faith. The reference to Trump seems to condone the threats and intimidation that the current administration is placing on any speech that it deems “radical,” facts be damned.

I’m pleading with at-large voters to keep 45% Democratic Ward 3 MAGA-free.

Ed Doklan

Midtown