More letters: March 5

In 2017 the public voted for zoo improvements, that came with the promise the funding would only be used for improvements, maintenance and operations. At some point it became expansion and that is a broken promise.

It was a hidden agenda, and now we have political games.

One would think after voting to give the zoo millions in public tax funds for improvements they would be very thankful and have some gesture of gratitude. Instead zoo officials turn around and now try to take 3.5 acres of free access public park and then charge admission. Surely they can understand we feel bamboozled. With this take take take process...

Steve Kozachik continues to try to blame voters...

By the promise of zoo officials the zoo should not expand at all, that process was a sham, they probably will be allowed to, just NOT TO THE WEST

Mike Ankomeus

Ward 6

Mike Ankomeus

Midtown

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

The border was in order and secure, gas prices were stable and heading down. And then we elected you and your wise masters to guide us.

In the days since you came to unite and lead us and unite us. The border is a mess, gas prices have risen from $2.09 to $2.99 and more. Thanks President Joe Biden!

Such a great Uniter and so popular!

Double masks and Neanderthals!

“I’m ready to take questions” but my masters aren’t ready to turn me loose with the press.

No Press conference, no State of the Union & how many days into your administration ?

Dismantle the border wall while building the Capital wall.

The most popular landslide President in history (more votes than Barack) has to protect himself and his popular House and Senate from the public who elected them.

Our Capital and Peoples House looks like Maduro’s Capital. Walls & Concertina wire.

Where is the Mainstream Media and holding truth to power ?

The Alarm is being silenced !

Rich Barnes

East side

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

In two months, what has been accomplished. A 2 trillion Covid relief bill, with only 10% actually for immediate Covid relief, is likely to be passed. The remaining amount, scheduled to be spent over numerous years is intended as rescue for inefficient states and pork for pet projects. Unfortunately, this spending has to be paid for by us and our children. Gasoline prices have rose $1.00 per gallon. The White House is surrounded by razor wire while the southern border is wide open with massive ILLEGAL entry. Dr. Seuss books are no longer printed. President Biden has not hosted one legitimate press conference (I wonder why). Your granddaughter will never will another track meet because she is competing against boys who claim to be girls. School teachers are so important that they cannot contact children who depend on them, but it is OK for Walmart or healthcare workers. Cops are bad and crime is rising rapidly. And just think, they have only started on the real agenda.

Pudge Johnson

Oro Valley

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

I cannot understand why the intention to cut down over 120 mature and healthy trees, yes, professionally certified healthy trees, is not enough of an argument alone to stop the zoo’s expansion plan in Reid Park. Barnum Hill and the South duck pond are not just features of a public park they are established and biologically diverse ecosystems that directly affect the health of every visitor to them. Human digestion, mental health, and immune function are 100% dependent upon the billions of beneficial bacteria that reside in our gut. As in any optimum ecosystem, bio- diversity is no less important inside us. Nature will provide the microbes in great abundance, but that requires from us physical presence in established natural settings, breathing there, touching soil, trees, plants, in a word, getting DIRTY. The notion that those areas can be “replaced” in another area of the park is quite simply blind to the interdependence of life impacted by the plan.

Jack McDaniel

Midtown

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

Why does the Zoo Society believe they should not have to adhere to the established democratic process? If the Zoo Society wanted to ensure the tax money went to a specific plan that gave them the ability to expand to a specific area, they needed to include the specific plan to the voters as part of the proposition in the actual ballot. They did not. Therefore the city is still bound by Plan Tucson which has specific parks and recreation policies requiring several public hearings prior to the adoption, re-adoption or major amendment of a master plan. The required Planning Commission hearings, Mayor and Council hearing, and noticed Mayor or Council vote have yet to take place on the Reid Park Zoo Master Plan and the Reid Park Master Plan. People have every right to be appalled by this violation of process. The Zoo Society needs to accountable for upholding democratic processes. Their negligence has cost Tucson substantial tax payer money and risked the loss of a cultural gem.

Wendy Sampson

Midtown

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.

Certain that this letter will not go to press, but wanted to share real information. To date, 46+ days of his Presidency, Joe Biden has not held a PRESS CONFERENCE! This is a record for any prior President. Joe Biden does not take or answer any questions from the News Media unless they are scribed. Can we all agree that this is the FIRST PRESIDENT who is totally controlled by his Democratic Party or shall we describe him as the PUPPET OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY? Oh, and here in Tucson in six weeks gasoline has gone from $1.839 to $2.999. Hold on to your pocketbook; This is just the beginning. Thanks for listening.

Walt Johnson

Foothills

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.