For Star subscribers: There are political reasons for all those statewide propositions that appear on our ballots every two years. Here’s a rundown and explanation of why most are just bad.
Tim Steller
Columnist
About
Tim Steller is an opinion columnist. A 25-year veteran of reporting and editing, he digs into issues and stories that matter in the Tucson area, reports the results and tells you his conclusions. Contact him at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Bluesky: @timsteller
Elon Musk’s PAC has spent a total of $546,807 in Congressional District 6 against Democrat JoAnna Mendoza this year, according to FEC reports signed on Oct. 19. Meanwhile Everytown Victory Fund spent just over $1 million on Oct. 13 on TV ad buys supporting Mendoza or opposing Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani.
Pima County Republicans report concerns about missing mail ballots, but a claim that more than 10% are affected in some precincts lacks supporting evidence.
In 2015, Elizabeth Holmes visited Arizona’s State Capitol to lobby for a law allowing her company, Theranos, to draw blood in the state. Star columnist Tim Steller was there.
For Star subscribers: Pima County is asking voters to up their spending capacity by about $610 million. When you see how they eagerly spent an extra $13 million this month, it makes you wonder.
For Star subscribers: The New York Times featured a Tucson legislator as an example of an elected official receiving threats and intimidation. She and her team have dealt it, too.
Why two southern Arizona sheriff's have skipped membership in a statewide group, two Tucson constables no face challengers and a group opposes raising the county's spending limit.
For Star subscribers: Nabor Pacheco, born in Tucson in 1863 and elected sheriff in 1904, carried out Pima County’s last public execution. He understood the weight of executions better than current Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
For Star subscribers: The University of Arizona’s suspension of frats is the latest in decades of efforts at discipline. The pull to demonstrate manhood in destructive ways has proven too strong.