I could hear it all the way down here in my office downtown. The collective sigh of relief from many of us in the community now that the RTA Next election is over.
No one is breathing easier than the supporters of the RTA Next measures, and those now serving on the RTA Board of Directors, especially since both propositions passed decisively. As someone who was involved intimately with the creation of the original RTA plan back in 2005, I too, am glad that it passed.
I have watched the RTA’s transportation enhancements and roadway improvements for the past 20 years and can confidently say that our region has greatly benefited by having the RTA and its completed and proposed projects, and can’t imagine where we would be without having the RTA.
I do understand however the feelings behind those who were against the RTA renewal. The City of Tucson’s shenanigans and threats to leave the RTA were beyond annoying. Their “pick up our marbles and go home” attitude if they didn’t get what they wanted caused great disruptions. Unfinished projects did not help matters either. Add to that the City’s vision of transportation goals which clashed with the original intent of the RTA.
Clearly, those who were against renewing the RTA were motivated in many cases by the fear that City of Tucson leaders would inflict negative consequences on the whole plan. I understand. I called for a “Plan B” back in 2022 when the City was threatening to bail out of the RTA, and back then, I welcomed the opportunity to have a Tucson-free RTA plan.
Hopefully, all of the drama is now behind us and we can be thankful that major projects for our Southeast Region such as Colossal Cave Road, Mary Ann Cleveland, Houghton Road Corridor, and others are now in the queue for improvement. We even heard from the new RTA Director that he is exploring innovative ways to speed up the time frame of commencing some of our bigger projects.
Tied to the RTA Next election were the changes in how we voted: Countywide mail-in voting – a first – without the exterior “privacy envelope”, another first, which caused the exposure of private information including our signatures.
We heard many concerns from throughout District 4 over these drastic changes. Toss in the debut of the new “Votemobile” – which came as something of a surprise – late in the election period, with little description of its utility, implementation, or deployment.
Our office has requested After Action Reports from both the Pima County Recorder and the Pima County Elections Director addressing these and other election related issues, which they will present to the Board in April. We hope to get illuminating answers.
Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy, District 4
33 N. Stone Avenue, Floor 11
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-8094
district4@pima.gov
