Tucson City Council Candidates Clash Over Key Issues in Debut Forum

The first forum for the Tucson City Council candidates kicked off Thursday, with discussions centered on homelessness, police department oversight, and improving accessibility to council offices. Three seats are contested in Wards 3, 5, and 6, featuring competitive Democratic primaries in all three, although only one incumbent, Ward 3 Councilman Kevin Dahl, is seeking reelection.

Dahl faces TUSD Governing Board member Sadie Shaw in Ward 3. The winner will take on Republican Janet “JL” Wittenbraker in the Nov. 4 general election. In Ward 5, three Democrats—Selina Barajas, Jesse Lugo, and Christopher Elsner—are vying for the seat formerly held by Richard Fimbres, who resigned earlier this month after nearly 16 years in office. Rocque Perez, appointed to fill the vacancy, is not running.

No Republican or Libertarian candidates have emerged in Ward 5, meaning the primary will likely determine the seat winner. Ward 6 features Democratic contenders Miranda Schubert, Leighton Rockafellow Jr., Jim Sinex, and Theresa Riel, who was absent from the forum. Republican Jay Tolkoff, ready for the upcoming general election, humorously noted he was the only confirmed candidate present for that date.

The absence of an incumbent in Ward 6 stems from Councilmember Karin Uhlich’s decision not to pursue a full term after her interim appointment following Councilman Steve Kozachik’s resignation.

Dahl emphasized his goal of tackling climate change, stating, “We are working to reduce Tucson carbon emissions, but climate change is also an equity issue. The most vulnerable among us suffer the most.” He highlighted initiatives involving solar power, tree planting, and enhanced community amenities.

Shaw echoed the need for improved representation, claiming local resources have been historically underfunded. “I think we need representation at the City Council level that can speak to our interests and advocate independently,” she asserted. Barajas aims to bridge Tucson’s past needs with future plans, emphasizing community investment across various sectors.

Elsner, a former Peace Corps volunteer, remarked on the disconnection between citizens and elected officials, expressing keen interest in progressive reforms like participatory budgeting and affordable housing. Schubert, running for a second time, noted her involvement in local initiatives that have already yielded tangible benefits for her ward.

Rockafellow, an attorney, pledged to advocate for marginalized communities, while Sinex voiced his concern regarding the election process, suggesting it needed reform to better reflect the city’s demographic makeup. Tolkoff insisted on the importance of transparency and efficiency, drawing from his background in business.

Moderator Cheree Meeks prompted candidates to discuss specific policy initiatives. Shaw advocated for independent police oversight, while Dahl highlighted the reform of neighborhood traffic policies to ensure fairness across different communities. Barajas mentioned the need for increased public involvement on oversight boards.

In light of the homelessness crisis, all candidates acknowledged the complexity of the issue, agreeing that the Tucson Police Department should not engage in federal immigration enforcement. As the forum concluded, the candidates underscored their commitment to improving council accessibility and public engagement.