Christy Demands Release of Full Conover Memo on Immigration Arrests as Tucson House Changes Ownership

Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy is urging his colleagues to make a memo from the Pima County Attorney’s Office public. The document provides legal guidance against immediate compliance with the Trump administration’s directive for widespread immigrant arrests.

County Attorney Laura Conover’s memo, which outlines protocols to follow when federal agents seek access to county facilities, has remained confidential. She advises that officials can delay compliance unless there’s an emergency, and that federal agents should first present a warrant and credentials.

The existence of the memo came to light when County Administrator Jan Lesher circulated information among county leadership, revealing that Conover suggested a specific message to be displayed prominently at county facility entrances. This message emphasizes the need for warrants and thorough verification of agents’ credentials before any cooperation can occur.

Christy, the lone Republican on the Board of Supervisors, is advocating for the release of the entire memo to scrutinize the Democratic leadership’s stance on immigration enforcement. Though the complete contents of the memo are not publicly known, it likely includes warnings about the limitations counties face regarding federal actions.

The political landscape surrounding this issue is contentious. Democrats are grappling with public sentiment, which appears to support tougher immigration measures. In contrast, Republicans have historically benefitted politically from such contentious debates.

On another note, the Board of Supervisors is set to vote on several significant contracts. These include a permit for a cell tower in the area, contracts for record searches and dental insurance for employees, and modernization of elevators at the Superior Courts Building.

Meanwhile, the Tucson City Council is preparing to make decisions about Tucson House, a low-income housing facility. They will vote on applying for federal disposition of the property, allowing a Wisconsin construction firm to manage it under a Section 8 program as part of a larger neighborhood rehabilitation project.

Tucson House originally opened as an upscale apartment complex in the 1960s but has fallen into disrepair over the years. City officials view the transition as a critical step in addressing housing challenges within the community.

Additionally, the Council will consider a federal grant aiming to modify the land-use code to encourage more affordable housing projects. This effort includes removing zoning barriers and supporting the development of smaller housing types.

The Council’s planning also involves strategic measures to manage funding effectively, with the city expected to receive an increase in revenues for the upcoming fiscal year. However, uncertainties remain regarding the impact of ongoing trade tensions with Mexico.

The city plans to declare an emergency regarding housing reforms, allowing for immediate action on the new federal grant without the typical waiting period. The urgency reflects the pressing need to tackle housing shortages while federal support is available.

Traffic safety remains a priority for the city, with updates on fatal accidents expected during the upcoming Council meeting. While pedestrian deaths have decreased somewhat, there has been a worrying increase in motorcycle fatalities. These statistics are likely to fuel discussions about stricter traffic laws.

In a separate development, the Town of Marana is navigating budget adjustments due to miscalculations in its funding. The Council seeks to reallocate funds to cover the unexpected costs associated with park improvements, relying on the general fund to address various budgeting gaps.

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors will also be reviewing a consulting contract aimed at fostering transparency in the approval process for the Hermosa Mine project. This includes developing a Community Protection and Benefit Agreement with stakeholders.

In South Tucson, the City Council is scheduled to set rental rates for Section 8 vouchers, which are tied to local market rates. They will also vote on writing off back rents owed to the Housing Authority, reflecting ongoing efforts to address housing challenges in the area.