District 3 Democratic Contenders Face Off in Pima Supes Seat Forum

Three of the four Democratic candidates vying for the open District 3 seat on the Pima County Board of Supervisors addressed key issues at a recent forum. Jennifer Allen, Miguel Cuevas, and Edgar Soto participated, while the fourth Democrat, April Ignacio, was absent.

Sharon Bronson, a Democrat, held the District 3 seat for 27 years before stepping down in 2023 to recover from injuries sustained in a fall. Sylvia Lee, a former Pima Community College Board member, was appointed her interim replacement but will not run for the seat this year.

District 3 is a vast, primarily rural area larger than Connecticut, including parts of central Tucson, Marana, and other communities. It covers more than 100 miles along the Mexico border and encompasses several federal reserves.

The candidates outlined their backgrounds and priorities. Jennifer Allen emphasized her work with the Border Action Network and leadership roles in social justice organizations. Miguel Cuevas, a former member of the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board, highlighted his consulting work and personal journey from poverty to education. Edgar Soto, a Marine Corps veteran and vice president at Pima Community College Desert Vista, discussed his community involvement and motivation to run.

The forum, moderated by Curt Prendergast of the Tucson Agenda and sponsored by the Democrats of Greater Tucson, covered several policy areas.

On economic development, Cuevas advocated for streamlining processes for small businesses and attracting manufacturing and tech jobs. Allen focused on workforce development through education and infrastructure improvements. Soto emphasized nurturing existing industries and ensuring development protects the environment.

Regarding housing and public health, Cuevas supported the Housing First model and addressing the fentanyl crisis with measures like Narcan distribution. Allen underscored the link between housing stability and public health, urging for a holistic approach to crises. Soto agreed on Housing First but called for accountability measures.

The candidates also discussed gun control, with consensus on stricter regulations to prevent mass shootings. Allen mentioned red flag laws and banning assault weapons, noting state law constraints.

On property taxes, Cuevas criticized the Board of Supervisors for increasing tax bills despite reducing rates due to rising home values. Allen and Soto advocated diversifying revenue streams to fund public services beyond property taxes.

Addressing border and immigration issues, Soto emphasized the economic benefits of the border and supported pathways to citizenship. Allen pointed out the negative impacts of border closures on local businesses and called for federal investment in infrastructure. Cuevas favored humane policies and opposed local law enforcement’s involvement in immigration enforcement.

The primary winner will compete against Republican Janet Wittenbraker, who previously ran for Tucson mayor, and independent Iman-Utopia Layjou Bah in the November 5 general election.