Gov’t Secrets Unveiled: Lesher and Rozema Compete for Mystery Contracts as Nogales Names Secret Department Heads

Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher is poised for a new contract, although the specific details remain uncertain ahead of a closed-door meeting with the Board of Supervisors slated for Tuesday. Lesher’s original contract, established in 2022, will be up for negotiation, shedding light on an integral personnel matter.

Lesher, who currently earns $260,000 annually alongside a $500 car allowance, stands out due to her impressive background. Previously, she served as chief of staff under Governor Janet Napolitano and later at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In comparison, her predecessor made over $300,000 and enjoyed various additional benefits not afforded to Lesher.

Public information regarding the negotiations and the new terms of her contract is limited. Critics note this process appears to sidestep the principles set forth in Arizona’s Open Meeting Law, which mandates a clear agenda be published 24 hours prior to any voting. It raises questions about transparency and accountability in decision-making as the new contract will likely be finalized shortly before the board votes on it.

Alongside the contract discussions, the board will welcome Supervisor-elect Jen Allen and Treasurer-elect Brian Johnson for their inaugural swearing-in. The board will also elect a chair and vice chair, with current chair Adelita Grijalva presiding over the meeting.

Additionally, the board plans to vote on allocating $1 million in gap funding to develop a new 64-unit apartment complex located at 6175 S. Midvale Park Rd. The development aims to provide affordable housing options, with one-bedroom apartments starting at $670 and three-bedroom units at $1,392.

In a further administrative move, the board will rename the Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation Advisory Committee to simply the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, reflecting a shift in focus toward urban parks amidst changing community needs.

In related news, the Tucson City Council will assess its Housing Affordability Strategy for 2025, noting a promising pipeline of 1,200 apartment units. This represents a critical step to mitigate homelessness and improve housing availability, following tremendous deficits exacerbated by previous economic downturns.

The city plans to implement comprehensive changes to zoning regulations, fast-track permit processes for affordable housing, and conduct a sales tax election in March aimed at enhancing resources for the housing sector. Additional initiatives include a proposal for 19 one-bedroom apartments at 819 E. Minorka Rd., utilizing city fee subsidies.

Meanwhile, the Nogales City Council is set to appoint new directors for both the Parks and Recreation Department and the fire chief, although details remain scarce as the council aims to maintain an element of surprise. The council will also vote to accept $50,000 in Operation Stonegarden funds to bolster local law enforcement efforts.

In Oro Valley, discussions are underway regarding a proposal for a 31-unit subdivision, which will necessitate an amendment to the general plan and rezoning. Meeting these requirements can be challenging, as developers must demonstrate that their proposed project aligns with community interests, against the established framework of the general plan.