Pima County Candidates Clash Over Water Stations in the Desert

The upcoming Pima County Board of Supervisors election on November 5 has sparked fierce debate over the county’s financial support for water barrels in the Sonoran Desert. This initiative aims to prevent dehydration-related deaths among individuals crossing the Arizona-Mexico border.

According to data from the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office and Humane Borders, over 4,000 human remains have been located along the border since 2000. The exact number of deaths is difficult to ascertain due to the wide dispersion of bones across the terrain. Collaboration with non-profits like the Colibri Center has helped identify some remains, yet around 1,100 remain unidentified.

This year alone, 129 sets of remains have been recovered, with fewer than half successfully identified. In response to this ongoing tragedy, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 in June to renew a $30,000 annual contract with Humane Borders, which maintains water stations marked with blue flags across various lands.

Democratic candidates for the Board of Supervisors generally support continued funding for this humanitarian effort, contrasting with the positions of several Republican contenders and one independent candidate who oppose it. The issue has become a focal point in the election, reflecting differing views on government responsibility for humanitarian aid.

District 1

Rex Scott, the incumbent in District 1, has openly backed the funding for Humane Borders. “Providing that money to Humane Borders is just an act of basic humanity,” he stated, emphasizing that individuals should not suffer and die in the desert. His GOP opponent, Steve Spain, has remained silent on the issue.

District 1 encompasses Oro Valley, parts of Marana, and the Catalina Foothills, boasting a mix of party affiliations among its voters.

District 2

In District 2, Supervisor Matt Heinz also supports the contract, arguing that humanitarian aid is vital in the absence of comprehensive immigration reform. He acknowledged that while people should utilize legal ports of entry, the reality is that many find themselves in perilous situations. Republican challenger John Backer, however, has raised concerns that water stations might inadvertently encourage increased crossings.

This district experiences a Democratic lean, making the debate particularly resonant with its constituents.

District 3

Democrat Jen Allen, running for the open District 3 seat, advocates for the Humane Borders initiative, aligning her views with her extensive background in immigrant rights. Conversely, Republican candidate Janet Wittenbraker opposes the funding, arguing that such responsibilities should fall to charitable organizations instead of government.

District 3’s voter demographic reflects a competitive balance between parties.

District 4

Steve Christy, the Republican incumbent in District 4, has consistently voted against funding for Humane Borders, claiming it might inadvertently facilitate illegal crossings. His opponent, Vanessa Bechtol, argues for the necessity of providing water to prevent loss of life in the desert.

This district skews Republican but remains a battleground for differing viewpoints on immigration-related humanitarian efforts.

District 5

Chairwoman Adelita Grijalva supports the water stations, expressing deep concern over the deaths occurring due to dehydration. Independent challenger Val Romero, however, opposes the funding, suggesting that with current border policies, individuals could access necessary services without relying on water stations.

District 5 displays a predominantly Democratic constituency, making the outcome of this debate crucial for the upcoming election.

As the election approaches, candidates’ positions on supporting water stations highlight broader discussions on humanitarian aid, immigration reform, and government responsibility, resonating with voters in Pima County.