Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy Embraces the Art of Debate

Steve Christy, the sole Republican on the five-member Pima County Board of Supervisors, is positioning himself as a voice of dissent against the Democratic majority. He believes his unique perspective provides essential diversity to the board’s discussions. “A lot of people believe in and want to be represented by my point of view,” Christy stated.

As he campaigns for a third term representing District 4, he faces a challenger: Vanessa Bechtol, a first-time candidate and tourism executive. District 4 encompasses Tucson’s East Side, Mount Lemmon, Vail, and several conservation areas, leaning Republican with 36% of voters registered with the GOP, compared to 31% for the Democrats.

Christy has deep roots in Tucson, although he spent part of his youth in Ohio. He returned to Tucson each summer to work at his stepfather’s dealership, starting as a lot boy. After graduating high school, he earned a degree in political science from American University in 1976. Though he initially considered law school, Christy chose to work for his stepfather instead.

After rising through the ranks at the dealership, he eventually purchased it in 1997, rebranding it as Steve Christy Chrysler-Jeep. In 2007, Christy sold the dealership just before a downturn in the auto industry. Reflecting on that decision, he joked about his foresight, noting that Chrysler faced bankruptcy soon after.

Throughout his career, Christy has engaged in various civic and political initiatives, including roles with the Tucson Metro Chamber and the Arizona State Transportation Board. His political involvement deepened when he joined the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Regional Transportation Authority, which successfully pushed a transportation plan and sales tax through a public vote in 2006.

Now, as the renewal of that 20-year plan approaches, Christy expresses satisfaction with the RTA’s outcomes, but he voices concerns about current political maneuvering. “The discussions seem to be bogged down in politics,” he remarked, noting the tensions between city officials and residents from surrounding suburbs over transportation funding.

He critiques the current focus of the Citizens Advisory Committee, claiming it is drifting away from essential traffic management. “It feels like they’re nitpicking,” he said, referencing shifts towards enhancing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure instead of prioritizing overall transportation efficiency.

After exiting the dealership business, there was speculation about Christy’s potential candidacy for Congress, though he dismissed it as a fleeting thought. He ultimately secured the District 4 seat in 2016 after his predecessor stepped down. Since then, he has encountered challenges in forming alliances within a predominantly Democratic board. With retirements and election changes, he now stands as the longest-serving member, facing new Democratic colleagues.

Despite frequent disagreements, Christy remains passionate about his role. He relishes the debates and the opportunity to represent diverse viewpoints within the county’s political landscape. “I love everything about it,” he affirmed, expressing dedication to his responsibilities on the board.