Tempe Senator Shifts Stance on Controversial Pro-Maricopa Legislation

State Senator Lauren Kuby (D-Tempe) recently found herself at the center of a controversy regarding her vote on Senate Bill 1617, which seeks to accelerate funding for the Riggs Road overpass on State Route 347. Initially, she was the only senator to vote against the bill during a session on Tuesday.

This unexpected move caught the attention of James Singleton, creator of 347facts.com. Singleton noted the irony of Kuby’s vote, particularly since she had communicated her support for the bill just days earlier. “It’s funny about the single no vote,” he remarked on social media, referencing her prior email in which she expressed concern for roadway and public safety.

Despite her earlier stance, Kuby cited concerns that fast-tracking the overpass funding might hinder other infrastructure projects listed in the Arizona Department of Transportation’s five-year plan. Her apprehensions, however, shifted following discussions with Sen. Vince Leach (R-Saddlebrooke) and Maricopa Intergovernmental Affairs Director Katy Proctor.

Kuby later revised her position and forwarded an email to Singleton, indicating she felt more informed after their conversations. “I should not have taken at face value the critique I heard recently that the project was not in the 5-Year Plan,” she wrote to Proctor. This apparent change of heart surprised Singleton, who expressed skepticism about her initial lack of research on the bill.

Although Singleton has reservations about Kuby’s quick reversal, he remains optimistic that ongoing communication from constituents will emphasize the bill’s importance. “With the amount of emails being sent by residents on our website, I am hoping that Senators understand the need for SB 1617,” he said.