As a Tucson City Council candidate, I propose increasing the public safety budget to enhance traffic violation enforcement and install protective barriers for bike and pedestrian pathways. I will advocate for a comprehensive modernization of Tucson’s traffic signal system to optimize traffic flow. Additionally, I support reinstating traffic control lights, provided voters approve and the focus remains on enforcement, not revenue generation.

Tucson’s fare-free public transit has seen reduced ridership due to rising violence, endangering residents. We must balance accessible transportation with robust safety measures, which I’ll address further in the next question. Additionally, soaring auto insurance costs from traffic violations and accidents demand action. By prioritizing public safety and enhancing road maintenance, we can reduce these costs, protect vehicles, and support alternative transit, ensuring a safer, more affordable Tucson for all.

Before implementing fare-free transit, Tucson offered subsidized public transportation rates for low-income families, partially funded by full-fare riders. The transition to fare-free transit eliminated this revenue, resulting in degraded bus conditions, heightened safety concerns, and service delays due to increased demand from school systems. Furthermore, non-residents utilize free transit at the cost of Tucson’s budget. The continuation of fare-free transit should be determined by Tucson voters through a referendum, which must include a clear funding mechanism, such as a sales tax increase or reallocation of city funds through a charter amendment. The city must adhere to the voters’ decision. Should fare-free transit persist, a dedicated security detail is essential to ensure passenger safety.

No

I support the continuation of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and a future proposition to fund it, provided the RTA operates independently from the City of Tucson, Pima County, surrounding municipalities, and tribal governments. The proposition must clearly outline fund allocation to prevent any jurisdiction from redirecting funds from designated projects. The RTA board should exclude municipal representatives and comprise leading professionals in finance, contracts, civil engineering, design, and construction. To optimize taxpayer value, RTA projects should be exempt from city or county requirements exceeding civil engineering and industry standards, except for bus pullouts. The RTA should prioritize strengthening existing bike lanes, routes, and highways for user safety, while new bike route construction should be funded through municipal operating budgets.

To attend City Council meetings, I prioritize efficiency due to my full-time commitment to addressing constituent concerns. While I support carpooling when feasible, I may rely on personal transportation to accommodate my demanding schedule, ensuring timely engagement with Tucson’s residents.