Local opinion: The art of compromise and RTA Next

The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

I was very discouraged to read the recent guest editorial from a group of former elected leaders and government officials, which urged Pima County residents to vote against Props 418 and 419. While I very much respect their right to dissent, I call upon them to step forward with a compromise.

If anything has been clear in the last decades of Tucson and southern Arizona history, it is that the roads need to be kept in better shape and that new lanes of roadway need to be developed to meet the expanding needs of Tucson. To accomplish these goals, some 20 years ago, on the fourth try, the citizens passed legislation creating the Regional Transportation Plan (RTA). That plan, although not perfect, was a combination of competing advocacy groups coming together to support a plan that had something for everyone. It was a classic textbook case of compromise.

The cyclists received funding for new bike lanes and improvements. The mass transit enthusiasts received a massive amount of money infused into the local bus system. Those people concerned about safety also had a chunk of money dedicated to their favorite and much-needed projects, including the installation of multiple new HAWKs. And yes, the road builders were funded to increase lane miles, initiate new road projects, and repair existing roads. The point is that everyone received something. And because of that, the package was finally passed, and the RTA was created.

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

Now, 2026 comes, and we are faced with the option and, yes, opportunity, to continue this massive compromise to allow our transportation system to move forward into the future. The opposition has claimed that the original RTA was mismanaged. Some of these individuals were serving in an elected capacity and had direct input into the RTA process via their appointed representatives, and yet, little changed. However, RTA has named a successful and competent leader, former City of Tucson Manager Michael Ortega, who has a proven record of fiscal accountability, high performance, and successful delivery of programs to make sure that RTA Next is well-managed and successful in meeting its goals. I believe he will ensure that RTA next is successful.

So, what are the compromises for 2026 and beyond? How about $255 million for safety features? Or $776 million for transit services and expansions? And don’t forget the millions of dollars for the bicycle lane increase and improvement? Finally, there is $1.6 billion for road construction and improvements. And all this money leverages yet more from other sources. This is still called compromise. Every interest group wins, including the biggest interest group — the taxpayers of Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Vail, South Tucson, and other jurisdictions. There is no tax increase, since the original RTA half-cent will be retired and a new RTA Next half-cent increase replaces it — it is even.

If anyone thinks that the City of Tucson and the other jurisdictions can “go it alone,” I believe they are sadly mistaken. Interest groups tend to vote against items that do not affect them positively. Dismantle the RTA Next plan, and you destroy the compromise upon which it was assembled.

So, as a former elected official, I urge the southern Arizona community to support both Propositions 418 and 419. Let compromise win this election.