U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-AZ, center, speaks to the media alongside a bipartisan group of legislators from the “Problem Solvers Caucus,” as a part of a September 2025 Arizona visit focused on the border, immigration and trade. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), left, and Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) stand behind Ciscomani.

Ciscomani and healthcare

Healthcare costs are always on the rise, and a lot of us retirees don’t have the privilege of being able to keep up with costs. I know for a fact, Congressman Juan Ciscomani has made this issue a priority, being an original cosponsor of the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act, which protects seniors, families, and small business owners from skyrocketing premiums.

I appreciate that he also joined House Members, writing a letter to both House and Senate leadership, urging them to take action, making sure we aren’t faced with steep increases to our premiums. I believe he understands it is his and his colleagues’ duty to protect their constituents from the burden of sky-high healthcare costs, and I greatly respect Ciscomani for his continued commitment and concern on this issue.

Congressman Ciscomani, thank you for the work you do to ensure that we can afford proper healthcare — it does not go unnoticed.

Robin Jauch

Midtown

Response to Bronson's Op-ed

Sharon Bronson’s full-throated support of TEP is one way of looking at Tucson’s electric utility. When looking at affordability in our community, the picture looks far different. At the Jan. 13 Town Hall, hosted by State Attorney General Kris Mayes, the standing-room-only crowd voiced concerns regarding the impact of TEP’s current rates, its record of rate increases and future plans, including data centers like Project Blue. AG Mayes noted TEP’s unprecedented series of recent rate increases and robust profits. Additionally, she is preparing to appeal the Arizona Corporation Commission’s approval of an energy supply agreement between TEP and the developers of Project Blue, and questioning why intervenors such as the City of Tucson weren’t allowed to cross-examine during the December hearing. TEP’s annual profits for 2024 were $288M. Ms. Bronson highlighting $1.7M of community support funding (0.6% of profits) is enough to feed the chickens and the public relations.

Ronald Proctor

West side

Makes no sense

Current LTEs incessantly demean and vilify actions by ICE in Minnesota and other locals with comments like Nazi, untrained and jack-booted thugs.

ICE actions are absolutely legal and target criminal illegals who have committed the most heinous of criminal acts.

The tragic killings of two protesters could have been easily avoided with peaceful protests, and if Minnesota and Minneapolis were not a sanctuary state and city, with their politicians inciting violence and thwarting ICE activities.

While great concern was expressed for the two protesters, where was your concern for the multitudes of women and young children who were abused, raped, and killed by known, identified criminal illegals? It certainly appears that you have more compassion for criminal illegals residing in our communities than for the innocent women and helpless children who are preyed on in the most despicable manners. Do you have any idea how many helpless women and children have been damaged irreparably or viciously slaughtered, or do you just not care? TDS is devastating.

Loyal M. Johnson Jr.

Oro Valley

Roy Cohn

To understand the foundations of Donald Trump's thinking, it's important to recognize the influence of Roy Cohn, a notorious attorney with ties to organized crime who was eventually disbarred. Cohn taught Trump six key rules for managing and dominating situations and people, which continue to be evident in Trump's actions today: 1. Never apologize or admit wrongdoing, ever. 2. Always counter-attack, and do so with greater force than you received. 3. Use the legal system as a weapon, not as a means for justice. 4. Manipulate the media ruthlessly. 5. Use fear as both a shield and a sword. 6. Build a strong circle of loyalty around yourself.

Cohn's philosophy held that "winning by cheating is still winning." He would have supported submitting fraudulent ballots to overturn an election.

Jim Dreis

East side

Testing Americans

The police actions, Supreme Court filings, and casual references to “autocratic” powers now circulating in Washington are not routine legal disputes. They are a test of American democracy and national courage.

When law enforcement is used to intimidate protesters, when legal filings seek to place presidents above the law, and when the Insurrection Act is treated as a political tool rather than a last resort, the message is clear: constitutional limits are optional if power can be seized.

Will police serve the Constitution or partisan commands? Will courts restrain executive overreach or rationalize it? Will state officials protect elections or surrender to pressure and threats?

If Donald Trump succeeds in even part of this strategy, the midterm elections will be next. Elections need not be canceled to be corrupted. Undermine trust, intimidate officials, weaponize the courts, and he wins – democracy loses.

Every generation of Americans is tested. Sometimes the test is easy. This time, I fear it is a dissertation on our character and courage: will we meet the challenge?

Lawrence Mazin

SaddleBrooke

Monsters, Inc.

What was once a children’s animated film has become our national nightmare.

Our chief bogeyman gutted government agencies and assailed media outlets, eliminating the essential services they provide and imperiling the lives and livelihoods of millions. His punishing tariffs and threats of more foreign invasions have destabilized global economies, threatened alliances and irreparably harmed our world standing.

His violent ex-con ICE enforcers have stormed our cities, kidnapped and terrorized law-abiding citizens, and brutally deported innocent men, women and children, causing widespread fear and anguish. ICE savagery has escalated to menacing peaceful protesters and using deadly weapons against them.

His cruel enablers in our state and congressional houses have attacked Medicaid, Social Security and veterans’ benefits, crippled public schools, and assaulted civil and voting rights, compromising our institutions and causing grievous suffering.

We have the power to end this nightmare. Together, we can reinstitute the rule of law, redirect our resources to aid our citizens, reclaim our rights, and recapture our American dream.

JB Marshall

Oro Valley

Believe your eyes

Trump, his administration, and right-wing media just keep lying.

Mexico didn’t pay for the wall. Immigrants weren’t eating pets. Prices have not decreased. Tariffs aren’t paid for by other countries. Biden didn’t have open borders. Trump didn’t win in the 2020 election. And 28,000 people a year don’t die in Peru from snake bites (it’s about 6, and...why lie so extravagantly about such a weird topic?)

And they want you to disbelieve what you can see with your *own eyes*.

— Jan 6 was not a peaceful protest.

— Renee Good did not threaten an ICE officer and run him over.

— Alex Pretti was not brandishing a weapon nor approaching officers.

Believe your eyes, not the lies.

Melanie Bell

Midtown

Enough already

I’m 77 years old, born in America, and I’m ticked. DJT, his worshipers, and over a third of Americans have come up with their own Constitution. For them, free speech means I can say anything I want if I’ve heard it first on Newsmax or Fox News. I can worship in any church if there’s a cross out front. My friends and I can hold up signs if they say “MAGA” or “Trump.” I can carry my gun if everyone around me wears a red cap. The laws work for me because I’m German and white. My vote counts if it’s for the "right" candidate. I'm tired of having this me-first attitude and others-be-chucked. In nine months, there's an election. Make a change.

Jim Rouge

Southwest side

Kudos to Tucson police

I attended the anti-ICE protest in Tucson, and the police I saw were community outreach. The Tucson police should be commended for how they handled the event. A stark contrast to ICE elsewhere. This is how police should behave, kudos to Tucson police.

Craig Miller

Northwest side

Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.

Tags