Monica Prieto, a Tucson native who rose up the ranks of the Tucson Police Department, has been named its new chief.
¡Viva las mujeres!
Congratulations to Monica Prieto on being appointed Tucson police chief.
Even in modern times, women must perform a step above to thrive in the patriarchy, so we know that Chief Prieto is a step or many steps above.
As another mujer who grew up on the South Side, I find it most fulfilling that a Latina, Tucson native, graduate of Desert View High School and the University of Arizona is ascending to the top position in the Police Department.
Her promotion comes in an era of positive change in culture and society. Tucson has a Latina mayor, two Latina City Council members and now, a Latina police chief.
Such representation is appropriate in a city that is 45% Latino and 50.4% female.
Shraddha Hilda Oropeza
West side
RTA Next has underperformed
In my line of work, if we don’t deliver on our commitments to our customer, we likely won’t get future contracts. Why, then, would we consider RTA Next if they didn’t complete the job of the 2006 RTA Plan? Thanks, but no. They’ve had 20 years to deliver but we are left with unfinished projects and dangerous streets. Tucson ranks as one of the most dangerous U.S. cities for cyclists & pedestrians, and it’s been trending in this direction for the past 20 years. Coincidence? Studies have shown that widening roads leads to more crashes - has RTA really done their homework here or is this just another car-centric focus to make us more like Phoenix? Let’s not reward RTA for underperforming and let’s get a better plan for safe mobility for all.
Dan Hunt
Midtown
Demand that our representatives act
Why is anyone surprised at Trump's posting of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes when Trump's racism goes back to his childhood? He was taught well by his father who, with the son, refused to rent to anyone of color. Indeed, they faced many lawsuits accusing them of discriminating against people of color. But, with Barack Obama, it all goes further because Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize that Trump covets and will never get. Trump admitted at the prayer breakfast that "I have a big ego and could not admit losing the 2020 election." If his ego were really big, he wouldn't need to cut people down with words like "fatty" and "piggy". Moreover, he wouldn't have to pay or bribe or threaten to have his name put on a monument. In truth, he feels incredibly insecure which makes him an enormous danger because he'll fall for anyone's flattery -- think of Putin. We need to stop shuddering in disgust and demand that our representatives act.
Barbara Benjamin
Foothills
Blatant racism
At just before midnight last Thursday, Trump posted a racist video depicting President Obama and his wife as apes. Naturally, Press Secretary Leavitt immediately came out with the first of several "explanations" by describing reaction to the video as "fake outrage" over a reference to the "Lion King." Then Trump claimed that a staffer did it "erroneously" and later claimed that he didn't see it before it was posted, while still refusing to apologize for it.
Despite Trump's long and sordid history of racist comments and actions, most of his supporters continue to defend him or simply remain silent, and the condemnation of the video by Senators Wicker and Tim Scott will no doubt be long forgotten the next time Trump calls on them.
From "Birtherism" to Mexicans are criminals and rapists, white supremacists are fine people, attempts to erase Black history, African Nations are "s" hole countries, and Somalis are garbage, his comments are blatant and unrepentant racism.
Glen Vann
West side
The high cost of living
Concern has been expressed regarding the high cost of living. We all know that the Trump Administration is attempting to lower that cost by reducing taxes, streamlining regulations, lowering energy costs which lower the cost of all goods, and decreasing interest rates. With time, we will all see how effective those policies will be. I will certainly be pilloried by noting that the high cost of living was exacerbated by the four years of Biden policy fueled by excessive Federal spending, high inflation, an open border, heavy-handed regulation, and a disastrous ultimatum for unattainable and unsustainable green energy policy. The more important question is how will Democrats lower the high cost of living? What are the specific polices that will accomplish this? List the potential actual programs or policies that will be effective. Are Democrats only capable of complaining about the present Administration, but are bereft of actual policies that will improve the situation? Oh, I forgot, spend more taxpayer dollars to solve any problem.
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
One honest Democrat
I’m reading in Letters that Fascist Trump wants to "federalize" elections with the SAVE Act which would set the rules for federal and state elections, establishing the times, places, and manner of holding elections for presidency and US Congress.
I’m seeking one honest Democrat who would write, "The reason we don’t want voter IDs is that the illegal will overwhelmingly vote Democrat because we opened the floodgates for their residency and reward them with public assistance."
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
What's Up Juan?
The Honorable Representative Juan Ciscomoni has, rightfully, celebrated his Hispanic heritage. He has proudly touted his immigrant roots.
What’s up Juan?
You remain silent while thousands of Hispanics, immigrants, and refugees are being taken from their homes, jobs, and public places by masked “police” without regard for due process or civil rights. People are being killed, assaulted, and thrown into detention centers. The trait most of these people have in common is that their skin is the same color as yours.
What’s up Juan?
You voted to continue funding ICE. Your party accepts the support of white supremacists and Neo-Nazis. These people would relegate you and your children to second-class status. Yet you remain silent.
What’s up Juan?
Thousands of people, your constituents, are taking to the streets protesting the authoritarian seizure of our nation. You are conspicuously absent. What will it take for you to find the courage to stand up for the people in your community?
What’s up Juan?
Thomas Pylman
Midtown
Mike Johnson, read further in the Bible
This past week, House Speaker Mike Johnson quoted Romans 13 “You must obey government authority.” He should have known St. Paul was a Roman and knowledgeable in the law and it protected him while he preached, was jailed and granted due process as a Roman citizen, something our own citizens lack in this country.
Also, if the House Speaker would read Hebrews 13, he might be inspired: “Continue to love each other like brothers and welcome strangers for by doing this some people have entertained angels unaware.”
Paula Palotay
Marana
No to RTA next
Does anyone remember how long it took RTA to complete the Kolb road extension improvement (not widening) from Sabino Canyon to Sunrise? Was it really necessary to build a rotary intersection in front of Basha's? This is not New England. How much added time and expense did that incur? Other road improvements that we were promised 20 years ago are still on the drawing board. The link between Aviation and I-10? Limbo. Houghton Road from Pantano wash to Old Spanish trail? Unchanged after 20 years. We have an opportunity to repeal a regressive sales tax that has been funding Disney Park type road improvements in Vail and Marana while Tucson's inner-city streets crumble into a moonscape of potholes. Wake up, Tucson. Vote no on RTA next.
Dewey Bidwell
Northeast side
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