Pima County voters will decide whether to extend an existing 1/2-cent sales tax to pay for a $2.67 billion, 20-year regional transportation plan.
Act locally
The economies of other major cities in Arizona are experiencing significant growth, but our region’s economy has been stagnant for years. A very simple but important thing voters can do to boost our economy is to vote for the renewal of the RTA projects. Propositions 418 and 419 will fund long-term transportation and infrastructure projects and create jobs.
Most letters to the editor focus on national issues. But we have much more power to affect change locally than we do in Washington, D.C. Estimates are that renewal of RTA will generate 48,000 jobs over the next 20 years. These include jobs in construction, engineering, and support positions that will trigger positive ripple effects beyond the jobs themselves. We can’t expect investment in our region and subsequent economic growth if we don’t improve and expand our infrastructure.
Opine all you like about national issues and leaders, but recognize the most impactful action for Pima County’s future is a Yes vote on Props 418 and 419.
JJ Sparrow
Northeast side
Submit your application
Want to be the next George Floyd? All you have to do is commit "suicide by cop" for your very important cause. We have plenty of whackos popping off at schools, churches, synagogues and other soft targets, but their fame is fleeting, and no Democrats are kneeling before their gold coffins in the Capitol Rotunda.
There is one problem: Someone named Renee Good, who was unknown until a week ago, has the inside track for pontification. The good news is that facts may show she was too much an aggressor and less a victim, so you may still have this chance to go down in history. Just provoke, threaten and then impede federal police from carrying out their lawful duties and hope for the best. Any cop will do, but ICE is preferred. Sorry, I won’t be attending your funeral.
And yes, folks, this is satire.
Jeffrey McConnell
West side
Arizona Rangers
Your recent editorial raises an important point about the Arizona Rangers. The real question facing the organization is not whether the allegations are true in every detail, but whether current leadership decisions strengthen or weaken the long-term credibility and sustainability of the institution. As a 501(c)(3), the Rangers are obligated to prioritize mission, fiduciary responsibility, and organizational integrity.
The volunteers are not the issue. Most Rangers joined to serve their communities, not to navigate litigation, legislative scrutiny, or internal controversy. The current crisis stems from leadership choices and the Board’s response to valid concerns raised by Rangers, former commanders, law enforcement partners, and now the Legislature through SB1071. Resignation or temporary withdrawal from leadership is not an admission of wrongdoing; it is a recognition that the mission must come before any individual title.
Bryan Keenan
West side
Ciscomani the puppet
Compare Rep. Ciscomani to Senators Gallego and Kelly for standing up for Arizonans. Ciscomani voted against 435,000 Arizonans extending ACA subsidies. He supports Trump breaking international and national laws, voting against the War Powers Act. Trump says he can do anything, curbed only by his morality. Ha! Crony corruption? Stalled Epstein files? Such a farce. But Ciscomani didn’t sign the petition discharge for the Epstein files.
Where does he stand on ICE murdering a U.S. citizen? Silence. Ciscomani, an immigrant, answer me this: Why aren’t you working to pass decent, humane immigration laws? Are you forgetting what brought your family here?
Senator Gallego hasn’t forgotten. Nor has Kelly forgotten integrity. Senators helped extend healthcare support. They’ve lashed out against Trump’s lawbreaking. They demanded release of the Epstein files. Gallego has a cogent, detailed plan for immigration reform. Look at his website. Read the plan. Immigration is Congress’ responsibility. We need to actively support Gallego’s excellent plan, Kelly’s integrity, and oppose puppet Ciscomani.
Nancy Jacques
Northeast side
Cost overrides
The Star's revealing article regarding the Department of Justice's (criminal?) lawsuit against the Money Man and the Federal Reserve, and the subsequent whining for rate cuts. This move will actually escalate "borrowing costs for mortgages.
Historical background: FRB headquarters were built between 1935 and 1937. While asbestos and lead pipes are contained within, (our President wouldn't be bothered if this was the case at Mar-a-Lago), there is still obsolete plumbing, electrical and HVAC dating back to the '30s.
Any overrides could be attributed to the fact that Trump appointees are pushing for marble details. Sounds familiar ... armrests?
The price has gone from $1.9B to $2.5B, but Fox News, of course, claims it will be $3.1B. All this without 5" thick blast-resistant windows.
A final word of caution: President Erdogan of Turkey meddled with the interest rates of his Central Bank. Inflation in ’25 before: 10%. Inflation after: 85%.
Thomas J. Plesniak
Midtown
Biden's open-border policy
Biden's open-border policy allowed millions to enter the U.S., all unvetted, among them murderers, rapists, child molesters and sex traffickers. These illegals flocked to the sanctuary cities where the liberals are protecting them, leaving their citizens vulnerable to these criminals. Local law enforcement is not aiding ICE in the apprehension of the criminals, and the politicians are inciting the public to riot against the legitimate job ICE is doing. Has TDS destroyed the ability of the Democrats to have any common sense? What is the end game? The mug shots of those apprehended are published. The media and the psychos in Congress want you to believe the innocent are being arrested. The data shows that crime has decreased dramatically in those cities visited by ICE. Recently, major fraud has been announced that has been going on in MN for years by the Somali community. These individuals took advantage of a system designed to help them and turned it around to scam billions of dollars of our tax dollars. Wake up.
Bill Dowdall
Oro Valley
King of chaos
Every morning, I wonder what new outrageous chaos is unfolding, thanks to POTUS. This constant barrage of chaotic events is very effective in taking the spotlight off Trump's role in the Epstein scandal. Such irony -- Trump vowing to protect and help Iranian protestors as he unleashes his violent ICE operatives on Americans! He condones ICE violence and blatantly lied about the murder of a Minnesota woman by ICE. He's waging war on the American people. He has the world in chaos. If you disagree with him or dare to protest, you're a radical left-wing terrorist. What do Trump supporters tell themselves to justify the actions and behavior of this demented disgrace? Behold him flipping off a factory worker who had the guts to shout out to this dangerous, humiliating embarrassment of a "leader." Trump is hands down the worst, most classless, most damaging president in history. He's single-handedly destroyed a once-great nation. Trump voters, may your kids, grandkids and great-grandkids enjoy the spoils.
Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
ICE/Immigration
In response to Karen’s letter, you’re correct that the wrong needs to be acknowledged before we can move forward. Why can't Democrats accept the truth?
In Minnesota, Ms. Good knowingly and willingly used her “agitator training” to put herself in a dangerous position. It is against the law to interfere with ICE activities, no matter what your beliefs. The agents are only following the laws on the books. If you don’t like the immigration laws, take action to change the law.
By following agents, trying to use her vehicle to block, chanting, whistling, throwing frozen bottles— these are not the actions of a peaceful protester.
Ms Good obstructed to such a degree that the officers wanted to arrest he,r but then she decided to drive away, nearly plowing down an agent who unfortunately tried to protect himself. Yes, she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but that was her fault and hers alone.
Debra Berthelot
Marana
Fear driving to grocery store
Today, on my way to the grocery store, a car was stopped in the middle lane. There were two police cars behind it with flashing lights. I had to pass by the driver’s side door just as a police officer was approaching. I realized I was afraid. What if someone panicked and a gun was fired? Would I be shot? I’m a 75-year-old woman, and I’ve never had a thought or feeling like that before. This is not the country I grew up in, and I’m guessing it’s not the country you grew up in either. If you want to see our country return to the moral foundation and rule of law that made us truly special (purposely not using the word “great”), start by signing a nominating petition for any Democrat or other non-MAGA candidate running for office in Arizona. You can do it right from home by googling "How To Sign a Candidate’s E-Qual Petition."
Thea Chalow
Oro Valley
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