The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Jake Martin delivers a speech after the Rex Scott takes the majority percentage of votes during the Democratic primary watch party, Corbett’s, 340 North Sixth Avenue, Tucson, Ariz., July 30, 2024.
It’s no secret that Supervisor Scott and I disagree on several key community issues. However, we share the same ultimate goal: a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Pima County.
Our differences lie in how we plan to achieve that. That being said, I have never questioned Rex’s competence, skills, or integrity throughout his long and commendable career in public service.
In light of the recent baseless character attacks from Mr. Spain, the Republican candidate for District 1 Supervisor, I felt it necessary to address a few key points. Mr. Spain’s new nickname for Rex, “Deficit Rex”, is an ill-fitting and thinly veiled attempt to discredit Supervisor Scott and deceive our voters. Firstly, I would like to make one thing clear: The State Of Arizona does not allow deficit spending whatsoever. In fact, it is completely prohibited under ARS 42-17151. Then where, you might ask, is Steve Spain coming up with these “deficit” numbers we’re all forced to see on the roadside? It would appear that Mr. Spain is effectively cherry-picking data from the COVID-19 pandemic to construct a narrative that benefits him and his campaign. That narrative does not benefit the people of Pima County.
Steve Spain is misrepresenting the financial health of our community, undercutting an entirely functional government, and stirring up fear based on lies and skewed data. One must question his fitness for office if this is the way that he chooses to run his campaign.
This all isn’t to say that we don’t have debt, of course we do. In fact, in a recent Board of Supervisors meeting on September 3rd, the Board unanimously approved new debt issuances to support critical projects. This included $40 million in Certificates of Participation and $55 million in Sewer Revenue Debt for capital improvements. Additionally, $148.7 million was allocated to repaying existing debt. This debt, however, is what we would consider to be “good debt”, as the issuances will help us improve our community’s infrastructure. Even the Board’s Republican member, Steve Christy, supported these fiscal decisions, further defeating Spain’s claims of partisan fiscal irresponsibility.
Steve Spain utilizes fear tactics and, at best, skews data to create a false narrative about our community. It is so important that the leadership in our community is accountable, transparent, and entirely honest about community affairs. Mr. Spain’s latest stunt makes me fear that he does not possess a single one of those qualities. I know Rex Scott well, and I know that he does. Throughout our time as political opponents, we focused on issues that mattered, we debated them, but we never stooped so low as to make up lies and insult one another. As a community, we should strive for stability and genuine leadership. Those who practice the politics of division, distortion, and name-calling, undermine the trust and cooperation needed to address real issues and build a stronger, more unified community.
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