The City of Tucson, struggling to stay afloat fiscally, plans on suing the State of Arizona in an effort to ward off any economical impact that may be forthcoming because of the new law requiring law enforcement agencies to uphold the Constitution. Council member Regina Romero was quoted as saying that the new law is un-constitutional, and the lawsuit will not cost the taxpayers. I checked on councilwoman Romero’s website and it fails to note in her biography that she holds a law degree or has ever served in a position to interpret the Constitution so I am unable to shed any light on her accusation regarding the constitutionality issue. The city council members say that this law suit will be accomplished at no cost to the taxpayer; presumably because we already pay to keep the legal staff on hand. Obviously the lawyers are just sitting around waiting for something to do because, as we all know, if there is nothing to do then we might be out of a job. No, that only happens in the real world, not the world of government.
This same issue surfaced a week ago but the City Council was unable to get enough support for the action. However, they appear to have bent to the noisy minority and found the necessary votes to get it passed this time around. Councilwoman Shirley Scott didn't explain her shift, but before her vote, Scott noted only the San Diego City Council had voted to oppose SB 1070. Do we really care what the city of San Diego City Council thinks. I am of the opinion that more Arizonans go to San Diego and spend money than do San Diegoans coming to Tucson, agree?
Mayor Walkup referenced a conversation he had with the mayor of Portland, Oregon and the possible effect SB 1070 could have on a contract for our $180 million “streetcar project”. What is at risk apparently is the possibility of the Oregon Iron Works, located in Clackamas, Oregon, of walking away from a $26 million contract for the new streetcars that the City of Tucson is prepared to sign. Now that would be a first. Does Mayor Walkup really believe that the citizens of Tucson believe that cock and bull logic? Give us a break Mr. Mayor.
Regarding the “streetcar” project, you might find the City’s arithmetic rather interesting. The original announcement for the project shows $88 million coming from taxpayer monies and $75 million to come from federal grants. The total of $163 million suggests that anything left after construction and equipment is paid for can be used to pay operating costs in the early years. If the mayor says our project is expected to cost $180 million I would like to know where the extra funds are going to come from?
Maybe, just maybe, the mayor was able to attach a rider to Proposition 100; just another reason to “VOTE NO on PROP 100.”
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