Local Politics
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Democratic challenger JoAnna Mendoza are campaigning across Congressional District 6 in the final week before the November 3 election. Ciscomani highlighted his bipartisan work to establish Chiricahua National Park during events with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Mendoza launched door-to-door canvassing efforts in Tucson with support from Democratic leaders including Rep. Suzan DelBene. The race is considered highly competitive, with political forecasters recently shifting the district's status to "lean Democrat" or "toss up."
Local Business · Tucson, AZ
Members of IAMAW Local 933, representing about 2,200 Raytheon workers in Tucson, voted 94% to ratify a new five-year contract on Sunday after weeks of negotiations. The agreement includes 24 percent average compounded raises over the life of the contract, plus bonuses, improved 401k matches, better vacation and paid time off schedules, flexible work-week options, and expanded education and training opportunities. RTX Corporation confirmed the contract went into effect Monday. Raytheon Missiles & Defense employs about 15,000 people in Tucson and holds multibillion-dollar defense contracts including Tomahawk cruise missiles and AMRAAMs built at local facilities.
Local Politics · Pima County
Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly urges voters to mail early ballots by Tuesday, Oct. 27, noting that ballots not received by 7 p.m. on Election Day cannot be legally counted. After that date, voters are directed to drop off completed ballots at early voting sites, seven ballot drop boxes, or one of 126 vote centers opening Nov. 3 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The election includes races for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, Congress, the Legislature, and local offices, plus eight statewide propositions and local measures in Pima County, Tucson, and school districts. Early voting sites operate Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with emergency voting available Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A mobile Votemobile will serve Marana, Sells, and Ajo on select dates through Nov. 2.
Local Politics · Tucson, AZ
Ojas Sanghi, former member of the Tucson Climate and Energy Commission, urges residents to vote yes on Proposition 421 before November 3. The proposition renews the franchise agreement between the City of Tucson and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) for 25 years and establishes an Energy Collaboration Agreement. This agreement commits TEP to provide $2 million annually from profits for city-controlled climate action initiatives. Sanghi argues that approving this measure allows the community to focus on broader state-level energy policy changes.
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Community News · Tucson, AZ
Tucson Unified School District began announcing recommendations for school closures and consolidations, including elementary schools and one middle school. Pima County's planned land sale to Costco was brought before the Board of Supervisors after the parcel was identified as containing archaeological artifacts dating back 3,000 years with cultural significance to several Tribal Nations, triggering the county's new Tribal Consultation policy. Chiricahua National Monument in Willcox was redesignated as Chiricahua National Park following legislation introduced three times by Rep. Juan Ciscomani. Campaign finance disclosures showed JoAnna Mendoza outpacing Ciscomani in fundraising for the CD6 race. Community items include a Congress Street vehicle closure on Oct. 31, a Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund application deadline extended to Oct. 30, and an AZPM sweater drive through Nov. 13.
Community News · Tucson, AZ
The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program is accepting applications to provide toys and clothes for low-income families in the Tucson area. Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is concluding its October food drive, collecting specific holiday items like stuffing mix and cranberry sauce at various collection points. Multiple organizations, including ICS, the Community Food Bank, and local churches, are offering scheduled food box distributions throughout October and November. Specific distribution times and locations include sites in South Tucson, Picture Rocks Park, and the Gabrielle Giffords Center.
Community News · Tucson, AZ
Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue & Education is transferring 30 non-native sulcata tortoises to a sanctuary in Burleson, Texas, because the Tucson facility has reached capacity and requires enclosure repairs. The rescue currently cares for approximately 40 tortoises, receiving about 20 new animals per month from residents who find them wandering neighborhoods. Founder Cressi Brown notes that many surrendered animals are part of a growing feral population or were abandoned by owners unable to manage their long-term needs. This temporary relocation allows staff to repair damaged holding pens while addressing the ongoing challenge of tortoise overpopulation in the region.
Pet Related · Pima County
Pima Animal Care Center is launching a "Fall Break from the Shelter" campaign starting Nov. 1 to recruit fosters for medium-to-large dogs, with a goal of providing 1,000 nights out of the shelter. The shelter will host a Halloween-themed event Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its Silverbell location, offering free adoptions on all pets. PACC also encourages pet owners to plan for Halloween safety and provides free adoption coupons for trick-or-treaters.
Local Politics · Pima County
The Pima County Board of Supervisors will vote this week to select a new county administrator from three finalists: Carmine DeBonis, Leah Rhineheimer, and Leonard Hernandez, replacing Jan Lesher who retires at the end of her contract. Tucson Unified School District administrators will present five proposed school consolidations expected to save more than $3 million to the Governing Board in a Tuesday study session, affecting Magee Middle, Collier Elementary, Dunham Elementary, Cragin Elementary, and Hudlow Elementary. The county board will also vote on development modifications including changes to the Star Valley Specific Plan and a 95-acre housing rezoning near Casino Del Sol. Flowing Wells Unified School District's board will review a marketing plan addressing declining enrollment.
Community brief · Pima County
Consumer Health & Food Safety (CHFS) is launching an online payment portal that will allow permit holders to review fees, submit payments, and view or download their operating permits in one location. Permits will be available for download within two business days after payment is processed, and fees may still be paid in person, by mail, or by phone. CHFS plans a community forum to demonstrate the portal, with date, time, and format to be…
