2020 Pima County Supervisors District 3 Candidate Guide

Sharon Bronson I am running for this office to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people. It’s time to ratchet down the political rhetoric and listen to them.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer I am running for office because Supervisor District 3 has not been represented by the incumbent for the last 24 years.

Sharon Bronson Helping small business to recover and survive as we navigate COVID pandemic, criminal justice reform, addressing climate change and repairing our aging infrastructure.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer The #1 issue for Pima County residents are the 2,000 miles of roads that are in total disrepair specially since for the last 20 years Pima County has had the money to fix our roads. #2 issue is public safety, migrants are dying in the desert and my opponent has refused the Stonegarden Grant from the Federal Government for the last two years, when in the past she would gladly take the money. Why all of a sudden is my opponent playing games with that much needed funding that goes to help our Sheriff's Department?

Sharon Bronson I think the response at all levels of government could be better. Counties have limited capacity and capabilities than either the State of Arizona or the Federal Government. Governor Ducey has limited our capabilities and we are trying to be proactive to the extent we are able. But please mask up Pima County! It will make a difference and safe lives.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer With no medical expertise I prefer not to comment.

Sharon Bronson Investment in public infrastructure and small business recovery without raising the tax rate that affects those least able to afford it.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer How about lifting the draconian mandates on small business and let them operate at full capacity, allowing people to take responsibility and self quarantine if they are sick.

Sharon Bronson Today, I would not vote to accept Stonegarden funds. As outlined in the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General report, that the federal agency lacks transparency, accountability and costs Pima County taxpayers at least $2 dollars for every dollar we would receive in Stonegarden grant funding.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer My opponent has been playing games with our law enforcement budget. These Federal funds were accepted by the board for more than a decade and now with a Republican president and Sheriff, she is turning up her nose at millions of needed dollars. These funds would pay for overtime and much needed equipment which would help reduce migrant deaths in the desert.

Sharon Bronson The State continues to shift costs to local taxpayers. If that ceases, we could and should lower the tax rate.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer After we redirect funding to roads from HURF (gasoline taxes) and VLT (vehicle registration tax) law enforcement and other priorities, we can make a reassessment.

Sharon Bronson Front line law enforcement officers have said that they are often tasked to do other things beyond their law enforcement duties including social work and mental health interventions. This puts them and the public at risk. I support diverting those types of programs to other, more appropriate agencies, thus allowing law enforcement to do its job safely and effectively.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer Absolutely not. I oppose defunding law enforcement 100%.

Sharon Bronson This is a regional issue that requires a regional approach with the County and municipalities and all must be invested in any solution. I support enabling the Regional Transportation Authority to voter approval of a half-cent sales tax for road repairs.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer No, voters should not be asked for Pima County to get in debt to fix our roads because for the last 20 years Pima County has had the money to fix our roads in the form of HURF (gasoline taxes) and VLT (vehicle registration tax). from fiscal year 2008 to 2018 Pima County has received and average of $85 million every year. In fiscal year 2020 because of the $32 hike on VLT Pima County received almost $96 million on HURF and VLT. I will push to keep these funds to be spent on road repairs only. The board's misspending is out of control and the voters should not be asked to pay for their lack of accountability. No more bonds!

Sharon Bronson Yes, if there is a return on that investment that investment that benefits taxpayers.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer I do not support Corporate Welfare in any way, shape or form. Pima County needs to stop picking winners and losers. The Worldview Enterprise misadventure was a disaster on multiple levels that ended up costing Pima County residents over $15 million, that literally went up in smoke.

Sharon Bronson I recognize the importance of early childhood education. Any approach to increased spending needs to involve more than just the county given our lack the financial resources. I am willing to listen.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer Education is not a State-authorized County responsibility. Childhood education is the job of parents and school boards.

Sharon Bronson Huckelberry serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors. So yes.

Gabby Saucedo Mercer It needs lots of improvement. He needs to be held accountable for ill advising the Supervisors to purchase over inflated old buildings that are taken off the tax rolls.