/ Modified sep 9, 2019 5:06 p.m.

Ed Ackerley on why he believes an independent can be Tucson’s next mayor

The advertising executive explains his campaign's strategy and message to voters.

While Democrats vying for mayor spent the summer focused on the primary, Independent Ed Ackerley spent that time building support for the general election. In November he will face Democrat Regina Romero and Mike Cease, a Green party candidate. Ackerley sat down with Christopher Conover to discuss his campaign’s approach going forward and why he decided to run as an Independent.

“We did the analysis. There are 59,000 Republicans, 80,000 independents. We put those two numbers together. It can give a challenge to the Democrats,” Ackerley said. “I want to help fix Tucson.”

Ackerley is in step with his Democratic opponent when it comes to the sanctuary city initiative also appearing on the ballot. While Ackerley does not support the initiative himself, he said he would defend it from legal challenges if it passes.

“Labeling ourselves a sanctuary city just is not in the best interest of Tucson for the current climate. I’m not against helping people and helping people get adjusted to a new country, but we really need to focus on the core issues of public safety, transportation, and parks,” Ackerley said. “But again, as mayor, we will abide by the law and we’ll do what we need to do as a city to defend the city’s position.”

Arizona 360
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