Pima County voters will choose who fills four seats on the Board of Supervisors this year, and that has the potential to change which political party holds the majority.
The Republican Party has prevailed in the north side District 1 for many terms. In that race, incumbent Republican Ally Miller is facing Democrat Brian Bickel.
Miller has consistently said at board meetings and on her website that her top issue is fixing the region's roads, and providing stronger leadership on the Board of Supervisors. She did not respond to repeated requests for an interview with Arizona Public Media.
Bickel said in an interview on Metro Week that Miller's plan is essentially how to finance road repair, while he would look to all funding options other than a property tax and change the county's priority on road work to residential streets ahead of thoroughfares.
In District 2, incumbent Democrat Ramón Valadez has no opposition, and will be re-elected to a fourth full term.
In the sprawling western District 3, incumbent Democrat Sharon Bronson is seeking a sixth term, and faces a challenge from Republican Kim DeMarco. Bronson herself has said if she loses, the board could have a Republican majority, and if she wins, it is likely to remain a Democratic majority, based on voting trends in other districts.
DeMarco said in an interview on Metro Week that it is time for a change, especially because the county property tax rate needs to be reduced. Also on the show, Bronson said she deserves another term because the county needs to continue its work collaborating with others in the region on economic development.
Tune in next week to hear from candidates in Districts 4 and 5.
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