/ Modified feb 6, 2017 9:20 a.m.

Episode 123: Local Politics After Divisive 2016 Election

Incoming City Council elections, a Latina business advocate on Trump's executive actions, and more.

Heading into an election year for Tucson City Council seats, the Pima County Republican and Democratic parties have vastly different views on the direction of the country.

David Eppihimer, chair of the local Republican Party, said his rank-and-file members are voicing "extremely enthusiastic feedback" about President Trump's policies and executive actions, while the Pima County Democratic Party Chair Jo Holt says her members are experiencing "a great deal of unhappiness" about them.

Amid that response to national politics, three Tucson City Council seats are up for election this year. Democrats Richard Fimbres and Steve Kozachik are seeking re-election. So far they are unopposed. In the third seat up for election this year, incumbent Democrat Karin Uhlich is not seeking re-election, so the open seat has drawn three Democrats and a Libertarian candidate.

Holt said her party pledges to support all Democrats. The Republican Party is looking for "the perfect candidate" to field for the races, Eppihimer said.

Watch their interview in this episode of Metro Week, along with:

  • The chair of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recently wrote a column about balance between the potential promise and potential challenges of being a business owner, business advocate and Latina during the Trump Administration. Hear from Lea Márquez Peterson about what she wrote, and why.

  • The local VA announced it will no longer accept new civilians, and will transition those it already serves to private practice. Those affected are veterans' families, who receive care as part of the veterans benefits. This is to allow the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System to better care for the veterans, who are the first priority, said Starla Owens-Brown, the operations manager at the Tucson VA.

  • Tucson Education Association President Jason Freed and teacher Maragret Chaney share their reaction to the governor’s proposed education budget, including raises for teachers and efforts to recruit more teachers to Arizona.

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