Your Vote Counts!

ELECTION PREVIEW AND INFORMATION

As an industry that is significantly impacted by government regulations and political actions, it is essential that all of us remain aware and engaged on the issues that affect our communities including those on the ballot. November 7 is another important election for housing. If you are a resident of the City of Tucson, or eligible to vote in the Vail Incorporation, this communication is intended to provide you with the background to make informed decisions when you cast your vote.

Key Info & Resources:

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 7
The election is vote-by-mail
Eligible voters should have already received their ballots
Additional election information including: Finding a Polling Place and City Voter Pamphlet can be found here.
Link to Mayoral Candidate Forum hosted by the Tucson Business Alliance.

BALLOT MEASURES

YES on Proposition 402 – Vail Incorporation

If approved, would create a new incorporated Town of Vail. Vail’s specific interests would be represented through its own Mayor and Council. Vail would assume a role on the Pima Association of Governments and have a say in key regional matters including infrastructure investment in growth areas. Vail would receive state shared revenue. Only voters residing within the proposed town boundaries will receive a ballot on this item. Click here for a map.

YES on Proposition 413 - Mayor & Council Salary Increase

If approved, Prop 413 would index City of Tucson Mayor and Council salaries to the amount paid to the Pima County Board of Supervisors. Council member salaries would rise from the current $24,000 per annum to $76,600. The Mayor's salary will rise from the current $42,000 to $95,750 per year. The result would be compensation commensurate with other large cities around the State.

YES on Proposition 496 - Tucson Unified School District Bonds

If approved, would generate $480 million in funding for use in improving aging infrastructure such as roofs, air conditioning and plumbing. The funding would also be used to add security and safety systems for schools, purchase buses and technology for students. Estimated cost to property owners would be $0.6878 cents per $100 of assessed valuation or $68.78 per year for every $100,000. Click here to see if you live in the TUSD district.

CITY OF TUCSON GENERAL ELECTION

There are also races on the ballot for the City of Tucson Mayor and Council Members in Wards 1, 2 and 4. Remember, the City of Tucson’s uncommon election system is structured where the Primary Election is held ‘Ward Only’ but the Tucson General Election is held ‘City Wide.’ This means that for the November 7 election any eligible voters living in the City of Tucson may vote for a candidate in each race no matter which Ward they reside in.

MAYOR

Mayor Regina Romero - Incumbent (Democrat)

Mayor Romero is seeking her second term as Mayor. She previously served as the Ward I representative from 2007-2019. Her priorities include climate resiliency, infrastructure, parks and small business support. Mayor Romero spoke at the SAHBA/TAR Power of Real Estate Housing Summit about affordable housing. Link to campaign website.

Mayor Romero did not return a candidate questionnaire to the SAHBA PAC.

Janet Wittenbraker (Republican)

Ms. Wittenbraker holds a BS in Liberal Arts from Arizona State University & Master of Legal Studies degree from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She has worked in aerospace/defense, healthcare, higher education and the Tucson City Manager’s office. Her priorities include public safety, roads, homelessness and water conservation. Link to campaign website.

Click here to review Janet Wittenbraker’s candidate questionnaire response to the SAHBA PAC.

Dr. Ed Ackerley (Independent)

Dr. Ackerly is a Tucson native and owner of Ackerley Advertising. He teaches at the University of Arizona and has been active in efforts to improve our community and quality of life for many years including as President of the Rillito Park Foundation, past President of The National Football Foundation and founder of Coaches for Charity and Tucson Business Owners. Some of his key issues are increasing government efficiency, public safety, roads, economic development and the homeless. This is his second run for Tucson Mayor. Link to campaign website.

Click here to review Dr. Ed Ackerly’s candidate questionnaire response to the SAHBA PAC.

WARD 1

Council Member Lane Santa Cruz - Incumbent (Democrat)

Council Member Santa Cruz is seeking her second term as the Ward I representative. She is a native Tucsonan and holds a PhD from the University College of Education. Her priorities included neighborhood streets, affordable housing and the homeless. Link to campaign website.

Council Member Santa Cruz did not return a candidate questionnaire to the SAHBA PAC.

Victoria Lem (Republican)

Ms. Lem is a Tucson native. She is a Realtor® and currently serves as the President of the Tucson Realtors Charitable Foundation. Before becoming a Realtor® she worked as a contractor for Raytheon. Her priorities include public safety, roads and economic development. Link to campaign website.

Ms. Lem did not return a candidate questionnaire to the SAHBA PAC.

WARD 2

Council Member Paul Cunningham - Incumbent (Democrat)

Council Member Cunningham has represented Ward II since 2010. During that time, Mr. Cunningham has maintained a positive working relationship with SAHBA working together on many important matters. We appreciate his understanding of industry issues and service to the community. He is an Army Veteran and holds a Master’s Degree in social work. He also works as a public school teacher. Council Member Cunningham has been an advocate for parks, economic opportunities, and sound water management during his time on the Council. One of his key priorities is addressing the housing shortage. Link to campaign website.

Click here to review Council Member Cunningham’s Candidate Questionnaire response to the SAHBA PAC.

Ernie Shack (Republican)

Mr. Shack is an Army Veteran. He currently works with a non-profit that provides transitional housing and care for formerly homeless Veterans. His priorities include roads, homeless and public safety. Link to campaign website.

Click here to review Mr. Shack's candidate questionnaire to the SAHBA PAC.

WARD 4

Council Member Nikki Lee – Incumbent (Democrat)

Council Member Lee is seeking her second term as the Ward IV representative. During her first term, SAHBA quickly developed a collaborative working relationship with Ms. Lee and her team regularly discussing industry issues. We appreciate her thoughtful approach to policy development and service to our community. She is an Air Force Veteran and holds an MBA in IT Management. She is also an executive and leadership coach. Her priorities include economic development, roads and environmental sustainability. Link to campaign website.

Click here to review Council Member Lee’s Candidate Questionnaire response to the SAHBA PAC.

Ross Kaplowitch (Republican)

Mr. Kaplowitch is a former EMT & Corrections Officer who currently owns a trucking business. His priorities include roads, public safety, Veteran assistance and homelessness. Link to campaign website.

Mr. Kaplowitch did not return a candidate questionnaire to the SAHBA PAC.

Southern Arizona Home Builders Association | 520.795.5114

2840 N Country Club Rd | www.sahba.org