The estimate of the huge Women’s March in Tucson crowd that gathered this morning at Armory Park on S. 6th Avenue and marched to Jacome Plaza (in front of the Joel D. Valdez library) was about 15,000. Lots of very creative signs went by, carried by people of all ages, children, elderly, even people with crutches and walkers…gay, straight, multi-racial, many with dogs, wagons, etc. Every few blocks people were chanting “This is what Democracy looks like”. Here’s some photos of today’s crowd.
“This evening of fun and friendly spelling competition raises funds for EEF’s 33 year old Classroom Grant Program to TUSD teachers.” Stay tuned for any additional celebrities at their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/events/145389812532547/
Tucson City Councilwoman Regina Romero is leading the charge to require local businesses to provide paid sick leave for employees.
As someone who has been in management for more than 20 years, I fully support paid sick leave and the city’s proposed ordinance. At first glance, paid sick leave appears to be an expense that businesses don’t want or need, but in reality, requiring employees to come in sick is far more costly in the long run because it hurts productivity, diminishes customer services and spreads disease in the community.
Many years ago, I ran a large program at the University of Arizona with 40 employees and a $1.5 million budget, at its peak. At the UA, coming in sick was seen as some sort of martyrdom to be celebrated. “Oh, look, she is so dedicated that she came in sick.” Hogwash. Coming to work sick should be discouraged, not celebrated or required.
Up for re-election this year were Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, with only token opposition from 3 Independent write in candidates, plus three Tucson City Councilmembers: Ward 1 Regina Romero, Ward 2 Paul Cunningham and Ward 4 Shirley Scott.
Election results:
Mayor
Jonathan Rothschild (D) 52,805 (winner)
Write in – 3722
All 3 Democrats are leading in the Council races, likely winners:
Ward 1:
Bill Hunt (R) 29,025
Regina Romero (D) , incumbent 38,753 (winner)
Ward 2:
Paul Cunningham (D), incumbent 38,539 (winner)
Kelly Lawton (R) 29,067
Ward 4:
Margaret Burkholder (R) 30,154
Shirley Scott (D), incumbent 37,406 (winner)
If you care about endorsements and haven’t decided whom to vote for yet in the upcoming Tucson City Council races in Wards 1, 2 and 4, here’s the list of recommendations from the Arizona Daily Star newspaper editorial board:
Ward 1: Democrat Regina Romero, 2 term incumbent over her Republican challenger:
http://tucson.com/news/opinion/regina-romero-represents-tucson-ward-well/article_4f4ef950-7f4b-57ef-b97d-d0344582dcec.html (October 8, 2015 print edition, page A13)