Tucson City Council selects former Councilwoman Karin Uhlich for Ward 3 Council seat

Ward 3 Councilman Paul Durham was elected in Nov. 2017 and resigned on Feb. 1, 2021 citing personal reasons due to a fall at his house resulting in broken ribs, and having to care for his husband Philippe who has terminal cancer.  His resignation was effective today, when the Tucson City Council met in special session to appoint his successor.

Mayor Regina Romero and Councilman Paul Durham both announced earlier their support for former 3 term Councilwoman Karin Uhlich for this position.  Read my previous post: https://blogforarizona.net/tucson-former-councilmember-karin-uhlich-proposed-to-fill-upcoming-vacancy-in-ward-3-council-seat/

7 residents of Ward 3 applied for this vacancy by the Feb. 26 deadline:  Clayton Abernathy, Michael Crawford (former Ward 3 Councilman), Linda Duran-Ebright, Robin McArdle (former Council aide), Mitch Preston, Bonnie Poulos, and Karin Uhlich (former Ward 3 Councilwoman).  Only 3 (Crawford, Poulos & Uhlich) gave a 5 minute presentation before the vote after they all affirmed that they had no interest in running for the Ward 3 Council seat in November. Abernathy & Duran-Ebright did not qualify, and McArdle & Preston withdrew prior to the meeting.

Ward 5 Councilman Fimbres made the motion to select Uhlich, seconded by Ward 1 Councilwoman Santa Cruz. Vote was 6-0.  A 30 minute Q & A session was held prior to the vote.

Uhlich will take office immediately, and serve out Durham’s term to December 2021.

Live video of the 3/1/21 meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3bSFEkdZUU

Already running for election in Ward 3 is Democrat and conservation activist Kevin Dahl, who has filed his paperwork. Also filed and running is Juan Padres, who ran against District 3 Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson in the August 2020 Democratic primary. They both recently spoke at the Pima County Young Democrats forum on February 24.  The Dem primary between these men will be on August 3, 2021 in Ward 3 only.