.png)
ENDORSEMENTS & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
WORKING TOGETHER
.png)
Many prominent community members agree that city Councilmembers are not appropriately compensated, here are their statements of support!
ENDORSEMENTS
-
Congressman Raul Grijalva
-
Activate 48 Coalition
-
Arizona List
-
Dr. Amalia Luxardo, CEO of the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona
-
Former Mayor Jonathan Rothschild
-
Former Pima Community College Board Members Sylvia Lee & Demion Clinco
-
Former Tucson City Council Member Karin Uhlich
-
Las Adelitas Arizona Mijente
-
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover
-
Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Adelita S. Grijalva
-
Pima County Democratic Party
-
Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz
-
Southern Arizona Home Builders Association
-
Tucson Association of REALTORS®
-
Tucson Firefighters Association
-
Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
-
Tucson Metro Chamber
-
Tucson Police Officers Association
-
UFCW Local 99
-
YWCA of Southern Arizona
Jon North, Vice President
Tucson Fire Fighters Association
The Tucson Fire Fighters Association would like to encourage the Tucson Community to support Proposition 413. This proposition will provide much needed adjustments in salary for our Tucson Mayor and City Council Members. The Tucson Fire Fighters Association represents the commissioned men and women of the Tucson Fire Department. As we advocate for our members wages, benefits and working conditions, we fully understand the importance of recruiting and retaining quality employees.
Our Tucson Mayor and City Council members have been drastically under compensated for many years. As the second largest City in Arizona and one of the 50 largest Cities in the Country, our elected officials need to commit their full attention to their responsibilities to the community and City employees that they serve. We simply cannot afford to have our elected officials, leading our city, in a part time capacity because they must work a second job to support their families.
Please join your Tucson Fire Fighters in supporting Proposition 413 and compensating our elected officials at a competitive wage, that allows them and future elected officials to dedicate their time to keeping Tucson a great place to live and work.
This Mayor and Council have made wages and compensation of City employees their priority; lets support them and ensure the same applies to our elected leaders.
Linda Quinn, Data Director, Claire Knipe, Political Director
Arizona List
As an organization committed to electing pro-choice Democratic women and increasing representation of women in elected office, Arizona List supports the proposed increases to the Mayor and Council salaries.
Women face many additional barriers when they run for elected office. One of the primary barriers is access to funds: both funds to run for office and the often low salaries for elected office holders. This is especially true in Tucson, where the current Mayor and Council salaries are significantly lower than in other major cities in Arizona.
When salaries for elected office are held below a living wage, only people who are independently wealthy or have another source of income are able to run for office. This makes it a difficult choice for members in our communities with less representation to decide to run including people of color, women, and the working class. Increasing salaries of the Mayor and City Council and indexing those salaries to inflation will encourage people from underrepresented groups to consider running for office. When more diverse candidates run for office and voters have more choices, everyone benefits.
While these increases are still below the average salaries in Tucson, this change will open the door for a more diverse and representative candidate pool. This is a solid first step in making elected office more accessible in Tucson and we recommend this proposition.
Laura Dent, Coalition Director
Activate 48
One of the largest structural barriers to seeing more leaders of diverse experiences and backgrounds representing us is the low pay for public servants. Everyday Tucsonans simply cannot afford to run for state or local office -this is just plain wrong. In order to make change we must have a seat at the table.
The Tucson City Council currently makes less than the Arizona minimum wage. This body has not received a wage increase in more than twenty years. Despite being the second largest city in the state, we lag far behind our peer communities in terms of how we compensate our elected officials.
Activate 48 is a coalition of grassroots movement-building organizations committed to growing the political power of Latinos, young Arizonans, and people of color in the fight for a more just and livable future. Our coalition members - LUCHA, Mi Familia Vota, Our Voice Our Vote Arizona, and Chispa Arizona - encourage you to vote YES on Proposition 413, increasing wages for Tucson's Mayor & Council.
Our organizations focus on civic engagement to ensure that our families are represented in the political process.
A long and painful legacy of disenfranchisement has resulted in people of color being historically marginalized in the democratic process at every level. We are here to fight that, through a commitment to educating and registering voters, cultivating diverse leaders, and engaging our communities in local, state, and federal elections.
Let's invest in ourselves. By passing Proposition 413 we will attract qualified candidates from a range of backgrounds to serve. This is not a political issue. This is a question of good governance, a commitment to our diversity as a city, and an investment in bringing working family values to the table in Tucson. Please vote YES on Proposition 413.
Michael S. Guymon, President and CEO
Tucson Metro Chamber
Tucson City Council Members earn a meager $24,000 annually, equivalent to just $11.54 per hour, a shocking $2.31 less than the current minimum wage. Yet, Tucson is the 33rd largest city in America and each Council Member is charged with representing wards of approximately 90,000 people - a clearly full-time job.
Fortunately, fixing this clear problem will not raise taxes or reduce City services. It just requires your "Yes" vote on Proposition 413.
The last raise for Mayor and Council was approved in 1999; twenty-three years ago. It's time to catch up, not only with the times but also with all of Arizona's other major cities. The current salary levels for our City's Mayor and Council lag significantly behind those of their counterparts in Arizona's five other largest cities. This disparity creates a financial barrier that limits who can afford to hold office, potentially depriving us of diverse and talented individuals who could contribute to our city's growth and progress.
Proposition 413 is a crucial step forward for Tucson to take its place as a major American city. It ensures that those who represent the people of Tucson are adequately compensated for their hard work and dedication, and it will encourage potential candidates to consider running for local office. Serving as Mayor or Council Member shouldn't require an individual to worry about how they'll support themselves and their family.
The Tucson Metro Chamber encourages you to vote "Yes" on Prop 413. This simple act supports a necessary and long-overdue change without raising taxes or reducing city services.
Together, let's take this opportunity to build a stronger, more equitable Tucson and vote "Yes" on Prop 413.
Karin Uhlich,
Former Council Member, City of Tucson, Ward 3
As a former councilperson who knows the demands of the job and as a resident who wants the best possible representation from our Mayor/Council, I'm asking you to join me in voting yes on Proposition 413 to increase the annual salaries for Tucson mayor and council members. Unfortunately, there are many barriers in place that discourage participation in our democracy at every turn. Here in Tucson, the low pay for being on the city council prevents many otherwise qualified people from running for these important positions.
Being mayor or a council member is a full-time job and they haven't received a pay raise in more than 20 years. With an increase in pay, tied to the same level paid to members of the County Board of Supervisors, I believe we will see more qualified and diverse candidates emerge in the future to help lead our city through the challenges ahead. Tucson ans deserve an abundance of choices on the ballot and candidates who reflect the rich diversity of our city. One way to attract those leaders is to vote yes on Prop 413 this November. Our mayor and council members have important jobs that require a lot of time and work. The residents of Tucson deserve council members who are able to focus and put in the time needed to achieve results. Moving forward, it's important that the salary for these positions is commensurate with the workload. Our city and its residents will benefit from the passage of Prop 413 and I ask you to join me in voting yes.
Mike Gamez,
Chairperson, Tucson Police Officers Association PAC
The Tucson Police Officer's Association is encouraging the Tucson community to vote yes on Proposition 413, compensation adjustments for the Mayor and Council members. As the organization that represents police and community service officers, we advocate for all city employees to earn a living wage. For far too long, our city council members have been forced to do full time work for part time pay, and as a result most of our elected officials have second jobs in addition to leading our community. Our council members and Mayor need to be compensated fairly for their role in our community, and competent candidates in the future should not have choose between serving our city and earning a living wage. Our Mayor and Council have made pay equality a priority for all city employees, and they deserve the same. Please vote yes on Proposition 413.
Dr. Matt Heinz,
District 2 Supervisor, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Please join me in voting YES on Proposition 413.
As a physician and as an elected official, I have taken an oath to care for my community. Part of this care includes working to build a strong economy that serves us all.
Paying workers a living wage is an issue of equity and fairness. I strongly support this standard for ALL workers, including public servants. The last time voters increased the salary for the Tucson Mayor and Council was in 1999. Our current city council makes less than the state minimum wage.
Proposition 413 will open the doors for more working-class people to run for office. Everyday Tucsonans cannot currently afford to run for office in the City of Tucson, because the salaries do not meet basic living expenses. This barrier blacks many from the opportunity to serve.
If approved, this initiative will tie the wages of Tucson's Mayor & Council those of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. As a sitting Supervisor representing District 2, I support this change. I want to ensure that anyone with strong ideas and the support of voters can work alongside me in public service. Voting YES on Proposition 413 can help us get there.
Fair pay is not about politics. It is about good public policy that allows citizens from all stations in life the opportunity to lead.
Please Vote YES. It is the fair, just, and equitable thing to do.
Theresa Riel and Maria Garcia,
Tucson Citizens
it is ridiculous that Tucson City Council Members earn $24,000 annually which is just $11.54 per hour, $2.31 less than the current minimum wage. We live in the 33rd largest city in America and each of our Councilmembers are tasked with representing over 90,000 constituents, a demanding job.
The last time Mayor and Council's salaries were adjusted was 1999. Our City and community have changed immensely since then and it's time that we take this step to catch up. Not only with the times but with the values we share - that hard work should equate to a living wage. Right now, Maria and I think about hard working Tucson residents who may be thinking about running for office only to be discouraged by a salary that would not even allow them to support themselves ... not to mention a family. Voting "Yes" on Proposition 413 gives all of us the ability to consider running for office, which expands the potential talent pool our elected leaders could come from. And the best part? You can vote yes and your taxes will not go up.
Proposition 413 is a crucial step towards equity for Tucson. It ensures that those who represent the people of Tucson are adequately compensated for their hard work and dedication. Please join us in voting "Yes" on Prop 413.
Adriana Garcia Maximiliano,
Citizen
Tucson has an opportunity, to strengthen democracy by voting "Yes" on Proposition 413. Leaders from working-class backgrounds can and should run for office. but the current pay is prohibitive to people who want to make an impact in their local politics.
Current Tucson City Council salaries are lower than our statewide minimum wage. However. their jobs are full time, and we expect and want our representatives to dedicate their time serving constituents. They should be compensated fairly for their work. We can lower this barrier that has made it so that only a select few have an opportunity to serve their communities. This matters because our elected officials should reflect the breadth of the class and industry backgrounds of the people they aim to represent.
As New American Leaders reported in the State of Pay report, "In the absence of working class perspectives... policymaking will often fail to meet the nuance and needs of a diverse population."
A raise in salaries will not mean a raise in taxes. Instead it will mean that Tucson will live up to its values of being a city that prioritizes equity and hard work. I encourage you to vote "Yes" on Proposition 413 and ensure that we have a broad pool of talented people willing to serve the city.
Demion Clinco,
Former Arizona State Representative
Fair Compensation for Strong Leadership
As voters dedicated to the progress of our city, a critical decision awaits-one that holds the power to shape Tucson's future. It's time to fairly compensate our city's leaders for their commitment and service. This election provides an opportunity to secure sustainable leadership by adjusting Mayor and Council compensation in alignment with the Citizens' Commission
recommendations.
Our Council Members earn a paltry $24,000 annually, equivalent to $11.54 per hour. This falls $2.31 short of Arizona's minimum wage. We can and should do better.
Consider this: Tucson stands as one of the 40 largest cities in the nation. Each Council Members represents around 90,000 individuals-a task that undeniably warrants a full-time commitment. Remarkably, the Mayor and Council Staff currently earn more than the council members themselves. This disparity contradicts the principles of fairness and equity that our city
upholds.
By enhancing compensation for our elected representatives, we pave the way for a diverse range of talented individuals to step forward and contribute their expertise to the betterment of our community. It's time to acknowledge that their relentless dedication to our city necessitates fair compensation that reflects both the value of their service and the responsibilities of the job.
Our city's budget has expanded by a staggering 180% since 1999. It's frankly shocking that the Mayor and Council have endured 23 years without a salary increase. This misalignment jeopardizes the effectiveness of their roles and contradicts the ethos of responsible governance.
The proposed adjustments reflect a shared belief in the vitality of our city and the strength of its leadership. Join me in voting YES on Proposition 413. These adjustments signifies our commitment to fostering a diverse and dynamic democracy-one that can meet the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Lara Ruggles,
Director of Development, YWCA Southern AZ
The YWCA Southern Arizona was established in 1917, just five years after Arizona gained statehood, by visionary women committed to establishing progressive values in this young state.
From the beginning, YWCA has been committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. That's why we support Proposition 413. Tucson City Council Members earn a meager $24,000 annually, equivalent to less than the current minimum wage, on an hourly basis. That means salary levels for our City's Mayor and Council lag significantly behind those of their counterparts in Arizona's five other largest cities.
This disparity creates a financial barrier that limits who can afford to hold office, potentially depriving us of diverse and talented individuals who could contribute to our city's growth and progress.
Equal pay for women has been a priority of the YWCA since our founding. In 1963, when the Equal Pay Act was signed into law, women earned 59 cents for every dollar earned by men. Pay disparities rob women of purchasing power and security. Similarly, the gap between what Tucson pays its mayor and council, and the pay other cities are able to offer, creates a financial barrier that limits who can afford to hold office. That means Tucson is less likely to have women and people of color providing voice to their communities and contributing to our city's growth and progress.
Just as we work towards pay parity for women, we insist on parity for our public servants. Proposition 413 is a crucial step towards equity and another step forward for Tucson to take its place as a major American city. We urge you to vote "Yes" on Prop 413.
Elvira Din,
Vice Chair, Las Adelitas Arizona
Las Adelitas Arizona encourages Tucsonans to vote YES on Prop 413, that will increase the salary of Tucson's Mayor from $42,000 per year to 1.25% of what the Board of Supervisors make and for Council Members to be increased from $24,000 per year to the equivalent of what the Board of Supervisors makes annually. Currently, Tucson's Mayor and Council Members are paid less than those in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Glendale. Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona and the 33rd largest city in the country at approximately 550,000 people. Las Adelitas Arizona believes the Mayor of Tucson is an executive position. Our City Charter even names our Mayor the CEO of Tucson. Furthermore, City Council Members are expected to be available and prepared. One of the most frequent demands of Tucsonans to their representatives is to be accessible. Tucsonans expect our elected officials to be available and responsible full-time and they ought to be compensated as such.
Mayor and Council are currently underpaid. Wages haven't been adjusted since 1999. That is unconscionable. We MUST pay our Mayor and Council a living wage as we have for every other worker in Tucson. Reasonable compensation is required to attract highly qualified, diverse candidates to serve in these important public offices. Currently, wages are an obstacle. This is particularly true for people who are working class, have families, or are women or people of color. Las Adelitas believe it's necessary to update wages NOW. We need to bring the wages up to professional standards in order to justify the nature of the work Tucsonans deserve and to compensate Tucson's elected officials appropriately. The successful Fight for $15 should apply to us all.
Raul Grijalva, CD 7 Congressman
U.S. House of Representatives
Friends,
Tucson is growing and is now the 33rd largest city in America. Each Tucson City Councilmember is charged with representing a Ward of over 90,000 people and the Mayor is tasked with leading our City - jobs that are far more demanding than just a five day, forty hours per week job. And yet, Tucson City Council Members earn $24,000 annually which is just $11.54 per hour, a ridiculous $2.31 less than the current minimum wage. This is something we have to fix and an issue that only Tucson voters can fix consistent with the City’s charter. Not only do we need to because of how demanding our city’s elected leaders’ jobs are but also because we are asking our leaders to work for less than a living wage. This places Tucson far behind its peer cities in Arizona and across the country.
Fortunately, fixing this clear problem will not raise your taxes nor reduce our City’s services. It just requires your “Yes” vote on Proposition 413. The last raise for Mayor and Council was approved in 1999; twenty-three years ago. It’s time for us to catch up, not only with the times but also with the values of our community. The current salary levels create a financial barrier that limits who can afford to hold office, potentially depriving us of diverse and talented individuals who could contribute to our City.
Proposition 413 is a crucial step towards equity for Tucson. It ensures that those who represent the people of Tucson are adequately compensated for their hard work and dedication. By voting "Yes" you will be supporting a necessary and long-overdue change without raising taxes or reducing city services.
Together, let’s build a more equitable Tucson and vote “Yes” on Prop 413.
Sincerely,
Congressman Raul Grijalva
Jonathan Rothschild,
Former Mayor of Tucson
As the immediate past-mayor of Tucson, I write in support of Proposition 413. This initiative will increase council members' salary, linking their pay to that of the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
If you like your current electeds, you should support this initiative, they deserve the raise. If you don't like your current electeds, you should support this initiative. It will incentivize others to run.
The mayor and council members' jobs, if done correctly, are full-time jobs. To attract persons to these positions, a council person must be paid so they do not need to work another job.
Mayor and council have not received a salary increase in over 20 years. Council members make a salary of $24,000 per year, and the mayor earns a salary of $42,000 per year. Despite the low wage, this body is responsible for a budget that is approaching two billion dollars per year. The budget has nearly doubled since the last time mayor and council received a salary increase.
The last time there was a salary increase, the average gas price was $1.22 a gallon. Times have changed. In Phoenix and Mesa, mayor and council both receive substantially more pay than Tucson's electeds.
The current compensation structure discourages a broad base of qualified persons in our community from running for office. The city would be best served by attracting a diverse group of candidates from whom the citizens can choose the best to govern their city.
I urge a "Yes" vote on Proposition 413.
David Godlewski, President
Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA)
It’s long past time for Tucson to catch up, not only with the times but also with all of Arizona’s other major cities. The current salary levels for our City’s Mayor and Council are from a different era in our city, now the task of governing America's 33rd largest city is a full time job that deserves full time pay. Proposition 413 fixes this issue and it was responsibly crafted so that it does not raise taxes nor will it negatively impact city services. Please join us in voting yes on Prop 413!