Tucson Speaks Out: Sept. 30 letters of the day

Tucson Water needs scrutiny

The Tucson Council announced a large increase in water rates. It discussed a number of increases, but did not talk about how much money was being raised. They indicated a deficit of $76 million would be incurred without the increase by years 29 and 30. Clearly there is a lack of transparency when they do not want to provide how much is being raised annually by the increases and how much is needed and for what. Our water bill has a separate charge for CAP water, which we pay as a pass thru, so why is our entire bill going up? In addition, Tucson Water still hasn't paid back the approximate $3 million they illegally took from unincorporated residents of Pima County. I think something is awry with what is going on with Tucson Water that deserves considerably more financial scrutiny than it is getting!

Dave Locey

From an over-50 childless cat lady

As an over-50 childless cat lady, let me address recent comments by two male Republicans. First to Ohio Republican Bernie Moreno, who had this to say about my support for abortion rights: "Especially for women that are like past 50, I'm thinking to myself, 'I don't think that's an issue for you.'" Only a narrow-minded man would think I wouldn't be concerned about the healthcare available and futures possible for my sisters, nieces and friends. He seems incapable of caring for the well-being of others.

Then to Trump: Only a delusional man would think we women would feel safe under the "protection" of an adjudicated rapist and p***y grabber. If he really wanted to protect women, he would keep abortion available and safe; keep Viagra out of the hands of potential rapists; and keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. As for his concern for my anxiety and depression, it will lift immediately when he and his sycophants lose this election bigly!

Dee Maitland

Support the transition to clean energy

"Hear Hear" to Mike Carran and his Sept. 26 op-ed in the Star ("Reform legislation deserves support")

Renewables now account for 21% of 2023 electricity generation in the U.S. and are responsible for 75% of new utility-scale generation sources in 2024. The demand for clean electricity continues to accelerate.

With a climate-change-fueled, viciously hot summer here in Arizona, we should all be concerned that this energy transition continues quickly.

Carran points out that the issue facing us now is getting that electricity to where it is needed. In 2023, more than 2600 GW of renewable generation and storage was waiting for approval to connect to the grid. Speeding the development of new transmission capacity is the key to abundant energy in the coming years.

Legislation to keep this on track is an important issue for our economy and our security. Support Senate Bill 4753, the Energy Permitting and Reform Act!

Edward Beshore

North side

Paralympics 2024

My family was disappointed as to the lack of any significant reporting on the AZ Daily Star about the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Thankfully, it was broadcast on TV! Our family was enthralled by the variety and adaptation of sporting events to allow disabled athletes to compete ... and compete they did ... marvelously! It was amazing to watch them competing in soccer, swimming, archery, rugby, weightlifting, fencing, cycling and many more. Names like Masters, Long, Weggemann, Aoki, Adams, Summers-Newton, Guo, Castorena, and our very own Army SFC Ellie Marks from AZ will remain in our family's memory. These and many other athletes ranging in challenges from MS, cerebral palsy, blindness, missing limbs, autism, little people, etc. showed the world that we should not see them for what they cannot do, but rather, for what they are capable of. Any family with disabled children should have them glued to the TV in future Paralympics, watching these amazing athletes compete on the world stage to inspire them to greatness.

Peter Garcia

Northwest side

Campaign sign vandalism

Since at least 2016, I have been saddened by the petty actions of the Tucson supporters of Republican candidates who will tear up, remove, or deface the campaign signs of their opposition. While not only disrespectful and illegal, it is a violation of the guarantee of free speech. I have personally gone to many intersections where this has happened, to put signs back up or replace damaged signs. The vast majority of the time it is only Democrats' signs that are affected. So it isn't "both sides doing it."

But in 2024, there is an added dimension to this problem: bullying. Numerous Democratic friends and neighbors have told me they are afraid to put up yard signs to support their chosen candidates. Afraid of potential attacks on their property or person.

Tucson Trump supporters — Is this acceptable to you? Do you feel comfortable knowing your neighbors might be intimidated by your politics? Is bullying now a Republican calling card in Tucson?

A Simpson

East side

No benefit for middle class

According to the Joint Committee On Taxation, the estimated 2017 Tax Cuts And Jobs Act (TCJA) will reduce federal tax revenues over the decade 2018 — 2027 by $1.5T from individual and corporate tax cuts. According to a CAP20 publication, dated April 20, 2024, the average 2025 tax reduction for the 0.1% of taxpayers will be $252,000; the top 1.0% will be $61,090; the 95th-99th percentile $12,800; the top quartile $7,460; the 3rd quartile $910; etc.. A similar story is told of corporate expected tax savings. If you believe the GOP proposal to reinstate the TCJA will benefit the middle class, you may want to reconsider. It will clearly only benefit the wealthy.

Terry Plaza

North side

Holding Trump accountable

Adam Schiff's Investigative Integrity Protection Act legislation would prohibit presidents from quashing a criminal case against them. Trump would be the first former president to face criminal charges and be prosecuted.

"This is about protecting our democracy and ensuring a president can't place themselves above the law," Schiff said. "There is every indication that Donald Trump will use the Justice Department to do away with any effort to hold him accountable."

"The rule of law is a core foundation of our nation," Schiff said. "No one, not even the President, is above it."

But, guess who is objecting to this bill which protects all law-abiding citizens with equal protection? They are the former party that used to be identified by the symbol of an elephant, which never forgets. This current MAGA party wants us to forget the divisiveness, respect, lawlessness, near-collapse and mismanaged health crisis this thrice "canceled" candidate has created in our America. Now he returns promising 10x the devastation.

Schiff's bill protects us.

Sheldon Metz

Northeast side

Re: Trump and Hispanic community

I may be only a quarter Latina, but I am inordinately proud of my blood and heritage. Mr. Ruiz, I am offended that you so cavalierly assume to speak for the Arizona Hispanic community in support of Donald Trump. Yes, votamos valores: pero en mi opinión, Trump has none.

Dianne M. Bret Harte

The most important issue in this election is whether any of the candidates are distorting the facts to undermine the other candidate. In recent commercials, the Democrats have introduced Anthony Scaramucci, a prior member of the Trump administration. When he was hired, it was a dream come true, then he allowed his pride to spread gossip about other staff members, and, as a result, he was fired. Now he has the chance to do like the Democrats did to Biden, stab him in the back, undermine Trump's integrity, since it is clear that Anthony Scaramucci has none.

Everyone imagines an outcome from the election differently but there is one critical issue to be considered before casting that vote. Both candidates have a history that you can judge. Which person is claiming something that is supported by the past? If the past actions do not support the claims, why believe the promises have any credibility?

Loran Hancock

Northwest side