Two candidates are eager to fill Steve Leal’s seat on the Tucson City Council, once the Ward Five councilman retires in December.
In November, Tucson residents will decide between Republican nominee Shaun McClusky and Democratic nominee Richard Fimbres to represent the south-central ward.
McClusky, a designated broker and co-owner of Rincon Ventures, a real estate agency, has lived in Tucson for 10 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1999 to 2003.
Fimbres, a native Tucsonan, spent more than 20 years with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, was a governing board member of Pima Community College and was the former director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, appointed by Janet Napolitano.
He also served in the National Guard for more than 27 years.
Fimbres wanted to work in politics because “we need to make personal sacrifices and roll up our sleeves and work hard to improve the quality of life for everyone in our community,” he said.
As a small business owner, McClusky feels the city council is “unfriendly” toward businesses, which is why he decided to run for the Ward Five seat.
“I would like to see a more work with, work for, instead of work against attitude,” McClusky said.
McClusky said he would like to see business growth in Tucson, which he said will “allow us to increase our sales tax revenue without increasing personal taxes.”
Fimbres said he wants to see the continuation and development of what has already been put into motion in Ward Five by fellow Democrat Leal.
Pima Community College is an organization that Fimbres is passionate about continuing a relationship with because it “improves the educational opportunities for students in Ward Five and the rest of Tucson.”
On a citywide level, the candidates each have a definite direction they would like Tucson to go in if elected.
McClusky supports Proposition 200, which would provide increased funding for the city to hire additional police officers and firefighters.
He would like this proposition to pass without having to increase taxes.
“You cannot raise taxes,” McClusky said. “We need to find the money in the budget, we need to spend the money wisely and increase business activity and sales tax revenue.”
Fimbres is concerned with improving transportation for Tucson residents.
“We need to make sure we are providing adequate services and have the infrastructure that is needed in a city like Tucson,” Fimbres said.
“I would like to see transparency in our government and let the good citizens of Tucson know what we are doing, and why we are doing it,” Fimbres added.
As the city council currently stands, the Democratic Party represents all of the six wards of Tucson.
McClusky said if he is the only Republican elected on the council, he will represent his party well.
“I will be the voice of reason, the voice of fiscal responsibility, and I will be very conservative on our expenditures,” McClusky said.
Fimbres believes if elected, his extensive political background would benefit the council.
“My background allows me to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience,” Fimbres said. “I am a firm believer in creating partnerships with organizations and other governmental entities.”
An election of a Ward Five representative is not the only decision Tucson residents will make in November.
Ward Three democratic council member Karin Uhlich is up for reelection against Republican Ben Buehler-Garcia.
Nina Trasoff, the democratic council member from Ward Six, is also up for reelection against Republican Steve C. Kozachik.
Tucson residents have until Oct. 5 to register to vote. Elections will be held on Nov. 3.
For more information contact the Pima County Recorder's Office at 790-4350.
