Without a full recount, the RTA election cannot be considered validTUCSON -- The election integrity issue continues to be red hot here, as wisely pushed by the Pima County Democratic Party.
There is now a sworn witness saying the 2006 Pima County Regional Transportation Authority vote was rigged. This is a very big deal.
Watch the video.
Pima County, Arizona AG
Terry Goddard and all
leaders must find a way to fully recount all the RTA ballots, which must not be destroyed.
To protect the public interest, given the level of justified controversy and outrage, all RTA projects, some of which I support, should be put on hold until it can be determined without a doubt if the RTA really passed or not.
The RTA is collecting millions of dollars in local sales taxes, and it affects all of us and our quality of life. Some RTA projects are controversial, and being implemented in ways never fully disclosed to the public prior to the election, especially the planned widening of Grant Rd., and 22nd St. in my neighborhood, the Kino/22nd St. grade separated interchange, and the $75-100M 1-mile extension of Aviation Highway through three north downtown neighborhoods.
Given this witness and new information on possible vote tampering, a failure to verify the RTA election will badly dog the RTA, and all its projects, for years, undercutting needed public support for transportation improvements.
I call on RTA Director
Gary Hayes and the RTA board to immediately support a full recount, and put all RTA projects on hold until it is done. I don't expect this type of courageous action from RTA, but it's the only ethical and right thing to do.
Election integrity is essential to our democracy. Without it, we have nothing.
The time for change is now! And action is needed at the State Capitol.
I will work hard in the Arizona Legislature to strengthen election integrity, so that everyone can vote without hassle, so that every vote counts, and so that we can trust the outcome of all elections.
More good
coverage.
UPDATE, 7/11: In a letter today to Pima County Administrator
Chuck Huckelberry, RTA Director Gary Hayes supported a full recount, but did not offer to put projects on hold until when and if it can be done. Nevertheless, a good move in the right direction from RTA.
Labels: corruption, Pima County, State of AZ, taxes, transit