FOR PEARCE'S OPPONENTS, POLITICS IS ALL ABOUT TIMING

posted by Michael Chihak

Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce likely will face a recall election to hand onto his seat in the Legislature, either in November or next March.

The timing couldn't be better for Pearce's political opponents, who took out recall petitions against the Mesa Republican in January. Their stated cause was to remove him for his successful push for anti-immigration legislation in Arizona, most notably the notorious SB1070.

Then, in the midst of the petition drive, along came a political plum for the anti-Pearce crowd: word that his name was mentioned prominently in the investigative report on the misdeeds of Fiesta Bowl executives.

Pearce was reported to be among 16 legislators who got free tickets and took all-expenses-paid junkets to college football games for the Fiesta Bowl. At first, he denied doing anything wrong, then reimbursed the Fiesta Bowl for tickets and amended 10 years' worth of financial and gift reports he is required to file as a legislator.

Jeremy Duda of the Arizona Capitol Times said for Friday's Arizona Week broadcast that he thinks Pearce's involvement and lack of consistent, clear explanation of what happened could hurt him in the recall drive.

The signatures are still being counted, as the opposition has yet not identified a candidate to oppose Pearce, who has served in one house or another of the Legislature for 10 years. The election could be held as early as this November.

CHANGING FACES IN LOCAL LEADERSHIP

posted by Andrea Kelly

Sahuarita’s city council elected a new mayor this week, choosing a newer council member to replace 12-year councilmember Lynne Skelton. Skelton has been on the council since 1999, and she’ll continue to serve as a council member after her reelection to another four-year term this year. The new town mayor, Duane Blumberg, was elected to Sahuarita’s Town Council two years ago.

The South Tucson City Council is scheduled to elect one of its seven members as mayor June 20. The current mayor is Jennifer Eckstrom, who was reelected to the council this year. She’s been a South Tucson councilmember for 16 years and served as mayor for 6 of those years.

In the city of Tucson, where voters elect a mayor directly, Bob Walkup is not seeking reelection, so someone new will take the seat late this year.

Mayors of the local jurisdictions usually have duties beyond their town limits. They make decisions about regional issues while serving on the Pima Association of Governments and Regional Transportation Authority boards.