TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson City Council member Regina Romero, out of Ward 1, laid out her plans for Tucson if elected mayor.
Starting with the economy, she says boosting it relies on promoting the city's attractions.
"History, culture, people know Tucson because of our arts and culture and the festivals."
She also laid out a plan for doing business across the border.
"What I'd like to do besides working on creating a small business incentive program, which we don't have, is also partner with Mexican companies and investors to make the city of Tucson their hub."
Extended Interview - Regina Romero
On the subject of public safety, she says she supports investing in more first responders, particularly police officers.
"Right now we have about 887 officers, we need to bring that up to 950 or so."
To fix roads, Romero says she'll pursue funds from the state but points to local funding, like 2017's so called "Tucson Delivers" Prop 101 as an immediate remedy to road issues in the city.
"We need to continue investing from our general budget as well and find a long term strategy whether it's through the Regional Transportation Authority for continuing investing and repaving our roads and our streets."
Should tucson vote for Prop 205, the initiative that would ensure police may not confirm your immigration status, Romero says she'll vote no.
"The way that this proposition is written really puts the City of Tucson at financial risk."
She says the loss of Tucson's state shared revenue compelled her choice, but as mayor she says she'll promote rights for immigrants in Tucson.
"I have led on creating the city as an immigrant welcoming city. I have led on changing the Tucson Police Department general orders on how they treat immigrants in our city: protecting victims and witnesses of crimes, protecting juveniles."
