Tucson, AZ – October 27, 2023 – The Tucson Metro Chamber announced its strong support for Propositions 496, 402, and 413 on the upcoming November 7 ballot.
- Proposition 496 is a $480 million bond measure that would fund critical capital improvements, security enhancements, and technology upgrades for Tucson Unified School District (TUSD).
- Proposition 402 would allow residents of Vail to incorporate as their own town.
- Proposition 413 would increase the salaries of the Mayor and Members of the Tucson City Council.
“The Tucson Metro Chamber is committed to supporting initiatives that will strengthen our community and create a more prosperous future for all,” said Michael Guymon, president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber. “We believe that Propositions 496, 402, and 413 are all essential to achieving these goals.”
Proposition 496: Investing in Our Future
Proposition 496 would provide TUSD with the resources it needs to upgrade its facilities, improve security, and invest in technology. These improvements would create a safer and more supportive learning environment for all students, and they would also help to attract and retain top teachers while forwarding the long-term goal of attracting new business to Tucson.
“A strong education system is essential to a strong economy,” said Guymon. “By investing in our schools, we are investing in our future workforce and our community’s long-term success.”
Proposition 402: Local Control for Vail
Proposition 402 would allow residents of Vail to incorporate as their own town. This would give Vail residents greater local control over key decisions related to zoning, land use, public safety, recreation, and transportation.
“Vail is a vibrant and growing community,” said Guymon. “Incorporation would give Vail residents the ability to make decisions that are in the best interests of their community.”
Proposition 413: Fair Pay for City Leaders
Proposition 413 would increase the salaries of the Mayor and Members of the Tucson City Council. The current salaries have not been increased since 1999, and they are now below the minimum wage.
Notes for clarification since there has been some confusion as to what this proposition would do if enacted by the voters:
- The Mayor’s current salary of $42,000 per year would increase to be commensurate with 1.25 times the salary set for the members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors (or $95,750/year).
- Each Council Members’ salary of $24,000 per year would increase to be commensurate with the salary set for the members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors (or $76,000/year).
“Speaking from experience as a former Chief of Staff to a Tucson City Council Member, our mayor and City Council members are dedicated public servants who work hard to make our community a better place,” said Guymon. “This is a full time job and they should be paid a full time wage.”
The Tucson Metro Chamber urges all eligible voters to vote in favor of Propositions 496, 402, and 413 on November 7.
Voting Information
- Ballots were mailed to all eligible voters on October 11.
- Ballots must be mailed back by October 31, or they can be dropped off in person at any early
voting location or on Election Day at any polling place. - Election Day is Tuesday, November 7.
For more information about voting, please visit the Pima County Recorder’s Office website at www.Recorder.Pima.gov/EarlyVoting.
For more information on The Chamber's stance on these propositions, and general resources for voting, please visit their press release page here, and read their Candidate
Evaluation Guide.