Ward 2 Council Member Paul Cunningham

Remember that our meet and greet with our Tucson Fire Department Chief, Chuck Ryan is next Wednesday. Ryan has been our chief for 3 years following time as a contract instructor at the National Fire Academy, a career at the Fairfax County (Virginia) fire department and, believe it or not, as an attorney. 

Coach Roland LaVetter passed away last week. He had a shelf full of honors coaching basketball at both Pueblo and Rincon-University High Schools. He was such a well-respected coach (a two-time state champion, by the way) that Lute Olson brought him in for his early basketball camps.  

He was also my coach and teacher. 

My colleagues and I haven't made the final decision on what will happen to transit fares after the period of free fares ends on December 31. The discussion isn’t just among members of the council. My staff has had regular meetings with Sun Tran users and we’ve been holding listening sessions with Sun Van riders. I also met with Patrick Robles, the student body president of the University of Arizona, to discuss the concerns of students who are one of the major users of both Sun Tran and Sun Link. 

I got a note from my friend László Veres. Although he recently retired as the conductor of the Tucson Pops Orchestra, he is still conducting and directing the Arizona Symphonic Winds. I am very happy that he will continue to entertain Tucson and the Ward 2 community. 

Sometimes individuals in our community have needs and challenges that our various departments and agencies are just not well suited to addressing.  Sometimes an individual might have problems that require the assistance of multiple agencies or departments. Sometimes an individual just needs a little bit more focused care than others.  That’s where our new Community Safety, Health and Wellness team comes in.

Back in 2018, you and your neighbors passed Proposition 407, also known as Tucson Delivers Parks and Connections. This $225 million bond package goes to capital improvements. The money goes to improving city parks, including pools, splash pads and ball fields, as well as connections like walking/bicycle paths and pedestrian/bicycle safety improvements. 

Those of you that have come into the office have probably met my staff member Chris Desborough. In addition to his North London accent, you might have noticed that he is visually impaired. He’s done a lot to educate me and the rest of the staff on disability issues.