Host - Dave Smith, Guest - Steve Christy

Dave Smith filled in for Kathleen Winn as host, joined by Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy for an in-depth discussion on local and national political issues.

Trump's Impact on Global Peace and Markets

The conversation opened with Christy and Smith celebrating what they viewed as positive developments under President Trump, including progress toward peace agreements and stock market gains. They specifically discussed Trump's use of tariffs as a diplomatic tool rather than an act of aggression.

"Tariffs are not an act of war. They're not a violent or aggressive type of weapon," Christy explained. "They're a negotiating tool used to enhance our position and minimize the other country's position, bringing about a fair trading level."

Smith reinforced this perspective, noting that other nations have long used tariffs against the United States. "Trump keeps trying to explain to everybody - he's not creating something self-generated. He's actually reflecting or mirroring what the rest of the nations have been doing to us."

Ukraine War Funding Concerns

The discussion shifted to foreign policy, particularly the funding of the Ukraine conflict. Christy expressed frustration about the lack of accountability regarding the $187 billion sent to Ukraine.

"We don't know where that money went, what it was used for, where it is now," Christy stated. "There was no exit strategy, no peace plan, no diplomatic effort on the United States government's part to insist that if you get this money, President Zelensky, you're also going to have to pursue peace."

Both hosts drew historical parallels to World War I and the Treaty of Versailles, warning about the dangers of punitive approaches versus diplomatic solutions.

Local Housing Policy Debate

A significant portion of the discussion focused on Pima County's approach to affordable housing. Christy criticized what he called "taxpayer funded rental assistance" disguised under the euphemism of "affordable housing."

"Everybody thinks affordable housing means you enter into the market of purchasing a home, go to a private lending source, arrange for a mortgage and pay it off," Christy explained. "That's not the intention of the affordable housing enterprises my colleagues on the board are pushing."

He detailed how the county provides properties and incentives to mostly out-of-state developers to build apartments at discounted rates, while also subsidizing renters through programs like Section 8. This creates a double burden on taxpayers who fund both the construction and the rental subsidies.

Water Rate Discrimination

Christy and Smith discussed the controversial issue of differential water rates imposed by the City of Tucson on unincorporated Pima County residents. The city charges these residents 23-30% more than city residents for the same water service.

"This is another way of annexation," Christy argued. "If the unincorporated residents who are customers of Tucson Water don't want higher rates, there's a cure according to City of Tucson: let us annex you."

The hosts noted that residents in unincorporated areas have no say in these decisions since they can't vote for city council members, calling it "taxation without representation."

Immigration and Border Security

The conversation turned to Pima County's voluntary participation in federal immigration programs. Christy revealed that the county had received between $120-150 million for operating "welcoming centers" for asylum seekers.

"Pima County had the right to deny it, but they chose to accept it," Christy said. "Now the government is saying we think you have aided and abetted illegal immigration, and we're going to want to look at every bit of your details and records."

Smith questioned the logic of maintaining open borders in a post-9/11 world, asking repeatedly what possible good could come to the country from allowing "20 million unaccounted people in."

Fire Wise and Wildfire Mitigation

On a more collaborative note, Christy highlighted successful bipartisan efforts in wildfire mitigation. His office has been leading a countywide wildfire mitigation plan and the Fire Wise certification program, which helps property owners make their properties fire-resistant.

"Today the Forest Service is putting stage two fire restrictions in place in the Coronado National Forest," Christy announced. He noted that property owners with Fire Wise certification can receive a 10% discount on homeowners insurance through USAA.

The program represents eight years of partnership between Christy's office and the Pima County Sheriff's Department, with volunteers distributing fire safety information at key locations.

Law Enforcement Support

During National Law Enforcement Memorial Week, both hosts emphasized the importance of supporting police officers. They criticized the erosion of respect for law enforcement over the past decade and called for renewed civilian cooperation with police.

"That thin blue line is our last best hope of defense against anarchy and chaos," Christy stated. "But it also takes civilian cooperation with law enforcement."

Smith shared statistics about violence against officers, noting that 350 officers were shot last year, with 50 fatalities. He referenced the Broken Windows Theory, arguing that enforcing even minor violations helps maintain order and prevent larger crimes.

Oro Valley Police Contract Dispute

The hosts discussed a contentious situation in Oro Valley where the town council appeared to renege on agreements with the police union. Despite the union coming within a quarter of a cent of the city's requested terms, the city manager reportedly withdrew all offers.

"Management gets the labor they deserve," Smith quoted his professor, warning that Oro Valley risks losing quality officers to other jurisdictions if they continue treating law enforcement with disrespect.

Looking Ahead

Throughout the conversation, Christy and Smith expressed concern about what they see as increasing collaboration between Pima County and City of Tucson leadership, both dominated by Democrats, creating a "one-party system" that they argue excludes diverse viewpoints.

Christy emphasized his business background as essential to understanding budget implications and interconnected systems - experience he feels is lacking among his board colleagues who have primarily worked in government or non-profit sectors.

As the only Republican on the Board of Supervisors, Christy continues to advocate for fiscal responsibility, core government services, and reduced regulation, often finding himself as the lone dissenting voice on many issues affecting Pima County residents.