Listen:
The deadline for candidates in the 2015 election to file was Wednesday. Metro Week host Andrea Kelly spoke with Bill Beard of the Pima County Republican Party and Cheryl Cage of the Pima County Democratic Party about the races and issues.
Both say the future of Tucson's roads, economy and graduates will be affected by the choices voters make in November.
Field looks clear for incumbent Mayor Jonathan Rothschild
No one filed a petition to run against Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, though someone could file as as write-in candidate before July 16.
“It wasn’t for lack of trying," Beard said. "When you make the decision to run for office, it’s a complicated process. It’s not just about you as an individual, it’s everyone in your circle of friends and relations.”
Beard said he spoke with close to 50 Republicans in search of a mayoral candidate.
“If you look at the city of Tucson the mayoral position is more of a figurehead, and it’s the council members themselves that have the real power," Beard said.
Incumbents face competition in three wards
The Republican Party has fielded three candidates to run against incumbents.
In Ward 1 Republican Bill Hunt will challenge Democrat Regina Romero, who is seeking a third term.
In Ward 2, Republican Kelly Lawton will face Democrat Paul Cunningham, who is seeking third term.
In Ward 4, Democrat Shirley Scott is seeking a sixth term and will run against Republican Margaret Burkholder.
To find out more about candidates, visit our elections page.
Beard said new city leadership that can improve the economy might be a way to reverse the brain drain resulting from University of Arizona graduates leaving the area.
"Our graduates leave Tucson, a place we love dearly, because there are no jobs and there is no future for them," Beard said. "We need to provide in the form of City Council candidates that make wise decisions that provide a future not for a selected few, but for all of Tucson."
Cage said a loss of students is the fault of state government, not local leadership.
"The Republican Legislature and government have decimated financial support to universities," Cage said. "No wonder kids are leaving.”
She cited current leadership's successes in repairing more than 240 lane miles of roadway in the last two years and gain9ing grant money to hire 75 more police officers.
"I think this mayor and council will continue to do the stellar work they've been doing," she said.
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.