Two candidates are running in the July 30 Democratic primary for Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, District 3, which includes Patagonia, Sonoita, Elgin and parts of Rio Rico, Tumacacori and Tubac. Incumbent Bruce Bracker is being challenged by John Fanning. The candidates responded to questions posed by the PRT by email. Their responses have been edited for space and clarity.
Bruce Bracker
Residence: How long? Tubac AZ, 35 years
Education/Licenses/Certifications/Military: High school diploma
Recent employment: County Supervisor District 3, Santa Cruz County AZ, Zulas Restaurant, Bracker’s Dept Store 30 years, eight years culinary industry.
Community organizations/activities: EPA Local Advisory Committee, Member 2000-2002; International Boundary and Water Commission’s Southeastern Arizona Advisory Council, Member; Arizona Border Counties Coalition, Founding Member, Representative of Santa Cruz County; Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority, Past Chairman, Board Member and current Treasurer; Downtown Merchants Association, Past President; Nogales Community Development, Founding Member; Nogales Lions Club, Past President current member; Nogales Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Citizens Academy, Graduate; Santa Cruz County Workforce Investment Board, Member; Nogales Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member; Theodore Gebler Trust/Associated Charities of Nogales, President; Ambos Nogales Partnership Plan.
Previous public office/service: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors 2017-Current
What unique qualities and experience do you bring to the Board of Supervisors? As a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz County with a long family history in the area, I bring a deep understanding of our community needs and values—qualities that I take to my daily involvement in the board of Supervisors.
In my professional life I have remained committed to several volunteering opportunities that I am passionate about. I have also led non-profit organizations, ran the family business and now own and operate my own business—Zulas Restaurant, a local landmark.
As a business owner and operator, I have a clear understanding of the economic and social challenges facing our county. Like many others, I left and came back. In part I left because of personal interests, but Santa Cruz County, our history, our culture, and my family brought me back. I want to make sure that our youth have the opportunity to stay, get a top-level education, and have the employment opportunities that did not exist when I left.
I pride myself in my commitment to our community, the lifelong relationships I have been able to build, and serving as a member of the Board has offered me another chance to give back to a community that has given me so much. I have and will continue to advocate for the needs of our county before regional, state, national and international stakeholders, and decision-makers to make sure we help local businesses grow, promote our tourism sector, and protect our environment.
I have no doubt that the outlook is bright for future generations in Santa Cruz County.
What are the two biggest challenges the County faces and how do you plan to address them? The biggest challenges facing Santa Cruz County continue to be economic development and job creation, modernizing our infrastructure, expanding our housing inventory, ensuring adequate public services, and protecting our environment. The third would be working with South32 to hold them accountable and ensure that they keep their promises.
Many of these are issues our community faced in 2020 when the BOS initiated a study to understand the impacts of the pandemic on local businesses and nonprofits. There have been several takeaways from this study.
First Santa Cruz County was the only small or medium size county in Arizona to provide direct financial aid to local small businesses and nonprofits throughout the county to help them survive and recover. County employees and consultants have been focusing on affordable housing. We did focus groups in Patagonia and Rio Rico to learn about their housing issues. Finally, the Nature-Based Economy Study, led by a local citizens’ coalition, is also an important guiding document that sheds light on the needs and opportunities of our tourism sector.
Santa Cruz County faces economic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, including high unemployment rates and limited access to employment opportunities. Addressing these challenges requires a targeted effort to attract new investments, support existing industries, and promote workforce development programs. Many of these are addressed in the EDA grant application that was submitted with Pima County and the City of Tucson.
Infrastructure improvement and the provision of essential public services are critical challenges for Santa Cruz County. I plan to continue to focus on advocating for and investing in infrastructure projects, such as road repairs, bridges, our ports of entry and broadband expansion, to support economic growth and enhance quality of life for residents. Additionally, ensuring access to essential public services, such as healthcare, education, and social services, is essential for addressing community needs and promoting overall well-being.
Another important challenge the County continues to face is gaining a clear understanding of the net impacts of South32 and its future mining operations on the community and environment. We are working closely with various stakeholders and agencies at the local, state, and federal level as well as representatives from South32 to determine the best possible path forward and the development of a Communities Protection and Benefits Agreement.
What do you think the County’s biggest environmental challenges are, and how do you think the County should address them? The County’s biggest environmental challenges include water, open space and protecting migration corridors for animals. To address these challenges, we need to increase water conservation and promote sustainable land management practices, as outlined in the county’s Climate Action Plan. Additionally, there are considerations related to mining and mining related activities that need to be identified, addressed, and mitigated to minimize impacts on the community and its environment through the Communities Protection and Benefits agreement and the NEPA process.
What would you do as supervisor to address concerns that residents of the eastern part of the district feel that they have no representation at the county level? I am committed to ensuring that all residents of Santa Cruz County and District #3 feel represented. I have worked to improve county roads in the east county and with the Arizona Department of Transportation to ensure that the transportation needs of the eastern portions of our county are addressed.
For instance, I worked with Senator Gail Griffen to secure $9 million dollars to rebuild SR83 from Los Encinos Road to Lower Elgin Road.
Earlier this year, the County completed a remodel of the County building in Sonoita to expand the library, create a meeting space, add a visitors’ center, and expand the satellite office for the Sheriff’s deputies.
Additionally the County recently held a series of workshops addressing the character and opportunities for overlay districts in the east county.
And for the past eight years the county has contributed $25,000 annually to the Sonoita Rodeo and Fairgrounds.
I hear regularly from east county residents regarding issues they are experiencing and work with county staff to find solutions to concerns. I can always be reached at bbracker@santacruzcountyaz.gov
How would you work to maintain the rural character of unincorporated areas like Sonoita/Elgin given the increased activity in both tourism and mining operations? To maintain the rural character of unincorporated areas like Sonoita/Elgin, I will continue to work to implement smart growth policies that balance tourism and mining activities with the preservation of our natural landscapes and cultural heritage. I support the creation of overlay districts in areas like Sonoita/Elgin to protect against overdevelopment and maintain the unique character of these communities, while offering incentives to attract targeted types of development that are supported by the community.
With the threat of increased traffic in the area, what would you do to protect the safety of residents on local roads? To protect the safety of residents on local roads in the face of increased traffic, I will continue to work with the Arizona Department of Transportation to ensure that road maintenance is prioritized. Additionally, I will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure enforcement of traffic laws.
What regulations would you like to see put on future commercialization and short-term rentals in eastern Santa Cruz County? I support the implementation of regulations on future commercialization and short-term rentals in eastern Santa Cruz County to preserve the quality of life for residents and prevent negative impacts on our communities. This could include zoning restrictions, permitting requirements, and occupancy limits to ensure responsible growth and development.
What would you like to see included in the community protection and benefits agreement with South32? In the community protection and benefits agreement with South32, I would like to see provisions for environmental monitoring and mitigation measures to minimize the impact of mining operations on local air and water quality. I am also looking for support for priorities outlined in the Nature Based Restorative Economy Study, preservation of wildlife corridors and open space preservation throughout Santa Cruz County. Additionally, I will advocate for the inclusion of job training and economic development programs to ensure that residents benefit from the presence of South32 in our community.
John Fanning
What unique qualities and experience do you bring to the Board of Supervisors? I am a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and administrator in our community with more than 35 years of service in Santa Cruz County. I have had success in the school system as a teacher, coach, and administrator, and now want to make a positive difference in my community.
I have been involved in our community in many service organizations, most for over 45 years. My community involvement includes being part of the following organizations:
* Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 Community Outreach Coordinator
* Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District Board Member (Past Chairperson)
* Rio Rico Rotary (President)
* First Things First Board Member
* Santa Cruz County United Way (Spokesperson)
* SCVUSD #35 Foundation Board Member
* Rio Rico Community Center / Rio Rico Properties Association Board (Past President)
* SCV#35 Bond / Override PAC Chair
If elected to the Board of Supervisors, I will be a full-time supervisor, with the people and issues of our community being my top priorities.
As a school principal and leader for the past 20 years, I never made a decision based on what was best for me. I dialogued with all stakeholders about any important decision that had to be made.
I will use the same process as a county leader if elected. I will meet regularly with constituents to discuss important topics and ultimately make informed and educated decisions based on that dialogue. It is important to remember, it is not just about what John Fanning wants, it is what the constituents of District 3 want.
What are the two biggest challenges the County faces and how do you plan to address them? The two biggest challenges that our county faces continue to be the protection of our natural resources, along with the perceived lack of trust and transparency in county government.
Protecting our natural resources in Santa Cruz County, and throughout Southern Arizona, is crucial for maintaining the region’s biodiversity, which supports ecosystem stability. Preserving native plants and animals also helps to safeguard the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, which are significant for tourism and recreational activities.
I will work to protect our environment by using the following strategies:
*Advocate for the implementation and enforcement of environmental regulations
* Support conservation initiatives
* Promote sustainable practices
* Educate the public
* Collaborate with local, state and federal stakeholders
* Advocate for state and federal support
* Be an active member of the “Good Neighbor Agreement” between the county and South32, ensuring that the health and well-being of our community is our top priority.
A trusted county government is essential for fostering public confidence and ensuring the effective implementation of vital services to our residents. A transparent and accountable county government promotes fairness, equity, and justice in the decision-making process. A trusted county government can attract investment, spur economic growth, and cultivate a positive environment for residents and businesses alike.
I will work to ensure that our county government is transparent and accountable by ensuring and enforcing open meetings and records and ensure that county government information is readily available; upholding and advocating for high ethical standards among county officials; encouraging public engagement and participation, and soliciting feedback; establishing mechanisms for holding county officials accountable for their actions; regularly evaluating county government and always seeking feedback from our constituents.
What do you think the County’s biggest environmental challenges are, and how do you think the County should address them? Please refer to the first part of my answer to the county’s biggest challenges related to protecting the natural resources of our county above. Protecting our environment would also include the following:
* Protect our water resources and ensure that the quality of our water is above standards and ensure that water is available for future generations
* Monitor compliance and ensure that all mining regulations are followed
In addition, we need to ensure that the Santa Cruz River continues to be a beautiful portion of our county. Protecting the river from pollution in Santa Cruz County involves a multi-faceted approach which should include, at minimum, Enforcing and strengthening regulations related to water quality and pollution, continuing water quality monitoring, and educating local residents about the importance of protecting our river.
What would you do as supervisor to address concerns that residents of the eastern part of the district feel that they have no representation at the county level? Although I believe that “Town Hall” meetings are important, I believe that they lack the necessary components to truly “hear” what all constituents have to say in a timely manner. District 3 presents difficulties in the fact that it is divided into many different geographic areas, with each of those areas having different priorities. I plan on creating a well needed, and way overdue, “Advisory Committee” that is a true representation of the entirety of District 3. This advisory committee would be represented by 3-5 citizens from Sonoita, Elgin, Patagonia, East Rio Rico, Tumacacori/Carmen, and Tubac. This will bring any issues that are part of the eastern part of the district to the forefront to discuss. Having a voice in the county is imperative for Eastern Santa Cruz County!
In addition, other strategies of ensuring that everyone and every portion of District 3 are represented include the following strategies:
* Rotation of Advisory Committee meetings
* Diverse representation on the Advisory Committee
* Equitable resource allocation
* Transparent decision making
* Collaboration with local leaders in all areas of District 3
How would you work to maintain the rural character of unincorporated areas like Sonoita/Elgin given the increased activity in both tourism and mining operations? Maintaining the rural character of unincorporated areas like Sonoita/Elgin while managing increased tourism and mining activity requires a delicate balance between economic development and preserving the unique identity and environment of these communities. Ideas to balance the two include land use planning and zoning regulations, community visioning and stakeholder engagement, preservation of open space and natural areas, and collaboration of regional partners.
Are you in support of overlay districts in the Sonoita/Elgin area? Not necessarily. The Sonoita/Elgin area has its own character, and I would hate to see this disappear. People moved to this area because of its beauty and character. I understand that change is inevitable, but that change must be planned, organized, responsible and considerate to the current population, and not at the expense of preserving the rural nature of Sonoita and Elgin. The challenge in this situation is to find a balance between the folks who do not want development with those that seek to guide development. If there is going to be an overlay district in Sonoita and Elgin, the stakeholders that are affected must be part of the planning process.
With the threat of increased traffic in the area, what would you do to protect the safety of residents on local roads? Handling increased mine truck traffic to protect the safety of residents on local roads requires a comprehensive approach that addresses traffic management, road infrastructure improvements, and community engagement. Strategies to protect the safety of residents on local roads could include:
* Work to develop comprehensive traffic management plans that outline safe routes, truck schedules, and protocols for transporting materials to and from the mine site. These plans should consider peak traffic times, school bus schedules, and other factors that may impact road safety.
* Investment in road maintenance and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate increased truck traffic.
*Implement and enforce appropriate speed limits for mine trucks on local roads to reduce the risk of accidents.
* Install advanced warning systems, such as flashing lights or signs, to alert residents to the presence of mine trucks on local roads and remind them to exercise caution.
* Public education and awareness campaigns.
* Develop and implement emergency response plans to address potential accidents or incidents involving mine trucks and whatever materials that they are carrying on local roads.
What regulations would you like to see put on future commercialization and short-term rentals in eastern Santa Cruz County? Although short term rentals support economic growth through taxes, local spending, and tourism, they can also impact the composition of local neighborhoods if not regulated properly. Implementing zoning regulations that designate specific areas for commercial activities and short-term rentals, considering factors such as neighborhood character, traffic flow, and compatibility with surrounding land uses, is crucial. In addition, it would be prudent to establish health and safety standards for commercial establishments and short-term rental properties to ensure compliance with building codes, fire safety regulations, and public health standards, as well as establishing occupancy limits for short-term rental properties to prevent overcrowding, minimize noise disturbances, and maintain neighborhood quality of life.
It is imperative to seek input from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders in the community when developing regulations for commercialization and short-term rentals.
What would you like to see included in the community protection and benefits agreement with South32? I have been part of the Advisory Panel of the South32 Hermosa Project over the past few years, and based on conversations and research, believe the following strategies should be part of the Community Protection and Benefits Agreement (CPBA):
* Commitments to adhere to strict environmental standards/regulations, monitoring programs to assess and mitigate environmental impacts, and measures to minimize air and water pollution, including dust control, water treatment and emissions reduction.
* Safety protocols for mine operations to protect workers and community members and emergency response plans for accidents or incidents.
* Agreements to prioritize hiring local residents for employment opportunities at South32, and training programs to develop local workforce skills and enhance job opportunities.
* Investments in community development funds to support small businesses, entrepreneurship, and local initiatives.
* Mechanisms for ongoing dialogue and consultation between the mine company and the community throughout the life of the mine.
* Investments in local infrastructure improvements, such as roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and utilities
* Procedures for resolving disputes or grievances that may arise between South32 and the community throughout the life of the mine.