MPA Pro Statements

MPA Pro Statements for the May 16, 2006 Pima County Bond Election

BALLOT QUESTION ONE: Approval of the Regional Transportation Authority Plan

Metropolitan Pima Alliance’s mission is to create dialogue among diverse interests in support of sound community planning solutions. MPA acknowledges that the program of planned improvements on the Regional Transportation Authority Plan was created through a process of open dialogue and citizen involvement that exemplifies the mission of our organization. Citizens representing diverse interests and demographic groups created, reviewed, modified and ultimately endorsed the Plan. Compromises and sacrifices were made by all sides. The result of this collective effort is this RTA Plan. MPA accepts that certain specific elements of the plan may have opposition. MPA respects the technical expertise and community volunteers that created the plan and believes the RTA Plan is the best opportunity this community has for improving the overall quality of life and livability in Pima County. MPA supports this ballot initiative.

BALLOT QUESTION TWO: Authorization of the 1⁄2 cent sales tax for transportation

Metropolitan Pima Alliance recognizes this community’s urgent need to address both present and future region-wide transportation issues in order to sustain a vibrant and growing metropolitan area. The community has limited funding sources and a shortage of money for making necessary transportation improvements and expansions. A 1⁄2 cent sales tax designated for a diverse program of multi-modal transportation projects provides a reliable and equitable funding source for all citizens of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tohono O’Odham Nation, Pima County, City of Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, and South Tucson. MPA supports this ballot initiative.

BALLOT QUESTIONS THREE: Psychiatric Urgent Care Facilities Kino Health Campus

Metropolitan Pima Alliance considers health services and public safety essential to ensuring community quality of life. Additionally, Metropolitan Pima Alliance recognizes the important historic role of Kino Health Campus, as well as the recent commitments by Pima County, and University Physicians Hospital at this campus to increase the quality and type of services offered to the community. MPA supports the development of a psychiatric urgent care center to fill an important need in the mental health and crisis delivery services.

Kino Health Campus is strategically located in the growing southern region of metropolitan Pima County, where it is best suited to continue its key role in providing quality health care services to residents of Pima County. MPA supports this ballot initiative.

BALLOT QUESTIONS FOUR: Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital Facilities at Kino Health Campus

Metropolitan Pima Alliance considers health services and public safety essential to ensuring community quality of life. MPA recognizes the regional benefit of increasing the number of inpatient psychiatric beds adjacent to University Physicians Hospital at the Kino Health Campus. These beds will improve service, reduce costs and increase the efficiency and security at Kino, as well as other urgent care facilities throughout the community.

Kino Health Campus is strategically located in the growing southern region of metropolitan Pima County, where it is best suited to continue its key role in providing quality health care services to residents of Pima County. Metropolitan Pima Alliance supports the expansion of treatment options through the construction of a psychiatric inpatient facility. MPA supports this ballot initiative.

©2006 Metropolitan Pima Alliance