Property taxes in Pima County are growing faster than the people’s ability to pay. In just 8 years Pima County’s budget ballooned from $840 million to $1.48 billion. Our elderly, working families and small businesses are under tremendous financial stress. During the crisis Pima County grew by 13% last year alone.

I’m Joe Higgins. Though we may have never met, you know my story well. I’m a small business owner, community volunteer, father and husband who’s recovering from real estate whiplash and trying to make sense of our future.

As if that wasn’t enough, huge spikes in essential commodities such as food and fuel are sending a second shockwave of financial stress through our County.

Over-taxing our middle class and small business to pay for wasteful government spending isn’t the solution. We need to lower taxes and remove barriers to economic development that spur the activity needed to support a vibrant community.

We’ve all picked up the paper and read a story about our local elected officials and asked, “Where have all the visionaries gone? Why isn’t this working?” My entrance into this campaign is about ACTION and a desire to CHANGE the way we work and live in Pima County.

I’ll bring tireless LEADERSHIP and a management-principled approach to Pima County. It’s time for a fresh perspective and new direction. It’s time to set our course and join together to solve regional problems.

As a proud Republican candidate I am asking for your vote and support. Mail-in ballots will be arriving July 31st. Primary voting is open to all registered Republican and Independents. Election day is September 2nd 2008.

So you see, my story is your story. And your story is part of the solution. Will you join me? E-mail me at joe@votehiggins.com.

Joe

It’s time for leadership IN politics

• Your elected officials must be stewards of your tax dollars and eliminate wasteful spending. Supervisor Ray Carroll continues to be a lone voice challenging sales tax increases and demanding openness in government.
• Your elected officials must play a leadership role in major issues facing our region. We need a representative who will be out front on moving Rio Nuevo forward, saving spring training or leading the way on growth in the region.
• Your elected official must work to promote economic development and expansion opportunities in Oro Valley. Pima County needs to be a partner with its local communities and allow for more direct control by the people.
• Your elected officials must work with the Pima County Small Business Commission to advance the issues that effect the 1000’s of local businesses in our region. Small Businesses are the backbone of our economy.
• Your elected officials must do a better job at planning and growth in the region. Why does Tangerine remain unusable during a monsoon rain or La Cholla and Overton shut down completely during a downpour? The infrastructure in Oro Valley, Marana and Catalina are years behind other areas of our County.
• Your elected officials must be open to new ideas and ways of thinking. We must look to the future and chart a new course for our families and children of Pima County.

How does Pima County Measure Up?