Crry OF TUCSON Richa G. Fines ‘CouNciL MEMBER Wano 5 Councilmember Richard Fimbres Statement Regarding SB 1070 In a letter to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (dated April 22), Tucson Councilmember Richard Fimbres (Ward 5), urged her to veto SB 1070 and to “continue to work together as Arizonans to build a better state as we approach our Centennial as part of these United States.” Governor Brewer signed SB 1070 into law. “SB 1070 is bad policy and it will hurt our city and our state as similar measures, such as the Martin Luther King Hollday controversy did to Arizona in the late 1980's and early 1990's,” Councilmember Fimbres sald. “It is an unfunded mandate by the Governor and Legislature that will cost the cities and counties law enforcement, thousands of dollars to enforce.” On Tuesday, May 4, by & five to one vote, the Tucson Mayor and Council voted to file a legal challenge to this new law, which will go into affect on July 23. In his press release, Mayor Robert Walkup summed up the reasons for this succinctly and for which | wholeheartedly agree with, and which follows. “SB 1070 puts the rights of Tucson citizens at risk. It is not clear how police officers are supposed to interpret what constitutes “reasonable cause” when they question citizens. And citizens should not be unnecessarily detained Until they can prove their citizenship or legal status. “SB 1070 enables citizens to file lawsuits against police officers if they believe that the law is not being adequately enforced. This provision could subject police officers and the City Of Tucson to frivolous and costly litigation that can impede public safety and drain critical dollars from our public safety system. “SB 1070 will cost Tucson and the State of Arizona in the reduction of tourism and commercial activity in our state. Our local economy depends upon revenues from the sales of local products and services to people from ‘outside Arizona and to people who are here legally from other countries. it Is clear that the number of people who come to Tucson to shop, vacation or attend professional meetings will be reduced due to boycotts of our state. As a result, the revenues we need to enforce all state and local laws and conduct all of our public safety operations are also reduced. “SBI070 fails to protect the rights of our citizens, puts our police officers at unnecessary risk and is already damaging our local economy.” ‘Through this vote, the City Attorney, will file an injunction and ask the courts to help protect our citizens and our city, so that we can work together for a better Arizona. ‘SOUTHSIDE COUNCIL OFFICE + 4300 S. PARK AVE, « TUCSON, AZ 85714 520) 791-4231 + FAX (520) 791-3188 + TTY (S20) 791-2639 www tuesonsz.goviwardfive