Tucson Residents Speak Out on Utility Rates, Road Funding, and More

Letters to the editor address a range of local issues in Tucson, Arizona.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:15am

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Tucson residents write letters to the editor on topics including a proposed 14% rate hike by the local utility company Tucson Electric Power (TEP), concerns over the Regional Transportation Authority's (RTA) lack of citizen oversight, the changing nature of the Republican party, the need for user fees to help fund city services, and criticism of the federal government's immigration enforcement tactics.

Why it matters

These letters provide a window into the diverse perspectives and concerns of Tucson residents on key local issues that impact their daily lives, from utility costs and infrastructure funding to political partisanship and immigration policy. The letters highlight the importance of civic engagement and the role that local media can play in amplifying community voices.

The details

The letters cover a range of topics, including a critique of TEP's proposed rate hike and the company's relationship with the community, concerns over the lack of citizen oversight for the RTA's transportation projects, a former Republican voter's disillusionment with the party, a call to reinstate user fees for city services, and outrage over the federal government's treatment of immigrants, including the detention of a 5-year-old child. The letters reflect the diverse political leanings and priorities of Tucson residents.

  • The letters were published on January 31, 2026.

The players

Dallas Dukes

The Customer Affairs VP of Tucson Electric Power (TEP).

Sharon Bronson

A sponsor of an ad in support of TEP's proposed rate hike.

Christie Cummins

A Tucson resident who is critical of TEP's use of rate hikes as a threat to the community.

Alan Brown

A Tucson resident who is critical of the Regional Transportation Authority's (RTA) lack of citizen oversight and transparency.

Dennis Winsten

A former Republican voter who is now supporting Democratic candidates due to his dissatisfaction with the current Republican party.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These letters highlight the diverse perspectives and concerns of Tucson residents on a range of local issues, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and the role of local media in amplifying community voices. The letters touch on topics like utility rates, infrastructure funding, political partisanship, and immigration policy, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenges facing the Tucson community.