The Neighborhood Support Network (NSN) has been in existence for over 5 years in Tucson, and just recently set up a new website (click here). More information below and on the website, which includes about 160 neighborhood associations and 330 neighborhood leaders. If you want to sign up to become a “member” (for free) contact coordinator Donald Ijams of Peter Howell Neighborhood Association at 520-795-0770 or dsijams at gmail.com.

The Neighborhood Support Network builds relationships of trust and support among diverse citizens engaged in neighborhood enrichment in the greater Tucson region.

The Network offers a unique capacity to build connections among stakeholders and elected neighborhood leaders, past and present, as they work to improve Tucson’s quality of life.

The Network’s primary focus is on
· Making connections through which knowledge can be shared
· Identifying and promoting the use of best practices in neighborhood problem solving
· Mentoring new leaders
· Coordinating issue forums
· Maintaining an internet-based information storehouse
· Assisting members in forming coalitions and partnerships for joint action.

The Neighborhood Support Network seeks to
· Reach across political boundaries
· Be inclusive and open
· Promote carefully selected policy options judged to be in the best interests of the community.

The Network sponsors periodic meetings of all members, as well as topic-oriented meetings as needed.

As a representative of my neighborhood association, I have been to a number of NSN meetings and workshops over the years, and have developed some friendly relationships, and have profited from the network of information sharing.

So if you join the NSN and have a neighborhood issue you are passionate about, then you can start up a discussion on the website, and find out what others are thinking or doing about the same issue. I wish someone would just figure out a way to fix the ubiquitous potholes in our city streets (in addition to waiting for City of Tucson Street Maintenance).

Final count of Pima County ballots today shows that Prop. 409 Bonds for City Street Improvement has won after all by 953 votes. It was losing on Election Night by 935 votes, but the tally switched on Nov. 12 as early ballots were counted, and the winning lead increased every day up to today.

Yes 72,483, 50.33%
No 71,530, 49.67%

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild will be pleased with this result as he held a press conference today at City Hall with City Manager Richard Miranda. This is what 409 is supposed to do:

The City of Tucson is asking voters to consider a $100 million General Obligation Bond program to improve the condition of City streets. Bond funds will be used to restore, repair, and resurface streets inside Tucson City limits. No change can be made to this purpose for the bond funds without going back to voters for approval.

(More info: http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/street-bonds).

Let’s hope the City’s streets can be paved properly as there are numerous complaints about the potholes and quality of the streets in the City of Tucson. It took me weeks of calling City Street Maintenance (791-3154) to get a pothole fixed on one of the arterial streets this Fall, but it was finally done with the assistance of Ward 6 Councilman Steve Kozachik’s assistance.

As for the other statewide propositions, here’s the latest updates as to which ones are passing (but Maricopa County is still counting about 85,000 ballots). Prop. 118 is the only one that was close (and was losing on Election Night and is now winning) so stay tuned for that one.

Prop. 114 Crime Victims Protection Act YES
Prop. 115 Judicial Selection NO
Prop. 116 Small Business Job Creation Act NO
Prop. 117 Property Tax Assessed Valuation YES
Prop. 118 Permanent State Land Fund
YES 946,568
NO 926,414
Prop. 119 State Trust Lands YES
Prop. 120 State Sovereignty NO
Prop. 121 Open Elections/Open Government NO
Prop. 204 Quality Education & Jobs Act NO