Jonathan Rothschild, the only Democrat seeking the office of Mayor of the City of Tucson, is having a Grand Opening Party for his campaign headquarters on Saturday, March 26, from high noon to 3 p.m.

HQ address is 3400 E. Speedway, #114, on the south side of Speedway between Whole Foods Market and Ike’s Coffee Shop, east of Country Club. This was the former Reader’s Oasis independent bookstore location.

RSVP to rsvp@jonathanformayor.com. Campaign website: www.jonathonformayor.com. Take a look at his website to see the long list of early supporters.

If you haven’t met attorney Jonathan yet or his campaign staff, drop by this party.
Info on Jonathan’s interests & activities from his website:

He is a member of the Tucson Parks & Recreation Commission and currently serves as Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council. Jonathan has also served on the Boards of the Tucson Medical Center Foundation, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Friends of the University Libraries, University of Arizona and the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona.

Other responsibilities, past and present, include:

* Adjunct Professor, James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona
* Chair, Committee on Examinations, State Bar of Arizona
* Project Coordinator, Operation Deep Freeze
* Member, SMART Project, Pima County Sheriff’s Department
* Treasurer, Pima County Democratic Party

Two Republicans Shaun McClusky and Ron Asta are seeking the job as Mayor of the City of Tucson as well, and will face off in the August 30 primary. Former Democrat, now Independent Pat Darcy is considering a run. Independent (former Republican) Marshall Home just filed last week.

No current or former Tucson City Councilmember has declared an intent to run for this job. Republican Mayor Bob Walkup announced at the State of the City Address on February 22 that he was not seeking his 4th term as Mayor.

Jonathan will also be speaking at the Tucson chapter of Drinking Liberally on May 1st (May Day), at The Shanty, 401 E. 9th Street (NE corner of 4th Avenue), 6 p.m.

Jonathan Rothschild, J.D.

Jonathan Rothschild, a Democratic attorney born & raised in Tucson who has never held public office before, filed his official papers for Mayor of the City of Tucson today at the City Clerk’s Office. A statement of organization for his Exploratory Committee for Mayor was filed back in July, 2010.

He held a fundraiser on December 7 at Etherton Gallery (click here) after I first reported about his exploratory committee back in September (click here).

He said today in a press release:

“Tucson needs a mayor who will get the job done,” Rothschild said. “All the things we’ve talked about for years, from economic development to downtown revitalization, need to get done and done responsibly. We’re coming through tough economic times.Tucsonans don’t expect things to come easy. They know it will be hard, but they expect results.”

In Tucson, competing interests have often clashed, with the unfortunate result of nothing being done and everyone being frustrated. Rothschild has spent a 30-year career in law at the head of a negotiating table, bringing people together, finding the shared interests of all involved and coming up with workable solutions. “We need leadership willing to tackle challenges head-on and make the city of Tucson what Tucsonans deserve,” Rothschild said. “We must put our differences aside and come together. That’s how we build a better Tucson.”

Former Ward 5 Council candidate Republican Shaun McClusky has already announced his intention to seek this Mayoral seat (click here).

No word yet from 3 term Republican Mayor Bob Walkup whether he will seek re-election. Read my previous blog about “Will Mayor Walkup run again?

Democratic Councilwoman Shirley Scott has indicated that she will NOT be running for Mayor, but seeking re-election to her 5th term in Ward 4. I refer to her conversation with Bill Buckmaster on KJLL radio on January 12 (click here). She will be facing opposition from Republican Mike Jenkins, who had challenged her in November 2003, and announced his formal candidacy today as well, in front of the Ward 4 council office.

And reports indicate that Ward 3 Councilmember Karin Uhlich is not interested in running for Mayor either.

Rothschild’s campaign website: www.jonathanformayor.com.

To keep up to date on candidate listings with the City Clerk of Tucson (click here), and the link on the left is “2011 Candidate listing”).

Jonathan speaks tonight at 7 p.m. at the Saguaro Eastside Democrats meeting, at the New Spirit Lutheran Church, 8701 Old Spanish Trail (northeast corner at Camino Seco). Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. Website: http://saguaroeastsidedemocrats.org/

He will be also be speaking at high noon on Jan. 31 at the Democrats of Greater Tucson lunch meeting at Dragon View restaurant, 400 N. Bonita Ave. Pima County Democratic Party Chair Jeff Rogers will also be speaking. Cost of lunch is $8.50 which includes tax and tip for the Chinese buffet. Website: www.tucsondemocrats.org.