The Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a fast appointment process to replace District 5 Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, who is running for Congress.
Grijalva gave an emotional goodbye to her Board colleagues at her last meeting Tuesday, April 1.
“This decision was not an easy decision for me to make, and so I just want you all to know how appreciative I am of the opportunity,” she said.
The Clerk of Board is accepting applications through email or in person through April 7 at 5 p.m.
A public forum with candidates led by the League of Women voters was floated at the April 1 meeting, but not solidified in the county press release.
The Supervisors will announce the appointee at the April 15 meeting, and their term runs through Dec. 31, 2026. A special election will be held next year in District 5, when other candidates can run to serve the rest of Grijalva’s four year term, through 2028.
“I am going to miss the arguing we do,” said Supervisor Steve Christy to Grijalva, the only Republican on the board.
The accelerated process received some concern from Christy, but Board Chair Rex Scott said the speed is necessary.
“I recognize that it is a more accelerated timeline, but I also recognize that we are in the middle of budget season and want the folks of District 5 to have a voice at this dais as the fiscal blueprint for the coming year is being considered.”
In her farewell, Grijalva urged her colleagues to consider the constituents when appointing her replacement.
“What’s gonna be happening with our budget next year, and the upcoming year, is gonna be really difficult. And so I hope you all continue to put the people in this community to the top of mind when we’re making all these really difficult decisions,” she said.
Applicants must be a registered Democrat and live in District 5, which covers much of the western and central portions of Tucson, must be literate in English, and submit a letter of interest and resume, conflict of interest forms and financial disclosures.
