Josh Jacobsen: After Prop 414, A Forensic Audit Is The Next Step.

Josh Jacobsen is an advocate for Tucson and a Steering Leader of the Tucson Crime Free Coalition. (Kudos to Josh for all his efforts to save this town from itself -CD)

Tucson voters overwhelmingly rejected Proposition 414, delivering a landslide defeat to an initiative backed by Mayor Romero, the entire City Council, and the city's Democratic establishment.

The purpose of special elections is no secret: Standalone ballots in off-year cycles typically see low turnout, favoring the majority party. The strategy is simple — mobilize your base, secure an easy win. But this time, it failed. The NO414 campaign was a tightly coordinated effort among multiple advocacy groups, unified by a well-funded strategy with succinct talking points, led by the Tucson Metro Chamber. Additionally, independent groups ran side campaigns, each highlighting their own concerns.

Notably, the Pima GOP did not take a formal position as did the Pima County Dems, preventing Prop 414 from becoming a partisan battle. Instead, the focus remained on the policy itself, emphasizing its flaws — a message that clearly resonated with voters.

Prop 414 was pitched as the fix for a projected $27 million budgetary shortfall, initially blamed by Mayor Romero and the Council on Governor Ducey's flat tax, which they say cut state-shared revenues. The business community examined the claim and found it an exaggeration; voters never bought it. Better yet, Tucson's economy outperformed expectations, closing the year with a $22.9 million surplus.

However, Prop 414 wasn't just about a tax increase — it exposed deeper issues with Tucson's budget. The business community uncovered stark spending disparities: Tucson spends more per resident than Phoenix, Mesa or Gilbert. The takeaway? Tucson doesn't have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. People started asking, 'Where's the money going?'

With few exceptions — namely select reporters and the Daily Star's Editorial Board — local journalists largely acted as an extension of the City of Tucson's communications department. Instead of maintaining objectivity and pressing the YES campaign with tough questions like, 'Is this the only solution?' or 'Have all other options been exhausted?' they focused on scrutinizing the NO414 campaign, attempting to drive a wedge between public safety and the business community.

Let's be absolutely clear: the business community has always been — and will continue to be — one of the strongest supporters of our first responders. Beyond that, businesses are also among the largest donors to social initiatives, funding efforts to combat substance abuse, homelessness, and aid for those in need.

Then came the curveball. City employees voiced alarm over stagnant pay and rising insurance costs, tied to a projected $13 million shortfall in FY26. Meanwhile, the controversial fare-free transit system — costing roughly the same amount —remains untouched. Why aren't Mayor Romero and the Council prioritizing workers? How have they drifted so far from voters' concerns?

During the NO414 campaign, we spoke to voters across the political spectrum. Their feedback was clear: Fix our crumbling roads, fund public safety, support essential services — but don't raise taxes to do it. Mistrust runs deep over budget priorities. People feel shortchanged by what they're already paying.

Instead of reflecting on this mandate, Mayor Romero is doubling down, blaming Trump for 414's failure and challenging the no campaigns to bring solutions to the next Council meeting. The business community already tried that. Before 414 hit the ballot, the business community sought collaboration with city leaders, only to be brushed off. If Mayor Romero is serious about solutions, step one is a forensic audit of the budget, ARPA funds, and all state and federal grants. The current online budget lacks the detail or transparency needed for real answers. Every penny must be justified.

Had the Mayor and Council spent the $1 million-plus from the special election on a third party consultant instead, these past months would have been more productive for everyone. If they truly want collaboration, it starts with a serious conversation about moving forward. Tucsonans sent a clear message: They demand accountability. A forensic audit isn't just a suggestion — it's the next step. Time will tell if city leaders are serious.