Proposition 203 Controversy

In the Interest of Full Disclosure on Proposition 203

BACKGROUND: In 2017 Tucsonans voted for a one-tenth-of-a-cent sales-tax hike to be dedicated to zoo “capital improvements, operations and maintenance.” There’s been some confusion on the part of some administrators who say that as part of approving funding for the zoo Tucsonans also voted for taking away free-access green park space from Reid Park and making it part of the zoo. As you can see in the image below, taken directly from the ballot Tucson voters were given in 2017, there was no language in the proposition concerning a zoo expansion into 3.5 acres of Reid Park public green space (click image below for larger view).

We feel the public was misled. Prop 203 passed by a very small margin in 2017 (633 votes), and it is safe to say the majority of voters would have voted “No” if they had thought a “Yes” vote would lead to further shrinking of public free access park land, the destruction of Barnum Hill, and the removal of the south duck pond from Reid Park.

We want to save this vibrant area from demolition and keep it for public and wildlife use. This would be a win-win for both the park and the zoo. We appreciate your consideration and help in saving this valuable public green space for future generations! We can do this only with your help. Please spread the word.