Sen. Justine Wadsack
Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services
A Tucson political activist has launched what she called a grassroots drive to recall state Sen. Justine Wadsack.
Rolande Baker said Wednesday that Wadsack, a first-time lawmaker sworn in in January, “has since sponsored bills that have attacked marginalized communities within Legislative District 17.”
For example, she cited SB 1413 which would have required a city, town or county to immediately remove any homeless encampment after receiving a report and, if applicable, charge those there with trespassing or drug offenses.
Wadsack also has sought to amend the Arizona Constitution to repeal the power of cities to establish their own charters, part of a move to strip Tucson of its ability to keep its system of nominating council members by ward but electing them at large.
And then there was legislation which sought to make it a felony to expose a child to a “drag show.”
“She is amplifying hysteria about drag performances,” Baker said.
But taking out the petitions is just the first – and easiest – part of the effort.
Baker needs to get at least 30,981 valid signatures of registered voters within the district by Sept. 5. And she acknowledged the effort is being run by volunteers with some small donations.
Even if an election is called, the earliest it could be held is March 2024 – or possibly as late as May.
