Past Speakers 2025 - Democrats of Greater Tucson

TheDGT.org Presents “An Arizona We Can Afford” to Win a New Majority in the Arizona Legislature

Two Arizona Democratic Leaders launched a unified 2026 Democratic campaign message, “An Arizona We Can Afford,” emphasizing affordability, public education, and healthcare during the January 5, 2026, meeting of Democrats …of Greater Tucson.

Arizona House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos and Assistant Minority Leader Nancy Gutierrez vowed an all-out confrontation with Republican majorities, pledging to use procedural warfare tactics, including “hostile stoppages” and disruptive amendments, to block GOP legislation.

Three pillars support the Democratic “Arizona We Can Afford” agenda:

►Lowering costs and stopping corporate abuse that jacks up rents and drains scarce water.
►Protecting and rebuilding public education
►Defending access to affordable healthcare.

Click bit.ly/4psXt04 to read a news story about their presentation.

Please like, subscribe, and enable notifications for our latest videos to help TheDGT.org spread the messages of our Candidates and Officials, whom we host every Monday at Noon on Zoom.

Check out our website at TheDGT.org and consider becoming a member of Democrats of Greater Tucson to support our mission at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dgtdues, or make a donation at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/democrats-of-greater-tucson-1.

You may access a complete searchable and queriable transcript of the meeting at: https://otter.ai/u/wdyO_KfpgnQ3_q77oXek_ynqSuk?utm_source=copy_url

Thank you for your support!Show More

TheDGT.org Presents “An Arizona We Can Afford” to Win a New Majority in the Arizona Legislature

Two Arizona …

TheDGT.org Presents Democrats Jonathan Hill & Clara Pratte for Arizona Corporation Commission

Please like, …

Please like, subscribe, and check to enable the notifications of our latest videos to help TheDGT.org spread the messages of our Candidates and Officials who we host every Monday at …Noon on Zoom.

Check out our website at TheDGT.org and consider becoming a member of Democrats of Greater Tucson to support our mission at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dgtdues, or making a donation at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/democrats-of-greater-tucson-1.

Thank you for your support!

You are invited to read and query our AI-enabled complete transcript of the event, which you can ask natural language questions about the meeting at: https://otter.ai/u/JwVv7MNDc90zphO9aZyXlGQ88pQ?utm_source=copy_url

SUMMARY:
In this meeting, Jonathan Hill and Clara Pratte, both Democratic candidates for the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), detail their backgrounds, motivations, campaign strategies, and assessment of the current state commission.
Clara Pratte, an entrepreneur from the Navajo Nation with experience in clean energy and public policy, emphasizes the impact of utility regulation on rural communities and highlights her personal connection to water and electricity access. She underscores her work with Strongbow Strategies and Navajo Bauer and reveals a passion for effective, equitable policy. Jonathan Hill, a spacecraft engineer and geologist with a history of involvement in NASA missions, discusses how his technical and scientific background prepares him to address Arizona’s urgent issues involving power generation, water distribution, and regulatory transparency.
Both are running “clean,” foregoing corporate and PAC donations in favor of small contributions and state clean elections funds—part of a strategy to promote accountability and minimize conflicts of interest. They explain the seed money and signature collection phases, emphasizing grassroots engagement and the burden of fundraising for traditionally funded candidates. Reflections from Jonathan’s previous campaign illuminate lessons learned, particularly on the importance of communicating affordability and pocketbook issues to voters across the political spectrum.
The candidates criticize the current all-Republican ACC, labeling it ethically questionable and dysfunctional, citing instances of commissioners preemptively supporting utility interests and dismissing ethics complaints internally. They emphasize the need for independent oversight and the risks that arise when utility regulation favors industry over consumers, particularly poor planning leading to rate hikes and insufficient focus on renewable energy adoption.
Audience questions probe the candidates’ fundraising, ballot qualification, and reactions to board ethics. Clara is asked about entrepreneurial roles in Arizona’s clean energy transition; she responds that innovation must be paired with oversight and community engagement, warning against replicating past exploitative practices and emphasizing that progress must bring value to vulnerable communities, not just technology.

TIMESTAMPED TOPICS:
[0:00:11] Candidate introductions and backgrounds (Jonathan Hill & Clara Pratte)
[0:01:43] Experience, motivations, and qualifications for running for ACC
[0:04:33] ACC’s role, current challenges, and ratepayer/consumer impacts
[0:07:36] Campaign experiences from 2024: lessons learned, issues with voter awareness
[0:13:30] Clean campaign strategy: no PAC/corporate money, seed money, and signature process
[0:18:02] Fundraising status, Clean Elections logistics, and campaign momentum
[0:20:22] ACC ethics: board conduct, perception of corruption, and transparency concerns
[0:23:22] Role of entrepreneurship in clean energy and community-focused development
[0:24:56] How attendees can help: non-monetary support and voter outreach
[0:28:27] Reactions to the TEP bail case and ACC decision-making process
[0:31:36] Board member engagement and criticisms of decision-making practices
[0:33:05] Democratic candidates’ campaign challenges and coalition-building needs
[0:36:39] Engaging nonpartisan organizations (e.g., League of Women Voters) for ACC education
[0:37:28] Climate messaging, working with the Green Party, and externalities in voter outreach
[0:41:14] Solar transition and distributed generation: policy levers and perspectives
[0:47:30] ACC’s authority over public vs. private utilities
[0:48:07] Arizona’s high energy prices and need for alternatives
[0:49:08] Translating solar and battery savings into lower rates for voters
[0:55:17] Confirming clean campaign funding (no PAC/corporate money)
[0:56:21] Reliability, utility profits, and holding ACC accountable
[0:58:18] Cost-competitiveness of renewables (with and without subsidies)
[1:00:22] Plans for transitioning away from nuclear energy in Arizona
[1:02:32] Candidate closing remarks and meeting conclusionShow More

TheDGT.org Presents Democratic Political Consultant Eric Chalmers, Dec. 1, 2025

Please like, …

Please like, subscribe, and check to enable the notifications of our latest videos to help TheDGT.org spread the messages of our Candidates and Officials who we host every Monday at …Noon on Zoom.

Check out our website at TheDGT.org and consider becoming a member of Democrats of Greater Tucson to support our mission at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dgtdues, or making a donation at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/democrats-of-greater-tucson-1.

Thank you for your support!

You are invited to read and query our AI-enabled complete transcript of the event, which you can ask natural language questions about the meeting at: https://otter.ai/u/1RqivrgeA5kEpuFiAlBl8CHupQI?utm_source=copy_url

SUMMARY:
In this meeting, political consultant Eric Chalmers presents a thorough analysis of Arizona’s current political landscape to the Democrats of Greater Tucson. Drawing on his experience and recent statewide campaigns, Chalmers underscores the critical role of grassroots outreach and the fluctuating dynamics of Arizona’s battleground status. He examines the significance of independents and party-switching in Arizona’s electorate, emphasizing the need for Democrats to win over a 10-15% persuadable voter segment each cycle.

Chalmers highlights major contests in the upcoming 2026 election, such as the closely watched Governor and Attorney General races, and discusses the changing resource allocations due to the absence of a Senate race. He provides an in-depth look at the growing influence of Turning Point USA, its organizing power, and its impact on recent local elections. The group’s tactics—mobilizing Trump voters and employing aggressive messaging—are flagged as both a warning and a call for Democratic innovation.

A robust Q&A covers effective campaign messaging, the importance of addressing affordability and economic pain points, and protecting against disinformation and voter suppression. Chalmers urges Democrats to craft concrete, relatable messages and recounts how emotional storytelling and nontraditional outreach fueled Ruben Gallego’s successful Senate campaign. He closes by expressing optimism for 2026, stressing the need for discipline, community engagement, and adapting strategies to counteract well-funded opposition efforts.

TIMESTAMPED TOPICS:
[0:00:08] Introduction of Guest – Eric Chalmers and Overview of His Political Background
[0:00:47] Eric’s Approach and Gratitude to Local Democratic Organizing
[0:01:30] State of Arizona Politics and Campaign Environment
[0:04:00] Shifts in Party Registration – The Growing Importance of Independents
[0:09:29] Impact of the Absence of a Senate Race on Resources and Dynamics
[0:12:00] Down-ballot Races: Corporation Commission, State Treasurer, and Mine Inspector
[0:14:00] Ballot Referrals and Impactful Measures for 2026
[0:17:00] Turning Point USA’s Role and Mobilization Strategies
[0:19:16] Julie Spilsbury Recall Case Study – Tactics and Lessons
[0:22:00] Turning Point Targeting Pima County and Local School Districts
[0:25:00] Successful Democratic Strategies: Outreach and Narrative Building
[0:29:18] Optimism and Strategic Priorities for 2026
[0:29:34] Audience Q&A Session – Campaign Messaging, Latinx Outreach, Down-ballot Races
[0:37:51] Counteracting Disinformation and Voter Suppression
[0:41:28] Effective Economic Messaging and Pocketbook Issues
[0:49:33] Speculation on Lieutenant Governor Nomination and Ticket Balance
[0:52:58] Personal Remarks: Eric Chalmers’ Coaching Background and ClosingShow More

TheDGT.org Presents No Desert Data Center Coalition, Tucson's Project Blue

Please like, …

Please like, subscribe, and check to enable the notifications of our latest videos to help TheDGT.org spread the messages of our Candidates and Officials who we host every Monday at …Noon on Zoom.

Check out our website at TheDGT.org and consider becoming a member of Democrats of Greater Tucson to support our mission at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dgtdues, or making a donation at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/democrats-of-greater-tucson-1.

Thank you for your support!

You are invited to read and query our AI-enabled complete transcript of the event, which you can ask natural language questions about the meeting at: https://otter.ai/u/6wwH-yyQjIKTDS8iDWDVSYFwieA?view=summary

Summary:
The video is a presentation and QA with The No Desert Data Center Coalition, a diverse group of concerned Pima County residents—including business owners, data scientists, union members, indigenous land advocates, environmentalists, and others—united in opposition to the proliferation of hyperscale data centers like the proposed Project Blue near Tucson, Arizona. The meeting focuses on the No Desert Data Center Coalition, a broad alliance of Pima County residents from various professional and community backgrounds who oppose the development of hyperscale data centers—particularly Project Blue—citing threats to public health, water resources, and local governance. The coalition recounts its rapid organization following the county’s approval of a land sale to Beal Infrastructure for a massive data center, responding by mobilizing the community, intensifying public outreach, and successfully persuading the Tucson City Council to block the necessary annexation and water service. Members voice frustration at pro-developer propaganda and bureaucratic processes that marginalize local input, noting that the decision-making often favors large corporate interests like Amazon Web Services and Tucson Electric Power (TEP), a privately owned utility, at the expense of residents and the environment. The coalition also advances a proactive vision: advocating for public power to replace TEP, promoting renewable energy, and forging alliances with other communities facing similar issues. Technical discussions highlight the problems of increased water and energy demands, reliance on fossil fuels, tax incentives for data centers, and the lack of binding commitments to local jobs or economic benefits. The meeting concludes by stressing the necessity for informed community action, continued education, and vigilance to ensure democratic oversight as the region confronts the wider implications of unchecked data center development in the desert.

Timeline (click the time stamp to be take to that point in the video):

[0:00:11] Introduction to the No Desert Data Center Coalition and its mission
[0:03:14] Coalition’s history, opposition to Project Blue, and initial mobilization
[0:11:39] Link between data centers, surveillance, and community activism
[0:15:00] Public power campaign and critique of Tucson Electric Power (TEP)
[0:22:14] Firsthand research on data center impacts and outreach to other communities
[0:26:49] Coalition’s political education initiatives and collective learning
[0:31:49] Opening of participant Q&A, including concerns about utility practices
[0:32:32] TEP’s reliance on fossil fuels and limitations on local renewable energy
[0:33:41] Microgrid possibilities and interest in city-owned renewable projects
[0:35:10] Authorities and limitations of the Arizona Corporation Commission
[0:37:38] Broader context: political strategy and tech industry impacts
[0:40:31] Mechanisms for regulatory intervention and city attorney actions
[0:42:07] Concerns about data centers’ diesel backup, tax exemptions, and water use
[0:44:49] Coalition’s nuanced stance—conditions for acceptable data centers
[0:46:20] Socioeconomic impacts, risks of overinvestment, and possible industry bubble
[0:48:32] Questions about guarantees for local construction jobs and union labor
[0:49:26] Community empowerment and expectations of elected officials
[0:51:43] Critique of economic benefits and sustainability of data center investments
[0:51:51] State legislative involvement and land use oversight
[0:54:23] Audit of State Land Department and political focus on public land protection
[0:54:56] Discussion of data centers on Department of Defense land
[0:55:34] Closing remarks, community call to action, and meeting wrap-upShow More

TheDGT.org Presents Jackie Anderson for Arizona House, LD19

Please like, …

Please like, subscribe, and check to enable the notifications of our latest videos to help TheDGT.org spread the messages of our Candidates and Officials who we host every Monday at …Noon on Zoom.

Check out our website at TheDGT.org and consider becoming a member of Democrats of Greater Tucson to support our mission at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dgtdues, or making a donation at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/democrats-of-greater-tucson-1.

Thank you for your support!

You are invited to read and query our AI-enabled complete transcript of the event, which you can ask natural language questions about the meeting at: https://otter.ai/u/fuV4xwRQQ1HGjItKGTZhDfXXRFQ?view=summary

Here’s a summary of the meeting:
Jackie Anderson introduced herself as a candidate for LD 19, highlighting her background as a rural Pima County resident and retired RN. She discussed her motivations for running, emphasizing her concerns about healthcare access—especially the impact of recent legislation on Medicaid and rural hospitals. Jackie described LD 19’s vast geography, covering five counties and many precincts, and outlined her campaign plan, which includes creative strategies for voter outreach in rural areas, such as personal postcards, small group meetings, and leveraging online platforms. Major campaign issues discussed included the unique challenges of rural campaigning, the benefits of Arizona’s clean elections system, and key policy priorities: improving healthcare access (especially for seniors and retirees), ensuring water security through effective water management, and supporting public education. Jackie highlighted her willingness to learn, her ongoing involvement in campaign classes, and the importance of direct voter contact. Throughout the meeting, she stressed the need for greater representation and collaboration within the district.

Here is a timestamped list of topics discussed. Simply click on the time to go to that point in the video:

[0:00:14] Welcome and introduction of Jackie Anderson as candidate for LD 19
[0:00:41] Jackie’s biography and personal background (rural Pima County, RV/electric vehicle, family)
[0:01:36] Geographical overview and demographics of LD 19 (five counties, precincts, population)
[0:02:45] Motivation for running (response to legislation impacting Medicaid/access, healthcare)
[0:03:01] Experience as an RN and observations on rural healthcare challenges
[0:05:00] Campaign plan and personal strategy (campaigning full-time, rural outreach methods)
[0:06:01] Familiarity with the district, personal/family involvement in rural activities
[0:07:02] Challenges and creative solutions for rural campaigning (postcards, social media, alternatives to door-knocking)
[0:09:50] Identification of top issues: healthcare access (Medicaid/Medicare), legislative priorities, need for Democratic majority
[0:14:23] Grassroots campaign engagement, meeting voters in small groups and communities
[0:17:12] Demographics and population needs (large senior population, retirees)
[0:17:55] Role of volunteers and evolving campaign strategy
[0:18:33] Water issues: wells, water management, Colorado River, security
[0:20:00] Public education: impact of school vouchers, private schools, accountability
[0:22:22] Importance of constituent stories and real-world feedback
[0:23:13] Request for feedback, wrapping up Jackie’s presentation
[0:23:44] Q&A: candidate’s connections (Arizona List, ADLCC, campaign classes)
[0:25:47] Challenges and surprises of campaigning, evolution of support network
[0:29:14] Clean Elections funding and campaign finance/progress updates
[0:32:00] Rural hospitals and clinics in the district, healthcare infrastructure
[0:34:26] State triage/EMS system and critical access hospital issues
[0:34:50] Final logistics and suggestion to share campaign linksShow More

TheDGT.org Presents Suzanne Droubie, Pima County Assessor

Please like, …

TheDGT.org Presents Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott on Project Blue and Data Centers in General

Please like, …

Please like, subscribe, and check to enable the notifications of our latest videos to help TheDGT.org spread the messages of our Candidates and Officials who we host every Monday at …Noon on Zoom.

Check out our website at TheDGT.org and consider becoming a member of Democrats of Greater Tucson to support our mission at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dgtdues, or making a donation at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/democrats-of-greater-tucson-1.

Thank you for your support!

You are invited to read and query our AI-enabled complete transcript of the event, which you can ask natural language questions about the meeting at: https://otter.ai/u/omjo_jDwyXlxLous5YZZCHiTAp0?utm_source=copy_url

Summary and Timestamped Outline:

Rex Scott explained that his vote in favor of Project Blue was based on a belief that the project struck an appropriate balance between economic development and environmental stewardship, aligning with Pima County’s tradition of carefully considering both. He emphasized that the Board’s professional staff recommended the project after thorough analysis, and he trusted that their assessment ensured the benefits were genuine and the risks manageable. While acknowledging significant public opposition and new information that arose after the vote, Scott maintained that he had enough information at the time and that the decision promised substantial economic benefits, including increased revenue for the county and job creation. He expressed respect for dissenting opinions, welcomed ongoing community input, and underscored his commitment to accountability, but ultimately stood by the decision he made on June 17, indicating no new developments had led him to reconsider his position.

[0:00:11] Introduction of Rex Scott and meeting agenda overview
[0:00:28] Board of Supervisors structure, district details, and responsibilities
[0:00:28] Overview of Project BLUE and Board’s decision-making process
[0:00:28] Non-disclosure agreements and new Board policy
[0:10:25] Economic development and environmental stewardship in Project BLUE decision
[0:19:59] Public concerns: data centers, literacy, and community opportunity
[0:21:30] Public concerns: Water usage, electricity rates, and retiree impact
[0:23:54] Request that Rex Scott oppose the Project BLUE energy supply agreement
[0:25:09] Public concerns: Energy service agreement and potential rate hikes
[0:29:34] Public Q&A: Rezoning and land use for Project BLUE
[0:31:12] Public opposition and calls for reconsidering the Project
[0:33:47] Questions about environmental impact reviews and due diligence policy
[0:35:59] Tax incentives, local tax revenue, and state exclusions
[0:38:03] Public concern: Distinction between AI and cloud-based data centers, Board’s information sources
[0:42:17] Public concern: Misinformation from large corporations and Board trust
[0:43:37] Calls for epistemic humility, legal limitations, and external expertise in negotiations
[0:46:27] Data center impacts: Stories from other counties, sound, and utility issues
[0:49:16] Project BLUE’s water use and reclaimed water infrastructure planning
[0:53:22] Electronic waste, recycling, and environmental oversight
[0:55:18] Future revenue projections for Pima County and Project BLUE’s fiscal impact
[0:58:27] Public comment: Board alliances, contract expiration date, and transparency
[1:01:20] Discussion on public hearings, access, and community knowledge
[1:02:01] Concerns about future phases of Project BLUE and power sourcing
[1:04:19] Questions about conditions that might prompt revisiting the vote
[1:05:37] Board’s legal representation and holding developers accountable
[1:08:02] Public engagement, importance of dialogue, and Board’s political positions
[1:09:03] Closing comments: Trust in developers, community values, and decision responsibilityShow More

1 of 8