Recently, the Pima County Board of Supervisors made a significant decision, voting 3-1 to fill the vacant District 3 seat after Sharon Bronson’s retirement on Nov. 27. Sylvia Lee emerged as the appointed candidate, garnering attention for her past service and contributions to the community.

Sylvia Lee: A Profile in Service

Sylvia Lee emerged as the chosen candidate for the District 3 seat due to her extensive involvement and experience within the Pima Community College (PCC) Governing Board. Supervisor Rex Scott highlighted Lee’s past tenure on the PCC board from January 2015 to December 2018, representing District 3. It’s noteworthy that community college districts share the same boundaries as county supervisors, emphasizing Lee’s familiarity with the district’s dynamics and needs.

Lee’s history with PCC spans 15 years, including a notable tenure as the president of the Community and Northwest campuses. Supervisor Scott emphasized her commitment by mentioning that Lee expressed her intent not to seek a term in 2024.

Board Dynamics and Previous Attempts to Fill the Vacancy

The appointment process witnessed multiple attempts to fill the District 3 vacancy. Board Chair Adelita Grijalva nominated April Ignacio and Jennifer Allen, but both proposals were defeated 3-2. Clerk of the Board Melissa Manriquez played a pivotal role in breaking the tie against the nominations. Supervisor Scott opposed these candidates due to their plans to contest the seat in the upcoming 2024 elections, expressing concerns about creating an unfair advantage for incumbents.

Notably, Ignacio and Allen had already filed statements of interest with Pima County for the 2024 district seat, signaling their intentions to pursue the position.

Other Proposed Candidates and their Reception

Supervisor Matt Heinz put forward the name of Kristen Randall, the Green Valley Justice Court Administrator, but the motion didn’t progress due to a lack of a seconding vote. This reflects the diverse pool of candidates considered by the Board, emphasizing the deliberative nature of the selection process.

Conclusion

The appointment of Sylvia Lee to the District 3 seat by the Pima County Board of Supervisors marks a significant decision. Lee’s history of service and her understanding of the community college system position her as a candidate well-versed in the district’s intricacies. The process underscores the importance of choosing a candidate committed to the district’s welfare while balancing concerns about fairness in future elections.