Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson has decided to step down after 27 years on the Board of Supervisors. Last week, she spent four days in the hospital after tripping over her 19-year-old cat. This incident made her realize it was time for a change.

Bronson, 78, doesn’t want to stay in office as long as Mitch McConnell or Nancy Pelosi, who have been in Congress for a long time. With three new board members who have different ideas, she feels it’s the right moment to leave. Her resignation letter was sent to Chairwoman Adelita Grijalva, and her last day on the board will be November 27.

During her hospital stay, Bronson turned off her phone and enjoyed reading three novels. She liked not having to talk to her colleagues. In the coming months, she will focus on recovering from three broken ribs and cleaning out closets.

Bronson, with a degree in business administration/accounting, joined the board in 1996. Her district covers a large area, including parts of Sahuarita and Marana, the Tohono O’odham Nation, and 130 miles along the border with Mexico.

Although she doesn’t care about leaving a legacy, Bronson is proud of some projects, like transforming an old school in Ajo into a campus and the recently opened Amado Youth Center. She emphasizes the need to serve rural residents and is concerned about the board’s spending habits.

Bronson denies moving to the right politically and considers herself a centrist. She worries about the county’s financial situation and believes changes are necessary to avoid going broke.

Her votes have made headlines, but in 2016, she made news when her county-owned SUV was swept away by flooding. Firefighters had to rescue her near an Oracle Road bridge.

In her letter to Grijalva, Bronson assured that her staff would ensure the continuity of the work. According to state law, when a vacancy occurs, the remaining supervisors will appoint a resident of the district to fill the position. Two Democrats, Kathryn Mikronis and Jennifer Allen, have expressed interest in running for the seat in November 2024.