Tucson Progressive

Pamela J. Powers, a progressive voice for Arizona

Bathroom Politics: Preserving the Sanctity of the ‘Ladies’ Room’

In the 1950s the Ladies’ Room was a place of refuge, a wall-papered lounge with a couch, polished mirrors, fresh flowers, and often an attendant armed with fresh towels, perfume, … Continue reading

May 6, 2014 · 15 Comments

Why Is John Pedicone Going to Korea?

With his six-figure contract up for renewal soon, why is controversial Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) Superintendent John Pedicone missing the June 12 TUSD Board meeting? He has better things to … Continue reading

June 4, 2012

UNIDOS Day of Action: Misinformation or Pure Propaganda?

Regardless of the cause, spreading misinformation to pump up emotions is not right. OK, call me a Pollyanna in a fact-free universe, but I still believe in telling the truth. … Continue reading

April 25, 2012

Are bloggers really journalists?

This week, a shockwave rippled through Tucson’s blogosphere when TucsonCitizen.com Editor Mark Evans pulled the Three Sonorans blog from the citizen journalism website. I’m not going to offer a lengthy rehash … Continue reading

April 7, 2012

UPDATED: Should TUSD fight for Mexican American Studies, let it die or rebuild it?

Tucson is a community in turmoil. It has been tied in knots for more than a year over the issue of how best to educate its children in a world … Continue reading

January 16, 2012 · 48 Comments

On disciplinegate: Did the Arizona Daily Star get it right?

In an editorial this past Saturday, the Arizona Daily Star took aim at Mexican American Studies (MAS) Program Director Sean Arce for canceling the annual Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) … Continue reading

June 12, 2011 · 4 Comments

How to reform education: The answer song

This week thousands of Arizona high school seniors will don caps and gowns and receive their high school diplomas, while others who successfully completed 12 years of schooling but failed … Continue reading

May 23, 2011 · 7 Comments

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About

The Tucson Progressive: Pamela J. Powers

I stand on the side of Love. I believe in kindness to all creatures on Earth and the inherent self-worth of all individuals–not just people who agree with me or look like me.

Widespread economic and social injustice prompted me to become a candidate for the Arizona House, representing Legislative District 9 in the 2016 election.

My platform focused on economic reforms to grow Arizona’s economy, establish a state-based public bank, fix our infrastructure, fully fund public education, grow local small businesses and community banks, and put people back to work at good-paying jobs.

In the Arizona House, I was a strong voice for fiscal responsibility a moratorium on corporate tax breaks until the schools were fully funded, increased cash assistance to the poor, expansion of maternal healthcare benefits, equal rights, choice, unions, education at all levels and protecting our water supply.

After three terms, I retired from the Arizona Legislature in January 2023 but will continue to blog and produce my podcast “A View from the Left Side.”