Fimbres: Do the right thing and veto SB 1062 ... again

Tucson Vice Mayor Shirley Scott and I took part in the unfurling and hanging of the IGBO Flag at Tucson Bowl. IGBO stands for the International Gay Bowling Organization, a 34-year-old organization of LGBT and straight supportive bowlers with 5,000 members and bowling leagues worldwide.

A volunteer committee from Tucson had bid to host the 2014 Annual IGBO Conference and Tournament and won the bid to host this event, scheduled to take place May 12-18 in our great city. For the record, my aide Mark Kerr, is part of the volunteer committee.

Tucson’s anti-discrimination ordinance, support of elected officials, as well as the community’s welcoming attitude and the celebration of the diverse culture that makes up the Old Pueblo, were factors in Tucson winning this bid.

In addition, Tucson’s Mayor and Council has taken action on many issues of concern and measures concerning all aspects of our community, showing that it is a open and welcoming community, something noted in the bid package submitted by the Tucson committee.

More than 500 bowlers were expected to take part at Tucson Bowl and Lucky Strike Lanes during that week. The conference is scheduled to take place at the Hilton East Hotel. It is expected to bring in at least a $500,000 to Tucson’s economy with the bowlers spending money at restaurants, shopping and taking in the wonderful sights of Tucson and Pima County.

With the recent action taken by Arizona’s Legislature on SB 1062, this could become the first event affected by the actions by this bill, if it signed into law.

Would Apple build their plant in Maricopa County, will the NFL still hold the Super Bowl in Glendale in 2015 and what about the Republican National Committee’s consideration of Phoenix to host their national convention?

What business would want to relocate to the state that it is known for being one that discriminates? We are all working to build our economy and measures such as SB 1062, hurt that effort.

Tucson’s Mayor and Council went on record to unanimously oppose SB 1062. All but one of the current candidates for governor expressed their opposition to SB 1062, as well as the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Visit Tucson, as well as other organizations and businesses across the state. The Arizona Republic has urged that SB 1062 be vetoed.

During the budgetary discussions and the attempt to expand the state’s Medicaid program, a similar measure was approved and vetoed. It was called a distraction and not necessary in 2013. What is the difference in 2014? None. What could SB 1062 cost us? Plenty.

Gov. Brewer needs to do the right thing again and veto SB 1062.