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Walkup captures Tucson's mayoral seat

Republican Bob Walkup, a businessman and entrepreneur, last night defeated former City Councilwoman Molly McKasson with a commanding lead to become Tucson's next mayor.

Walkup gathered 54 percent of the vote, leaving McKasson with 39 percent and Libertarian Ed Kahn at 6 percent. About 40 percent of registered Tucson voters participated in yesterday's election.

"I see Tucson coming together as a community," Walkup said last night at his victory headquarters at the Manning House, 450 W. Paseo Redondo. "The people have said, 'Bob, we want you to lead us into the future.'"

Walkup supports recharging as much of the Central Arizona Project water as possible. He is also in favor of blending recharged CAP water with ground water.

"We need to protect our water," Walkup said.

Walkup will take over for Democratic Mayor George Miller at the Tucson City Council meeting on Dec. 6.

Walkup said he wants to remain in close contact with University of Arizona students and UA President Peter Likins.

"I encourage the university community to stay involved," Walkup said. "We can't be a great community if we're not all working together."

"Students put a lot of value into our community," he added.

In other elections, Democratic City Councilman Jose Ibarra retained his position, defeating Republican challenger Ray Castillo in the race for the Ward 1 Council seat. Ibarra received 48 percent of the vote, while Castillo garnered 42 percent

Shirley Scott, a Democrat, was unopposed as she was re-elected to her Ward 4 City Council seat.

Democrat Carol West defeated Republican Rick Grinnell, 50 to 44 percent, for the Ward 2 Council seat, currently occupied by Democrat Janet Marcus.

Proposition 200, which proposed to stop residential delivery of Central Arizona Project water in Tucson, was defeated 61 percent to 38 percent. The defeat of the proposition means that Tucson residents will receive a blend - 55 percent ground water to 45 percent recharged CAP water.

Proposition 400, which passed with 60 percent, will allow the state to share tax revenue for Rio Nuevo, a downtown renovation project.

Also passing was Proposition 100, which will increase the mayor and council salaries by $500 a month. Proposition 101 passed as well, which will eliminate the requirement that regular council meetings have to be held the first Monday of each month.