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As a native Arizonan, I implore you to put aside your differences and return to the table in a reenergized effort to do all we can to protect Lake Mead.

Arizona has a long history of arriving at such solutions with future generations in mind. We have a rich, legacy of coming together where our water resources are concerned. Arizonans expect us to follow in this tradition -- and they expect us to act now.

At the end of the day, these solar activists are free to decide how to promote their cause, but they are not entitled to slander Arizona’s public servants in a barrage of unfounded and malicious attacks. Regardless of political affiliation, I believe most people still believe in standing up to disingenuous out-of-state bullies, that they can appreciate what is really going on here and that they will support my efforts to help clean it up.

Raytheon has set even more ambitious goals for the future to further reduce waste, save additional water and conserve even more energy. Environmental stewardship and sustainability aren’t just words on a page to us. It’s part of our commitment to future generations.

Tucson is truly a community where you can live, work and play. Home to breathtaking mountain views, the renowned University of Arizona and coveted climate that provides ample amounts of sunshine, the Old Pueblo is well positioned to support physical activity. Yet, it is also home to traffic congestion and health complications. In fact, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services, in 2017, there were 1,984 deaths in Pima County related to heart disease.

Our lawmakers need to have every tool available to them when planning for the future. We cannot afford to limit their ability to make choices related to critical funding for our state’s education system. Proposition 126 would do just that.

Across our state, the toll of mental illness is high. Nearly half of adults with a mental health condition have a substance use disorder, while nearly 10 million Americans consider suicide each year. Here in Arizona, the suicide rate is 60 percent higher than the national average. There are many contributing factors such as depression, drugs or access to care.

The Distributed Energy Resource Alliance (DERA), composed of solar industry companies, professionals and educators, urges Arizonans to vote no on Proposition 127.

Much work has been done and much will continue to be done – but the sooner we have the drought-contingency plan in place, the greater the benefits we will all reap via a plan that is acceptable to all Arizona water users.

As we face the first Colorado River shortage, we need to get it right the first time. Arizona needs to implement LBDCP in a way that strengthens and preserves the long-term water management that is critical to our communities and economy.