Most children are busy with school, sports, or hanging out with friends.
Most, that is, save for the youth of Tucson. Children of this deep blue enclave say they’re made to endure public spaces rendered unsafe by drugs and other crime — especially the parks they desire to play in.
Among them is 13-year-old Jordan Nero. During Tuesday’s council meeting, Nero shared how his childhood has been irrevocably corrupted by the public safety failures caused by Tucson’s current leadership. What he had to say went viral.
“At 13 years old, I have already witnessed drug use at our parks, I’ve seen things kids should never have to see, including public nudity,” said Nero. “We come out to play sports, to stay active and out of trouble. But instead, we’re put at risk.”
Nero spent his Thursday evening pleading with the Tucson mayor and city council to deprioritize subsidization of poor lifestyle choices at the expense of hardworking families, and to clean up the public parks where he and his friends play soccer. Nero claimed the poor condition of the fields had resulted in injuries to his peers.
“At the same time, we see adults being allowed to ride city buses for free, and while I understand that people need help sometimes, it’s hard to understand why more support seems to go toward adults who have choices while kids and families who are working hard are being asked to pay more,” said Nero.
Nero said the city’s proposal to increase the cost of youth sports programs were unfair to his and other law-abiding, working-class families.
The city previously charged no fee for youth sports teams. Come July, the fee may be $100 per team per season, with annual increases of $15. The city is also looking to increase the rates and fees of other programs. For example: KIDCO Summer Camp would increase from about $30 a week to $50 a week, with annual increases to reach $110 a week by 2029. And, KIDCO Afterschool would increase from $50 a month to nearly $70 a month, with annual increases to reach $120 a month by 2029.
Nero questioned why city leaders were willing to jeopardize opportunities for Tucson’s youth to engage in healthy, safe activities.
“It takes a lot of effort and sacrifices just for us to be able to play,” said Nero. “As a child, I don’t have the option to go out and get a job to help my family. I rely on my adults in my life and they are already doing everything they can. So when costs go up, it doesn’t just affect programs. It affects kids like me who don’t even get the chance to participate at all. We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for safe parks, maintained fields, and fair decisions that support youth and families who are trying to do the right thing.”
Nero’s mother Shara Vasquez, who stood by his side as he delivered his public comments, issued a statement of support for her son.
“I am extremely proud of my son Jordan Nero, at such a young age he decided to stand up and speak up,” said Vasquez. “Constantly taking care of his younger siblings and those around him.”
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