Preliminary Project and Canvassing - Monday, February 23, 2015

Before my work in the Tucson City Council building began, Mayor Rothschild assigned me a preliminary task. Through making use of the Arizona Daily Star archives, particularly the Business section, I was to find and list all new or expanding companies in Pima County from December 2011 through December 2014. The results were encouraging, with thousands of jobs in a wide variety of industries being created.

However, as I begin my on-site work with the Mayor's office, it seems as though my project's focus will be a bit different than what Mayor Rothschild initially envisioned. Working with my new project advisor, Mr. Ryan Anderson, I believe the new focus will be on community engagement rather than business interaction.

This new angle presented opportunities almost immediately. Sunday, February 22, I went canvassing to get the mayor back on the ballot for re-election later this year (I have been told it is Arizona State Law that a candidate, regardless of incumbency, must gather a minimum of 2,200 signatures to get his or her name on the next election ballot). Although frustrating at times, it was a tremendous experience, and I hope to canvas again in the near future. It is not only an opportunity to do work for Mayor Rothschild, but also a time to listen to the thoughts and concerns of his constituents.

Today marks the first on-site day of my internship. I look forward to seeking out ways to continue and strengthen my involvement in the Tucson community, and I have no doubt that my work in the coming weeks will help me do just that.

Thanks for reading!

Jacob

Introduction - Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Hello!

My name is Jacob Hansen, and I am a senior at BASIS Tucson North. For my last trimester of high school, several classmates and I have decided to take on senior research projects (SRPs). The SRP Program is comprised of a ten-week long interning period for research on a desired topic or question, culminating in an end-of-the-year presentation for peers, BASIS faculty, parents, and anyone else interested.

I will be spending the trimester interning at the Tucson mayor's office under Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, with a focus on local government-economy interaction. Through research of economic legislation in other cities, methods of drawing businesses to a metropolitan area, and getting the opinions of several prominent city businessmen, I will attempt to discover and develop innovative ways to bring prosperity to Tucson.

For as long as I can remember, politics have fascinated me. The mayor's office has given me a tremendous opportunity not only to gain a deeper understanding of how my city functions but also to gain some experience in the field of politics--experience that will no doubt be invaluable as I continue my study of politics into college and beyond.

I am incredibly excited to get started on this project, and equally excited to share my findings with you.

Thanks for reading!

Jacob