Oppose SB1010 Renaming Loop 202 as Charlie Kirk Highway

I urge you to oppose SB1010, which would rename Loop 202 as the "Charlie Kirk Highway." This bill, sponsored by Senator Petersen with numerous co-sponsors, bypasses established naming procedures and disregards the existing commemorations already in place on this highway. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is scheduled to consider the duplicate bill HB4027 on Wednesday, making immediate action necessary. Arizona has a specific state board that reviews highway naming proposals, including a policy requiring at least five years after a person's death before naming infrastructure in their honor. This waiting period exists for good reason: it allows time for historical perspective and helps avoid political controversy. SB1010 circumvents this entire process, setting a troubling precedent for future naming decisions. Loop 202 already carries meaningful designations. A 23-mile stretch honors longtime Arizona Congressman Ed Pastor, who was instrumental in securing the federal funds that made the highway's construction possible. This existing commemoration recognizes someone whose work directly contributed to the infrastructure itself. Layering additional names onto the same highway, as Section D of the bill allows, creates confusion for residents and visitors alike. Beyond procedural concerns, Kirk built his public profile on combative and incendiary behavior that included racist and sexist rhetoric. While the circumstances of his death were tragic, they do not erase the divisive nature of his public work. Highway names should unite communities and honor individuals whose contributions reflect shared values, not those whose legacy remains deeply controversial. The bill requires the Arizona Department of Transportation to erect signage throughout Loop 202 at taxpayer expense. These resources would be better spent on actual transportation infrastructure needs rather than political messaging. I ask you to vote no on SB1010 and HB4027. Respect the established naming process, honor the existing commemorations on Loop 202, and preserve highway naming for individuals whose legacies have stood the test of time and earned broad community support.