Tucson Standard

President Donald Trump, at the epicenter of a COVID-19 outbreak at the White House and in Congress, is also leading the fight against the ongoing pandemic, a Tucson resident running for an Arizona State House seat recently said.

“I believe that President Trump is and has taken unprecedented measures to protect the health and safety of all Americans,” Michael Hicks of Tucson, running in November's General Election to represent Legislative District 10, told Tucson Standard.

The pandemic certainly will have an effect on next month’s elections, Hicks said.

“I think the only effect that COVID-19 will have regarding the election is some individuals will continue to go to the polls, and many will mail in their votes,” he said.

Hicks is a retired City of Tucson Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems manager and he owns Professional Transit Management, according to his bio on his campaign's website. He also has been an adjunct faculty member for more than 30 years at Pima Community College.

Hicks served on the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board from 2010 to 2018

His foster father, the late Lewis C. Murphy, was mayor of Tucson from 1972 to 1989.

Legislative District 10 includes midtown Tucson east of Campbell Avenue between Speedway and 22nd streets, and the Foothills east of Bear Creek, Davis-Monthan neighborhoods and Civano.

The COVID-19 outbreak in Washington, being referred to as the “White House coronavirus outbreak,” has infected at least 20 who work closely with Trump, and members of Congress.

Those in Congress who’ve tested positive include Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.

“I don't think the recovery of the president from COVID-19 will have any effect on the election,” Hicks said.

Hicks also had some thoughts about what is “most important for people to know.”

“Having civil communications is how we build respect, restraint and responsibility for others,” he said.