Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has said he’s open to local governments enacting ordinances that vary from state law, specifically in the areas of public health and safety.
Ducey told Capitol Media Services that he likes to see uniformity, but there are certain issues where local control might be appropriate. For example, the Tucson City Council recently voted to change the minimum age for buying tobacco to 21.
“And if the city of Tucson makes a decision to raise the smoking age to 21, who am I to argue?" Ducey said.
Ducey wouldn’t say whether or not he’d veto legislation to remove local options. He has a record of signing laws that limit the ability of local communities to set their own policies and laws.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify that Ducey is open to the idea of local ordinances that vary from state law.
