Bits and Pieces

Messina GoFundMe campaign reaching goal… You can help put it over the top

Last Friday we reported that groundskeeper Rick Messina succumbed to injuries sustained from a bee atttack at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course; and that Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay related expenses for Rick’s parents. The fund has $9,678 raised from 116 donations. The goal is $10,000. You can help put it over the top by contributing here.

Shocking but True: Budget and Finance Commission played no role in the 2025 budget yet it was supposed to do so 

The town’s Budget and Finance Commission played no role in the fiscal 2025 budgeting process. Although they received documents periodically, they did not discuss, analyze or comment on them. According to Finance Director David Gephart, speaking to the commission at the end of June: “I feel like we really haven’t provided you with an opportunity to go through a formal presentation on the budget and allowed you the opportunity to ask questions or provide comment.” This, despite the fact that one of the missions are the commission is to do just that.

“The Budget and Finance Commission is responsible for providing assessment and recommendations in regards to the town manager’s recommended budget and 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan.” (source) . The commission did review three policy changes, but we wonder: What is the purpose of this commission if it doesn’t get involved in the most important aspect of the town’s finances? 

Bohen: The “fat” is in the capital project budget
We noted Tuesday that the town council passed a $151.2 million budget for fiscal 2025. We also noted at that time that Vice Mayor Barrett attempted to demonstrate that the council was at least trying to control spending when she introduced a measure to reduce the across-the-board staff pay increases from 4% to 3%. Later in that same discussion, Council Member Bohen gave his opinion on where the fat is in the budget. According to Bohen, it's in the capital projects. He observed that it's very hard to get straight answers from Town staff on what projects are actually going to cost. We included a quote in the panel at right. 

Oro Valley Residents Advocate for Performing Arts Center to Boost Culture and Economy 
At the last town council meeting, Oro Valley residents and other community members advocated for the establishment of a performing arts center in the town. They emphasized that such a center would not only expand the town’s amenities but also support local arts organizations, provide a venue for youth theater programs, and serve as a vibrant community gathering place. The speakers highlighted the cultural and economic benefits, including increased tourism, enhanced local business revenue, and greater opportunities for residents to engage in the arts. They urged the council to consider this project as a valuable addition to Oro Valley’s growth and development, reflecting the community’s strong support for the arts and desire for enriched cultural experiences.

Oro Valley’s Tourism Transformation: A New Focus on Business and Sports Events 

In a strategic shift, Oro Valley is redefining its tourism approach by prioritizing business and sports event travel, significantly impacting the local economy. Led by the Community and Economic Development (CED) Department, the town is enhancing its group bookings strategy for major resorts like El Conquistador Tucson and Westward Look. Now functioning as the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Oro Valley has already identified over 600 potential event prospects and developed comprehensive plans to support extended stays and return visits. These efforts include collaboration with local stakeholders and leveraging grant funding opportunities, marking a new era of tourism for the town. Read more about what is behind this transformation here! (Source) 

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8.3% Water Rate Increase Starts With Your August Bill… While the Town Continues To Waste Drinking Water On Irrigating Recreation Facilities

You August water bill is going up "big time” 

Your water bill will increase 8.3% on average this coming August based on a changes in the water rate. This is the largest increase in Oro Valley history and was championed on a 5-1 vote (Greene voting:  yes”; Bohen voting no; Barrett Absent) at the June 6 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting. The water rate increase is actually 7.9% but when sales and utility taxes are applied plus an approved increase in the water preservation fund fee, the net increase is 8.3%. (See:  Sticker Shock) 

While the council does nothing to reduce the use of drinking water on three recreational facilities

The Town Council is waiting for a miracle solution for the use of drinking water on one of the town's golf courses and two of the town's parks. The Council has wasted the opportunity to bring reclaimed water to those areas. Instead, the Council decided not to do anything about it. Are they waiting for some miracle solution to come from the State or the City of Tucson regarding further treating reclaimed water and introducing it into the Water system? Are they waiting for the state to engage in a massive project to bring desalinated water from Mexico into the State and distribute it through the CAP distribution system? 

Meanwhile, Pima County is transitioning recreation water use to reclaimed water

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Pima County Board Of Supervisors voted to "Transition of the irrigation system in Arthur Pack Park to reclaimed effluent irrigation and requested the County Administration to develop a plan for transitioning all County parks to reclaimed effluent irrigation." So, it looks as though the County has a plan while Oro Valley's Town Council "fiddles and diddles" and does nothing.

We don't know what this Council is waiting for, but we do know that they're not doing anything to eliminate the use of drinking water on town recreational properties,  And while they fiddle, the cost of bringing reclaimed water to those facilities becomes more and more.

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In the following guest view, resident Mike Zinkin points out the obvious to all except five members of council: The Town is the biggest water waster in the community. 

6,598,000 gallons of potable water wasted
The Town of Oro Valley continues to bury its head in the sand as almost 6.6 million gallons of potable water were wasted on town properties in June 2024. To break it down: the closed Pusch Ridge golf course used 2,894,000 gallons, Riverfront Park wasted 1,644,000 gallons, and Jim Kriegh Park used 2,060,000 gallons. The cost for the Pusch Ridge waste alone was $11,719.39. Do you really believe the income from disc golf covered this water cost?

In June 2023, water waste for these properties was 5,531,000 gallons. This year, the waste for June increased by over 1,000,000 gallons, rubbing this negligence in our faces.

What will it take for our town government to act responsibly? 

The Community Center is still not ADA compliant, despite being owned since May 2015. Yet, the government established a splash pad (wanted by only 4% of the people) and a new BMX track (desired by just 1%). Meanwhile, the Oro Valley Little League has no fields other than the one at Coronado Middle School.

I am not alone in my concern over this water waste. While I may be at an age where this irresponsibility won't affect me directly, what about our grandchildren? How will we explain to them that drinking water must be rationed because of the irresponsible priorities set by our government in 2024?

Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

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Greene Helps Make Town Staff 4% Pay Raise A Reality, Ignoring Financial Warnings...Failing To Participate In Discussion

Town Staff Gets Big Pay Increase 
This year’s budget includes a whopping 4% increase across the board for all employees. That’s the highest level ever given, in a year in which the council was warned that revenues are going to be tight in the future. 

Greene, Joyce-Ivey, Solomon and Winfield supported big increase
That increase was explicitly approved by a slim council majority at the June 19 council meeting, a meeting in which the council approved the $151.2 million fiscal 2025 Budget. Vice-Mayor Barrett had argued in favor of the historical 3% increase.  Council Members Bohen and Nicolson voiced their support for that.

Town “Spreads the Peanut Butter” when it comes to pay raises... No performance based awards...No incentive to get better
When it comes to staff pay raises, Oro Valley spreads the peanut butter! Everybody gets the same percent increase regardless of their performance. 

This contrasts with private sector practice where, as noted by Vice Mayor Barrett and Council Member Bohen, employees are paid based on their performance. As Council Member Nicolson noted at that meeting, who works in the public sector under the across-the-board pay philosophy: “I get the same raises, still same pay, not really a whole lot of incentive to improve.”

Barrett: Individual performance should be individually awarded
“I think it’s important to have some performance-based measures because I think that helps encourage our good employees, and we can help identify the employees that are most likely flight risks. That’s something that’s done regularly throughout all of the private sector and efficient places in other sectors as well,” said Vice Mayor Barrett.

Votava: No. That might make some people unhappy
Town Human Resource Director Andy Votava does not think that is a good idea: “So, in my mind, I don’t think we’re well-equipped to implement a pay-for-performance system because the danger or the hazard is that if we don’t do it well, some employees may take issue with that. Potentially, anybody can file a lawsuit, but it could lead to complaints.” 

Greene supported this massive increase in spending though he failed to even participate in the discussion

Mo Greene, who is running for reelection, claims to be fiscally responsible. However, his actions, including his decision to support this 4% across-the-board pay raise despite looming financial constraints, demonstrate the opposite. He was so disinterested in the conversation on the pay increase that he did not participate in it. Not one word!

Indeed, Greene's disregard for fiscal responsibility was evident when, at the Sun City forum, he was asked how he would demonstrate fiscal responsibility. He merely echoed Council Member Solomon's statement in a May council meeting: "We need to separate our wants from our needs." Greene then referenced something he did 20 years ago while working the New England Journal of Medicine, without citing any actions he has taken on the council in the past four years. That's because there were no examples to cite. 

Next Tuesday's election is a clear opportunity for voters to hold him accountable for his demonstrated lack of fiscal responsibility. 

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(Source: June 19, 2024 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, Item 5)

Tragic Bee Attack Claims Beloved Groundskeeper – Discover How You Can Help!

Email reminder of life's preciousness

A recent email from the Friends of Push Ridge Golf (FOPRG) reminds us of the preciousness of life. Rick Messina, a groundskeeper at the Push Ridge Golf Course, was tragically bitten by a swarm of bees in late June while mowing the eighth hole. He succumbed to his injuries three days later in the hospital.

Delayed of Town announcement

This tragedy was not immediately disclosed by the Town, which waited until early July to inform the public which was initially the members of the course. Their carefully crafted message highlighted the dangers of Arizona wildlife.  Shortly after the incident the town"...engaged the services of a bee expert to inspect the area and locate a potential hive for removal. No hive was found, and the expert believes the swarm was passing through the area. We also inspected the entire 45 holes of golf, and no hives were found at this time." (Source: Town Manager Email of June 28, 2024).

FOPRG heartfelt tribute

Fortunately, FOPRG paid tribute to Rick in their email: “Rick’s commitment to the course’s beauty, improvement, and playability—all year long—was incredible. The players, local homeowners, and his El Conquistador Golf team members appreciated Rick’s hard work, infectious smile, and signature Boston accent.”

Take a minute to meet Rick by clicking on the panel. 

GoFundMe to help defray costs

In response to this loss, FOPRG have started a GoFundMe account to help Rick’s parents with expenses. Rick shared a home in Tucson with his parents, John and Marlene Messina, who are now facing significant costs. The goal is to raise $5,000. Here is the link. 

Learn more about FOPRG thoughts on Rick here.

We urge you to take a few minutes to contribute to this cause.

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Source: FOPRG Newsletter, July 14, 2024

Guest View-Tim Tarris: The OVCN Sports Facility Proposal is "A Bridge Too Far"

As voters consider their choices in the council election, it is important to reflect on the fact that the council will likely need to determine whether the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) sports facility expansion proposal within Oro Valley’s oldest and most historic section is right for our town.
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"Mayor Winfield, Vice-Mayor Barrett, Council members and staff. My name is Tim Tarris and I am a resident of Oro Valley. I use an analogy tonight to compare history with OVCN’s effort to aggressively expand within our community.

The phrase “A Bridge Too Far” originates from a military context. It was famously used as the title of a book, and later a movie, both depicting a historical event from World War 2 called Operation Market Garden.

This operation was an ambitious plan by the Allied forces to capture several bridges in the Netherlands. However, the plan failed when they could not capture the last bridge at Arnhem, which was a “bridge too far”. This historical context sets the foundation for its current metaphorical use.

In modern English, a “Bridge Too Far” is used metaphorically to describe an overambitious plan or an attempt that is doomed to failure because it is too much of a stretch. It is often used to caution against overreaching or to describe a situation where someone has gone beyond their abilities or resources.

There are several other expressions in English that convey a similar meaning. Phrases like “biting off more than you can chew” or “overextending oneself” also refer to taking on tasks or responsibilities that are too difficult or ambitious.

I submit to you, that the OVCN proposal for expansion in this location in Oro Valley is a 'Bridge Too Far'. "

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Guest View- Jack Stinnett: Mo Greene: The Developer’s Candidate

Developer money has been streaming into Oro Valley campaigns for at least the last 10 year

Over the past 10 years, builders, developers, and Realtor PACs have funneled donations to development-friendly council candidates. Council member Steve Solomon has been their spokesperson on the Council since 2016, advocating for higher-density developments and taller apartment structures.

That money has influenced votes

The best example of this partnership was when Town West [and silent partner HSL] proposed five and six story apartments at the Oro Valley Marketplace along the Tangerine scenic corridor. Council member Solomon made the motion that the council approve the Town West/HSL request as proposed. Newly elected Council member Greene seconded Solomon’s motion, and they both voted for the 5 and 6-story apartments.

Greene is the latest candidate to carry the developer banner forward

But alas, Solomon chose not to run for reelection in 2024. Who could the development community turn to now to advocate for their positions on rezoning requests? 

Let’s “follow the money”

Greene's 2020 Council Election: $8,000 in developer contributions 

Dr. Harry “Mo” Greene won a seat on the OV Town Council in 2020. His donations during the 2020 campaign included $4,500 from Humberto Lopez & HSL employees and $3,500 from the Realtors of Arizona and Southern Arizona Home Builders PAC 

Greene's 2024 Council Election: $25,800 in developer contributions [panel right] 
In December 2023, Councilmember Harry “Mo” Greene formed a committee for his 2024 re-election bid. Donations to Greene’s campaign as of June 30, 2024, were primarily from the development community and his golf course resident neighbors. Specific developer and PAC donations were as follows:

• $13,250 from Humberto Lopez & HSL employees and his preferred legal counsel
• $1,500 from the Realtors of AZ political action committee 
• $750 from the Southern AZ Home Builders political action committee 
• $500 from Samuel Beznos of Beztak (Apartment & Senior Living developers). 

Total developer donations through the second quarter = $16,000.  That's 62% of all the money Greene has raised.  Whose interest do you think he will represent if he is reelected. Certainly not your's. 

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Town Council Candidate, Elizabeth Robb – A Life of Service

Today we present Oro Valley Town Council Candidate, Elizabeth Robb’s opening statement during the Sun City Candidate Forum held on June 12.
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"My name is Elizabeth Robb, and I have been fortunate enough to have led an interesting life as I was born into a military family.

My father served in Vietnam, and while I was in college getting my Animal Science degree, despite being told “a lady doesn't do that,” I took ROTC and I joined the North Carolina National Guard. My basic training is what brought me out to Arizona, and during Desert Storm, I applied for active duty. I spent three and a half years in Germany as an interrogation platoon leader, as a headquarters executive officer, and as a signals battalion intelligence officer. I then returned to Arizona and got my company command at the intelligence school at Fort Huachuca.

I met the man who was eventually going to be my husband, got married, and went into the Army Reserves out in Phoenix. I then passed the national EMT exam, and I volunteered for the Southern Arizona Rescue Association as a rescuer, as a medical instructor, and as a board member.

In addition to raising my own special needs child, I raised two step-daughters, and I was a foster care infant emergency placement home. I ended up adopting one of my placements. He just graduated from CDO High School. I’m very proud of him.

I volunteered for 15 years in the amphitheater school district, doing assorted jobs. I eventually became a classified substitute so that I could continue doing those jobs even after my kids moved on. My boys were active in Boy Scouts, and I participated as a Cub Scout den leader, an outdoor coordinator, a merit badge counselor, and an Eagle mentor. Additionally, I've served as treasurer in five different organizations, and I've run my own successful small business for the last 15 years. Fiscal responsibility is an area where I excel.

I’m not an incumbent so I can't talk about my voting record. I can only talk about the skills I bring and the vision that I have for the future of Oro Valley.

When I moved to Oro Valley 26 years ago, the town covered 28 square miles, and my house was across the street from the southern border of Oro Valley. That border is now almost two miles further south, and the town now covers 36 square miles. I've watched our town grow and I would now like the opportunity to be a part of shaping that future -- together, with you.

I believe my experiences and unique set of skills will serve me well in representing you on the Oro Valley Town Council and guiding the direction of our town for the next four years. I've served my country, I've served my community, and I've served my family. Now I'm ready to serve you on the Oro Valley Town Council.

I ask for your vote on July 30th. Thank you so much for the opportunity to introduce myself to you."

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