We have been following the saga of the citizen's fight against "giveaways" in Kingman. Thanks to the reporting of Nicolas Wilbur of The Kingman Daily Miner, we see that Kingman residents have initiated a grassroots group with the name "RAID"---- Residents Against Irresponsible Development.
For those of us who have "been down that road," it's good to see Mr. Wilbur staying on top of the issue, and even better that the citizens are fighting for their rights.
If you want to read all the recent articles on Vestar & incentives in Kingman, log on to the Kingman Daily Miner, and use "keyword" "Wilbur."
Here is the recent article on "RAID."
http://www.kingmandailyminer.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=12581&SectionID=13&SubSectionID=&S=1
18 comments:
Please, Try to Understand
I consistently read various comments from the good residents of OV with regard to such issues as taxes, growth and the town’s future direction.
Please understand all three of the above mentioned issues share one common connection which is the town council in itself. Growth along with taxes would not be an issue at all if it were not for the actions of the past and present town council.
For example;
• Dollars to fund the Naranja Park would be available for the most part if foresight was used and the council implemented a prudent impact fee on all new construction setting aside these funds to help fund the park knowing it was a part of forward town planning.
• Little need to “buy” new business in OV would be present if the same foresight was used affixing proper impact fees on new construction substantial enough that growth could efficiently pay for itself. The aforementioned new construction is the cause and effect which has resulted in the town’s negative forward financial position.
• With prudent impact fees growth would not only pay for itself but, would also moderate as a result of the higher cost of doing business (building of new construction). This growth moderation would have eased the over-acceleration of the associated overhead expenses the town is now experiencing.
• Town expenditures are not actually out of control. With the same prudent insight as mentioned above, expenses would not be an issue if a positive financial structure had been in place which, always begins with new construction permitting fees and associated impact fees. Starting out as a residential bedroom community, I cannot conclude as to where else the operating revenue was to come from.
A well financed and progressive town excluding property taxes requires proper foresight, planning and execution. As not a single town council member will admit responsibility for this mess, I will leave this open-ended looking for responses from OV residents on how to resolve this predicament. Resolve is really pretty easy but, I would like to see other views.
An OV Resident
Thought for the day:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world (and Oro Valley). Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
author: Margaret Mead
Just some new concerns after listening to ov council meeting and seeing article in todays paper re annexation to the north:
-Where's the water?
-Why does OV want to annex? Who's pushing for this to happen?
-What are the real costs of annexing? I would like to know the true figures from our town manager; roads, infrastructure, police,more ov staff to support this growth, new town facilities for new staff, more police, parks and I am sure I am forgetting more.
-Are the town officials expecting us to pass the CAP bond that will be coming up in order to pay for this area so there is water? I'm sure water will magically appear from somewhere so it can be developed and the state will make more money. We must remember that the money made goes to our schools in the state. So,the state owns land that has questionable water resources and its supposed to go to fund our education system. How did that happen? Help me become an educated citizen so that I can learn why all this is happening! Just a concernedmominov
I commend those who voted and truly care about Oro Valley and not special interest groups. The demographics have changed in Oro Valley and those responsible and owned by big business have been sent packing. Keep this in mind when you vote for the HOA board as well.
My vote is for Barry and I would encourage others to follow...Either that or you vote for someone who has no idea or concept on how to solve major issues affecting our community.
Nice to see a change in OV, unfortunaltley there is alot of catch-up to do..good luck Bill and Selete and Barry
As a consequence of the LOVE Blog's overwhelming support for the two newly elected Town Council members, and underwhelming support for Barry Gillaspie, we are now faced with a very distinct possibility that an avowed pro-development candidate, Terry Parish, will be reelected. Parish has huge financial support from the development community, the majority of whom do not even live nearby, let alone in Oro Valley. If you want to see this kind of approach to governance continue on the Oro Valley Town Council, be sure to ignore the result of the recent primary.
This is where the rubber meets the road, my friends. If there is a lack of effort by this forum to keep Barry on the Council, the result would not only be an embarrassment to the Blog, but a slap in the face of those who voted for Selete and Bill. Barry is NOT one of the bad guys. If someone thinks that there is no difference between the remaining candidates, they might want to step back and reassess their information. Or better yet, get in touch with Barry and get some answers.
KC Carter and Paula Abbott--are they contributing Council Members?
I say no. It is my opinion Ms. Abbott simply sits in the corner and votes no. She refuses to meet with anyone who disagrees with her.
If elected officials are to be criticized for out of town seminars lets be fair and balanced. Ms. Abbott and KC Carter also attend various out of town events at taxpayer expense.
Ms. Abbott attended Protecting the Public Checkbook in Las Vegas. She spend most of her time on her cell phone, missing the seminar almost entirely. (personal observation)
While in Washington, DC Ms. Abbott traveled by taxi while Council Members from all over the country rode the bus supplied by the League of Cities and Towns. (personal observation)
Repeatedly she signs up for events, where taxpayers foot the bill, and doesn't attend. She lacks the common courtesy to cancel her reservation or return calls requesting she confirm. (personal observation)
KC Carter, from the dais, states he doesn't understand the issue he is voting on. (personal observation)
He frequently needs assistance from other council members and staff to show him where he should be on the agenda. (personal observation)
As for his character: Women who know him generally fall victim to his wandering hands and inappropriate sexual statements.
(personal experience)
A man of character? I think not.
(personal opinion)
Wake up Oro Valley! Attend meetings and see who effectively represents you.
Since we live off Palisades the development of the Kai property is important to us. The is no need for a mile road that dead ends to be 4 lanes, that would only encourage speeding and make walking and biking more dangerous. The fewer roads connecting to Palisades the better for the same reason. Those of us who live along Palisades are blessed to live in such a wonderful area, we are watching the development of this area carefully.
I no longer trust either political party. But, I have been a Republican all my life because a reasonable platform embraced honest and conservative principals. These conservative issues are not understood by many immigrants both legal and illegal. Virtues that were common place and accepted by our forefathers are denied or ignored and must be reestablished so that we all embrace a common decency accepted as these United States, adopted Christian doctrine. Never,can we embrace a Muslim.
Senator Mc Cain has many personal ideals. But he does not embrace many principles contained in former Republican platforms. He assumes leadership of the Republican Party. Will He, subscribe to a strong Republican platform that include these ideals?
a.A policy of energy independence for USA including: Drilling for ‘oil’ anyplace to include ANWAR. Establish alternate & nuclear energy use policies.
b.Reform and enforce immigration & citizenship laws. Pledge of Allegiance requires ‘Under God’. Would he abide that our Declaration of Independence and pledge be an integral part of United States of America Constitution?
c.The size of the federal government must be reduced, eliminating executive & cabinet offices whose mission and objectives rightly belong to the States.
d.Would he create a simple limited federal income tax law?. e.
“States Rights” to levy both income and property tax laws should be unconstitutional because banks and commercial lending agencies should have first right to reclaim deeded property that is deeded to assure loans.f. State taxing limits must be restricted. Perhaps limited to sales taxes and fees.
g.Health care and other Social security issues should remain outside the purview of any government entity. Private saving accounts should replace social programs.
My Further preferences would allow federal law to:
h.Prosecute State, city, counties or districts that do not conform to and enforce federal law.
i.Intrusion of foreign religious practices and “Sharia Law” cannot be tolerated by granting citizenship or visa’s to foreign entrants embracing a multitude of vacuous religious faiths tolerating sedition, intolerance, battery, murder and denial of individual freedoms and a right to “choice”.
j.Insist and prosecute Supreme Court judges not abiding with United States Common law never giving preference, citation or reference to International or Geneva laws.
k.Individual freedom should be paramount and within respected Christian limits. I observe that “WE” natural born American citizens are rapidly loosing our original rights, privileges, freedoms and way-of-life, acceding to principles embracing esthetic, atheistic and abominable practices thus becoming slaves to the whims of a socialistic minority living among us. These minorities are tolerated and shamelessly practice in our schools and Universities.
l.A Constitutional change needs be made to establish written “Foreign Policy” understood and agreed to by congress and the American people. “One World Order” must not be expressed by any President, and toleration denies our National Sovereignty. Chuckle
Hello, hello - am I on?
We just would like to see out town work for and with us; and although some things are too late to change, we are optomistic that more people like us are becoming involved in the issues and working to make OV a better and less corrupt place to live and grow in. Thanks to all who let their voices be heard.
Regarding the newname for the same old Boondoggle, I read somewhere "If it looks like a duck, and quakes like a duck, it must be our Mayor!!!!
To All,
As you are aware, the Town is very much hurting for money and getting worse by the day, along with the rest of the economy. Two items come to mind that could help, at least a little. 1. If you are not aware, the Town Council is served meals for every executive and study session. Is this really necessary??? It wasn’t a couple of months ago. If they have to be fed, why can’t it be economical vs. catering in from local upscale restaurants. The move to feed them at ever meeting was just started up just recently so as the town losses money, the council eats it up. 2. Like the big bail out, big executives were getting their golden parachutes. Our City manager just rec'd a large raise not more than 6 months ago, in the 10's of thousands. Hiring freezes, rumors of pay cuts and layoffs. Leadership from within would definitely be a morale booster, by rescinding said raise until things get better for the city. In a time of such uncertainness, this could go along ways for his people. Just a thought.
I just learned about the website.
Found it very informative. It does appear we are a community amongst much transition and not very much cohesion. I think the majority of us who live in Oro Valley were drawn to it by it's serene beauty. I think trying to preserve some of this and taking a stand against big developers is to be commended. If we want big city big box stores we would have choosen to live within the city limits of Tucson. Personally I'm tired of being deceived by the people who are supposed to represent us. I'm thankful for the website and am taking a stand against the developer who wants to put an apartment complex on the Miller Ranch property.
Thanks to all of you who started and contribute to this website!
Marge
This is not directly related to OV, but would have a HUGE impact on communities in OV, especially those that care about the aesthetics of their neighborhood. Mainly those with an HOA. There is a bill that has moved from the House to the Senate and awaits action in the Senate (the bill passed the house on a vote of 44 “yes” and 11 “no”). It is HB2034.
HB2034 is not (yet) law. It is a proposed statute that would amend the planned community statutes (it would have no effect on condominiums), and would add the following section 33-1817:
Notwithstanding any provision in the community documents, an association has no authority over and shall not regulate
any road way, easement or other area for which the ownership or use has been dedicated to a governmental entity or
that is otherwise under the legal authority of a governmental entity.
Using ellipses, HB2034 states as follows:
Notwithstanding any provision of the community documents, an association has no authority over and shall not
regulate any…area…that is…under the legal authority of a governmental entity.
By reading it this way, some have argued that community restrictions that govern planned communities would be rendered
null and void. “Area” could include the Lots where the homes sit, private gated streets, and all other areas including
community pools and playground areas. Associations could no longer enforce swimming pool rules, playground hours of
operation, architectural limitations, etc. According to this argument, all property in planned community associations is
“under the legal authority of a governmental entity” because every inch of property in Arizona is under the legal authority of
at least three governmental entities (the federal government, the State of Arizona and the appropriate Arizona county).
Although not all planned community associations care about parking on publicly dedicated streets and some planned community
associations have private streets and therefore would appear to be less interested in HB2034, the challenge is that,
as drafted, HB2034 could create problems for every planned community in Arizona.
At the moment, HB2034 is awaiting action in the Senate and has been assigned to the Senate Government
Institutions Committee. If you are interested, you could provide your perspective on HB2034 to the members of this
committee (phone, fax and e-mail contact information can be found at www.azleg.gov):
Senator Manny Alvarez
Senator Meg Burton Cahill
Senator Jorge Luis Garcia
Senator Chuck Gray
Senator Linda Gray
Senator Jack Harper
Senator Jay Tibshraeny (chair) Senator Jim Waring
I just listened to the farce of a council meeting that occured on the 23rd of September. From what I can understand there were some very unethical tenants proferred in getting rid of our town manager David Andrews. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Andrews a few years ago and I felt that he was a very intelligent and compassionate person who loves Oro Valley deeply. After the despicable treatment of him, I would very much like to put my money where my mouth is and appeal to the powers that be to join me and I will run for Mayor of Oro Valley. I will need help. Should you desire to see Mayor Loomis replaced, I would very much like to talk with you. Leave a post on how to get in touch with you or send a reply to me via Art. Thank you.
drdon.
test
Let us agree that the firefighters have the same rights of free speech. What intrigues me, however, is what is their agenda? Is it for the betterment of Oro Valley and it's citizentry or is it self directed ? Are they interested in the well being of all citizens who live and own property in Oro Valley or are they only interested in their financial well-being. How many of these "citizen firefights" are actually residents of Oro Valley ? We have seen this in many commmunities by both the fire fighters and police officers who try to influence the outcome of an election even though the majority do not live inside the city. I am not saying this wrong or unAmerican or not acceptable. It is what it is, but the voters should not be influenced by the fact that FireFighters are endorsing a particular candidate. In some municipalities they are prohibited from being politically active for one candidate over the other, to avoid this type of problem.
Both police and fire fighters have long been held in high esteem by our communities, and rightfully so, but I recommend you look behind the form and look for the substance of their endorsement. Look at the qualifications of the candidate and not be influenced by those who are only furthering their own agenda.
I am really interested if Mike Zimkin is so good why did he break the law by using the town log on his recent mailer. First it is a trade mark and second in campaign information it is illegal to use the town logo on campaign litature.
Is he going to break the law if he is elected?
Post a Comment