If you go to our web site http://www.letorovalleyexcel.com/2008elections.html
we ask "Who you like and why?" (Scroll down to find the question)
Send us an email, and we'll post the responses. Let us know if you want to be anonymous.
Remember---- if you haven't yet mailed in your ballots, election day is May 20.
29 comments:
My vote goes to Mr. Gillaspie. In 'reading' the two candidates, I find Mr. Gillaspie to have much more experience relative to those up and coming issues that will be challanging to our community.I believe that he also is more 'in tune' with the overall picture than is Mr. Parish; he is also more astute in taking, analyzing, and answering those questions that are posed by our constituents.
With the election of Bill Garner and Salette Latas I am already beginning to get the feeling that a new breath in attitude is taking hold in Oro Valley; no longer am I getting such a vibe that we are going to continue down a path of 'hide and seek', a game that has seemingly been permeating this community for so long. Those on the 'even now' current board have seemingly 'caught' this new energy; Barry Gillaspie most certainly has.
WE NEED BARRY'S EXPERIENCE, WE NEED HIS ABILITY, AND WE NEED HIS PERSPECTIVE; WE NEED TO ELECT HIM!
Response received via email.
With Oro Valley looking to buy 14.5 square miles of land north of the present Town's boundaries, we need a professional planner representing us on the Oro Valley Town Council. Barry Gillaspie was once a Principal Planner for Pima County and is now Director of the Development Services Team for Pima Community College.
We may have disagreed - but I respect his integrity.
-Phil Richardson, Retired Broadcaster
I have to agree with the last two posters.
Barry Gillaspie has a college degree from the University of Arizona in Natural Resources Planning.
His opponent has a high school education.
Barry Gillaspie has 30 years experience in planning, information technology, and volunteering for the Town.
His opponent doesn't.
Barry Gillaspie has been married for over 28 years and raised his son in a stable home.
His opponent has had three wives in his first term in office.
Barry Gillaspie voted against the utility tax.
His opponent voted for it.
I think the choice is pretty clear.
Mom
Do you know I voted against the Storm Water Utility Tax and Barry didn't.
MMM maybey you like paying for something only twice but are against paying temporarily for police.
The rest of your post is tasteless no I take that back it's in bad taste. It's alao not accurate but maybe if my wife's name was Monica you'd like me more. Oops his wife's name isn't Monica either.
Maybe you should actually talk to the family you bash before you do so. My number is 260-6195 lets see what you have to say..
Terry
Terry,
How many times have you been married? This has been discussed before on this blog and not sure what the truth is.
So have you been married three times or not
Terry,
Your response to my post is that you voted against a $2.90 per month flat fee, while Barry Gillaspie voted against a tax that averaged $7.48 per month, and will only increase as utility bills increase.
You seem to indicate that the utility sales tax is temporary. Are you saying that you are in favor of sunsetting it?
You state that the rest of my post was in bad taste. How so? We have two people applying for an important job, and I'm evaluating them based on qualifications and character. I don't see anything I wrote that is in bad taste. If it is innacurate, then please indicate which part is innacurate.
I don't know the names of your wives, or what the name Monica would have to do with them.
I have never bashed your family.
You seem to have difficulty with logic in public dicsourse. I don't have any interest in engaging you in private conversation.
My personal feeling is that the personal life of an individual is not in bounds for discussion unless it relates directly to how they will make their decisions and what their value set is.
In Terry's case, I'm pretty sure his family life is "out of bounds". It is what it is. It has no bearing on the fundamental question.
Who will be the best council person to work with our new council?
I will say this. We all know what Terry stands for. He has been honest and forthright in announcing who his contributors are. He has dealt fairly with us at LOVE and is a regular contributor to our blog.
I don't know, for the record, what Barry Gillaspie stands for or who his contributors are. As Art has mentioned, Barry has chosen to ignore LOVE. He is not a contributor, to our knowledge. He is a stealth candidate.
I suspect, that in this election, partisan politics are playing a more important role than they should; that much of Barry's support is because he is a Democrat and not because of his performance in council.
Because, his performance in council has been "transparant".
Zeeman in the house, I don't entirely agree with you.
When an elected official makes decisions that directly or indirectly impact my life especially the financial part I think we need to look at the whole person, not just their public "face".
There is a reason why in some area's law enforcement employees are not allowed to hold public office while still an active employee, they have to be retired.
I don't think we need to know every detail of a candidate's personal status, but the number
of marriages somebody has is really not that personal, it may even be a public record, not sure.
Also Terry Parish started his campaign with stating he is a family man, etc, etc. He also made comments directly or indirectly that were meant to paint another candidate of being in favor of porn in the library. So he really set the pace and now he can't answer a simple question about how many times he has been married.
I don't know about the rest of the posters or readers but the decision to get married is one of the biggest decisions I ever made.
It is a commitment!!!!!!!!
I am more interested in why Terry can't just give a yes or no answer then in his number of marriages.
I have spoken to Mr. Gillaspie and have attended several meetings where he has been either on a panel of candidates or has been privately engaged in exploratory conversations. I have found him to be very knowledgeable and candid when relating to many of the issues that face us. My take on his persona is that he seems to be much of a private person and most probably finds this forum not to be suitable for his comfort zone of communication. That he has refused to participate in it should not be a criteria for
judgement. As to who his contributors are, is not this on public record? It appears from published records that he obviously has not accepted much from outside contributors. As to partisan politics playing a role in this election, while some of that does occur, I do know that for many of us the candidates' party affiliations have not been important.
I agree that Terry Parish's marital statistics are, for me, out of bounds. I can understand OV Mom's rationale (and it usually is incredibly good) but still question it's necessity here.
That Terry appears to be honest, a seemingly good trait in a politician, does not necessarily mean that person is still a good candidate. One can be honest about having committed questionable acts but does the admission neutralize the acts? It is a depth of real knowledge, awareness, and people sensitivity that touch me as being important and while I think that Mr. Parish is a good person, I do not think he has those instincts.
Is Barry Gillaspie really a 'stealth' candidate? Look at his experience, his affiliations, his intellect, his capabilities -even ask him for a personal audience; you will also find him very informative, open, and personable.
Regarding the Utility Tax, I think Parish stated in a previous post that this tax was only temporary (2 years, I think) and will expire soon at which time sales tax revenues are supposed to pay for the new police.
Regarding his marriages, I still say that it has no bearing on his ability or inability to be a good councilperson. I have a friend (of 30 years) who consistently makes bad decisions in his personal life (dating bimbos and substance abusers) but who always makes superb business decisions. He's a high school drop-out who started his own business at age 19 (general contractor) working 12 hour days to get the business going and investing his money in real estate. By age 30 he was a millionaire.
And hey, Bill Clinton made bad decisions in his personal life but he was the best president of my lifetime and I'd vote for him again if I could!
I didn't vote for Parish because of his relationship with Vestar, but his personal life is of no concern to me. After all, it's not illegal to get divorced.
Cowgirl,
You are correct. It is not illegal to get divorced. It is not illegal to accept contributions from out-of-town developers. It is not illegal to forgo a college education. It is not illegal to forgo service on Town boards and commissions.
But that wasn't my point. My point is that our job as voters is to evaluate two candidates, and I was making my evaluation public, as this posting asked.
I am a values voter. I value education. I value experience. I value volunteer community service. I value commitment.
Barry Gillaspie scores high in all of these areas. Terry Parish scores lower.
So I voted for Barry.
The following comment was received via email.
***********************************
You suggested we could email you about our opinions on Barry Gillespie or Terry Parish.
On several occasions, Mr. Parish has stated that he is not "beholding" to Vestar. What about all the literature that I
received from Vestar with Mr. Parrish's endorsement on it. That tell me a great deal about where his loyalties lie.
Mr. Gillaspie is obviously the preferred candidate, especially when there are going to be so many issues coming up that
will affect our future as residents' of Oro Valley. Mr. Gillespie has the experience and the understanding that will be
required.
Travelling Dancer
Travelling Dancer,
You are wise in keeping new arrivals of TP's history of alliances before we cast our ballots. Of course, financial backers expect "favors". Thinking otherwise is naive. New-bies like me are grateful for you telling us his history.
Zev,Phil, OVMom, MsCoyote,
Barry's background in planning,education and people skills make him a unique candidate to round out this council which faces decisions for development. No one else has his training and experience. I concur with your opinions.
As a father of young children, TP might offer this as his unique contribution. However, that becomes murky when you think of three marriages in his Council term. He listed himself as a "family man". By doing so, Terry invited scrutiny into this aspect of his life. Voters have a right to know what a "family man" means to him.
While politicians get voter support for other skills, if one describes himself as a man of family values, I agree that knowing his family background is valid.
If I applied for a job that required speaking Russian, wouldn't you, the employer want to know how well I speak the language?
Native Spirit
I think you no doubt have already cast your ballot.
If you knew me you would know I vote my conscience.
If you knew me you would know I don't care who doesn't like what I have to say. I'm gonna say it.
If you knew me you'd know that I am a native and I have spirit. The only reason to take this job is because you care about the community.
If you knew me you'd know that I enjoyed watching LATAS and GARNER learn that we are not the tax and spend council they advertised us to be. At least the learning curve has begun
After I win the election, (Zev confidence not Arrogance) I would be happy to meet you and discuss any subject you like or you can call me at 260-6195
Everyone Else
I appreciate your commentary. So I will comment a little on my personal life.
Family man doesn't mean I'm married but I am.
I have been married 3 times.
Wife number 1 married almost 15 years pregnant with my youngest daughter she had a brain hemorrage and woke up different decided she didnt love me and divorced me all in a year.
Wife #2 my fault bad personal life decision too fast after divorce.
Wife #3 my high school sweetheart, and the original love of my life. Loves me I couldn't be happier with my home life.
Incidentally wife #1 and I get along great we just don't love eachother she is still different and I have my kids 1/2 the time and I am a family man.
I don't name anyone on the blog or otherwise unless legally bound. My kids have been punished enough by my service as a cop and as a councilman.
Terry,
I left three messages and you NEVER returned my calls...now that we're blogging and you want voters to notice, you invite me to meet with you...How interesting! Constituent-friendly is NOT a word I would use to describe you.
Do you want to tell the readers what exactly the public records show about the uncoupling of each of your relationships, Terry?
I've done the research as the records are public.
Native Spirit
I have been blogging a long time several months anyway. If I missed your calls I am sorry I answer all messages on the number I provided. It is mt cell phnone.
I think most if not all agree I have always made myself available. I don' know who you are and have no reason to avoid your calls or any one elses calls.
My wifes ex has made many allegations. but still he went to jail my wife did not. Litigation continues and if you wish to make the public record public yet again so be it.
All of us on this blog have read it before. It doesn't change the fact that for all I know you are the ex. Either way you are angry, you claim to be a newbie I used to be angry like you.
No more. I love my wife, and if people think the allegations of her ex are a problem then so be it.
If I lose the election then so be it. God has a plan and I hope to do my part in that plan.
As a peace officer I frequently listen to people who have bad things to say about others, some of it is even true, in this case I have heard them all I have been in the courtrooms, I AM AT PEACE WITH MY DECISIONS. I am sorry you do not agree.
Terry
Zev
Im breaking a rule. I call everyone that calls my cell back or I answer the phone.
Native Spirit is being less than truthful. Somebody is lying my public record cell phone can prove it's not me!!!!!! Anyone want to look at a cell phone bill. During campaign season I pay my own but they are still public record.
Terry,
You are calling me "untruthful" online...publically assaulting my integrity, in this litigious society?
The calls were placed 4/20/07, 4/27/07 and 5/4/07and messages left on the phone. Since another governmental official referred me to you, that official was also notified of your nonresponse. You may want to refresh your memory some.
Native Spirit
What number did you call. I do not use my office phone and that is why I list my cell phone on my business cards and offered it to you.
I have no idea what you are talking about. Especially the part that mentions another public official. Like I said I have no idea who you are but am certainly willing to speak with you. And if there is a problem that you need resolved I will try to help. My cell phone number is 260-6195.
Terry,
As a new-bie in Oro Valley, I called 229-4992, the number listed on the website as yours, assuming that all council members responded to official calls on their Town phone numbers.
This makes me wonder if you might have missed other constituents calls as well. What do you think?
Thank you for offering now to assist me with this problem, but after not getting help at the town level over a year ago, I had to pursue other options. Your offering to help even now shows that you are aware that response to constituents is what we, the voters, are concerned about.
Native Spirit
I apologize for not being there when you needed my assistance. I will takes steps to insure that this situation does not repeat itself.
Terry
Native Spirit,
You said that Terry is, "calling me "untruthful" online...publically assaulting my integrity, in this litigious society?"
How can he or anyone assault YOUR integrity when you are not using your REAL NAME? And now you're implying that you could sue him for this??!!
Lighten up! There are bigger problems in this town than a council member not returning your phone call. I have contacted each council member at various times for different issues. Sometimes they call or e-mail me back, sometimes they don't. I don't lose sleep over it, I just find another avenue.
For the record, the only two council members who have responded to all my calls and e-mails have been Gillaspie and Parish, and not just when they're running for re-election.
I voted for Gillaspie and also distributed his fliers door-to-door in my neighborhood, so that will tell you where I stand, but I'm still objective enough to defend Parish when I think he's being attacked unnecessarily, as I do in this instance.
I'm curious though...have you given as much scrutiny to the public records of ALL the council members and candidates?
Hi everyone
This is my last post on the blog. I have had some things revealed to me that are not at all pleasant.
It seems that the people in my life some past and others still present continue to pay a personal price because of my blogging and the misunderstandings that frequently occur when only part of a conversation can be had.
It also seems that some have an agenda to cause personal harm. I'm sure I am not the only one to have felt this.
Native Spirit it is obvious that I should have clarified what phone you were calling before I said you were being dishonest. I apologize.
To my family and friends who have suffered as a result of my blogging I apologize.
To my second wife I apologize. I had no idea that this stuff would get rubbed in your face.
I've done alot of thinking about people today and how we can cause a negative impact without intending to do so.
Regarding my divorces. It's really no ones business but mine and the other people who are involved that never ran for office but supported me while I did so.
I love my kids but frankly they weren't ready for me to get married to wife number 2. I know the blending of families is notoriously tough on them and the adults that love each other. In my case one it became an impossible situation to manage.
Suffice it to say I didn't handle it as well as I should have and the result was personal tragedy for all involved. I cannot continue to reopen those wounds.
I regret that I can no longer use this blog to defend my positions or joke with you. I have enjoyed much of my experience.
I wish that everyone had the pure motive of intelligent and witty discourse. If we spent our energy learning and informing how much better off would we all be.
My family and I would appreciate it if this issue was alowed to drop it is no one persons doing.
Often to finish typing quickly we cut our conversations short and cause mis-understanding. I have no further desire to communicate in a forum that cannot by design hold people accountable for their words.
Best wishes to each of you and if I have offended you, you have my apology. If I can ever be of service please feel free to call me on either phone. Native Spirit made an excellent point and I learned to use the electronic messaging system remotely today.
Terry
Thank you Terry
What I mant to say was that your marriage record was not a factor in my vote. I deleted my post because I typed that it did factor in my decision(typo) I just strongly disagree with you on a few issues that are really important to me.
Also you seem to blame the blog for posting too many details about your personal life, From what I have been reading you gave more details then anybody that posts here.
I would never wish harm on your family.
Your children are beautiful kids
Good Luck with the family.
All this information is interesting, since Mr. Parish only alludes to his qualifications as being a "family man"
which,of course, only open himself up to having voters question this terminology.
What I have noticed when attending some of the Council Meeting is he is either playing a video game or text messaging when
he appears to be bored with whomever is speaking. Both his chomping on nuts and his dismissive looks when someone speaks
at length be it a Council Member or constituent. Sorry, but I don't think this is very profession behavior
I have in my possession many of those "Vestar" sheets where Terry gave his endorsement and he has not addressed that issue.
Also his voting record when he comes to other issues.
Travelling dancer
Well, I think it's really sad that Terry decided to leave this site because certain people kept badgering him about his personal life. He was the only council member who kept a dialog going with us (using his real name) and you should all have appreciated that.
My feeling is that he was placed in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. If he DIDN'T respond to the constant allegations about his personal life, then he appeared to be "guilty as charged." If he DID respond to the allegations and clarified everything, then he was forced to reveal personal family issues that were none of anyone's business and only served to make his current wife and his ex's and his children uncomfortable.
He called himself a "family man" and suddenly everyone is dissecting the words and using them against him. Good grief! Maybe "family man" simply meant that he is a human being with the same feelings and desires as the rest of us and the same connection to family as the rest of us. Why some people felt a need to attack that is beyond me.
You're choosing a council person not a spouse. You had a 4-year history of voting records to defend or attack in order to make your decision. But unfortunately some people just can't stick to the issues and they have to "create" issues where there are none.
Terry supporting Vestar: Issue.
Terry implying that Salette was promoting pornography: Issue.
Terry wanting to spend millions of tax dollars for a town park: Issue.
Terry being married 3 times: Non-issue.
To better illustrate why voting based on non-issues is a bad idea, look at the results from the last time Americans voted based on THIS non-issue..."he's someone I could sit down and have a beer with."
I voted for Gillaspie based on a variety of issues, but I still wish Terry the best and thank him for all his contributions to this site.
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