TREO is the Tucson Regional Economic Organization. When our former Economic Development Administrator, David Welsh quit his job, he went to work for TREO.
Oro Valley contributes $50,000 to TREO and we're not sure if this is money well spent. Other than retail developments which received $50 million plus in giveaways, what has Oro Valley gained? We acknowledge that Pima County, Tucson, Marana & Sahuarita contribute to this organization, but that's not the point.
We found an Explorer article from Dec. 6, 2006 which quotes Mr. Welsh, who was still our Economic Development Administrator. Welsh is quoted as saying:
"Oro Valley has very little undeveloped land. The situation won't change unless the town completes its annexation plans. So the town can't work to recruit a number of new businesses because we don't have a place to put them."
Well, as we all know, the planned annexation fell through, and best as we can determine, there is no "new land" that as been added to Oro Valley since Dec. 2006.
Don't Mr. Welsh's own words substantiate that we should not give TREO $50,000? And even if there is land for new businesses, might the $50,000 expenditure be better utilized in an attempt to entice new businesses to our community?
Your comments are welcome.
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