The May 17 AZ Star reports that a 2nd German solar firm has set up operations in Tucson.
So----why should we care? From my point of view, we should care for the following reason.
We all should be familiar with the name TREO---Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc.
Well, we contribute $50,000 a year to them, although they're asking for $75,000 this year. This is a "drop in the bucket" compared to the "donation" by the big metropolis to our south--Tucson.
The point is this. Tucson benefits from contributing to TREO, as noted by the handful of companies that David Welsh stated in his April 10 memo to Oro Valley, that opted to stay in Tucson---- but what does Oro Valley get? We're not sure, unless you count a FREE TRIP TO EUROPE FOR MAYOR LOOMIS, compliments of TREO.
Yup! Loomis will be heading to Europe in a few days ostensibly to visit Sanofi-Aventis (they have been in OV for 17 years now) and we don't know who else.
Oh yeah! In case you didn't know it, guess who is on the Board of Directors of TREO.
Honorable Paul H. Loomis
Mayor, Town of Oro Valley
Represents: PAG Appointment - Small Jurisdictions
So---when the mayor votes to give TREO tens of thousands of dollars of OUR money, is it fair to ask: Is there a conflict of interest here?
In any case, read the story in the Az Star here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/biz-topheadlines/239374
2 comments:
Looks like "The Mayah, Hizonner For Life, Looney Tunes Loomis" has a bit of a conflict of interest going. Why, Mr. Mayah, why didn't you disclose this previously?
It might be acceptable for Oro Valley
to give a small or token amount to TREO. But if Oro Valley gains nothing then why are we contributing.
As citizens of Oro Valley and taxpayers we do have the right to ask questions and have the town provide us some details about what Treo does for Oro Valley.
Hopefully after Vestargate none of us will settle being made to feel petty for asking.
We have the right to ask and the right to expect answers and accountability.
It is our money.
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