Two letters to The Explorer explain why Bill Garner, Salette Latas & Barry Gillaspie achieved landslide victories in the recent Oro Valley elections.
In OV, they’ll offer opinions, and keep score
Driving along Lambert Lane past the mayoral residence, I couldn’t help wondering what Mayor Loomis must have been thinking as he removed the two Terry Parish signs he had so prominently displayed for many months on his front fence.
Of course I might ask him the next time I see him, but sometimes it’s more fun to speculate: How might Mayor Loomis interpret the new splash of handwriting on the wall? Does he see it as his failure to deliver?
I would think that the mayor has to be be disappointed that his favored Terry Parish, second-the-motion stalwart, golden poster boy for developers, and consummate law-and-order candidate, must now step down to devote himself to his career in the sheriff’s department.
Terry probably doesn’t see that as a step down, but the move fuels quips about law officers becoming busier and busier once Wal-Mart opens its doors in October.
Those who handsomely funded the Parish campaign must be feeling mightily chagrined. Can they still count on Mayor Loomis viewing development through rose-tinted glasses? Or will a change in the wind coupled with a bright, new council somehow sharpen the mayoral vision? We can only cross our fingers, offer comments and suggestions, and keep score as events unfold.
Citizens proved at the ballot box that they’re not buying the old razzamatazz anymore. By embracing Salette Latas, Bill Garner and Barry Gillaspie, three of the very best Oro Valley has to offer, they invited the winds of change to sweep out the halls of the town hall complex as well as council chambers.
May all who labor here realize that the residents who vote here pay their salaries — and we want much more than the same old lip service.
Kathy Pastryk
Oro Valley
Oro Valley voters have awakened
This letter was addressed to Oro Valley Mayor Paul Loomis. – Ed.
Permit this letter to explain why Barry Gillaspie was re-elected to the Oro Valley Town Council by a huge margin, to join Salette Latas and Bill Garner, who were elected in the primary also by huge margins.
In a nutshell, the voters of Oro Valley woke up. The voters realized that if they allowed developers and their minions on council to operate without restraint, Oro Valley would double in size, their taxes used to subsidize unwanted development, and their water supply depleted to facilitate ill-advised growth.
Voters used the ballot box to express disdain for heavy-handed, rude treatment when they spoke at town council meetings; the complete disregard for their opposition to subsidies for Wal-Mart; failure to follow Robert’s Rules at council meetings; council decisions that staff claimed were administrative and legislative, at the same time, thereby neutering citizens’ ability to control their council; the destruction of Honey Bee Canyon; the potential destruction of the Tortolitas; and for those of us with longer memories, the nefarious obstacles used to stop the Town of Tortolita from its formation and the extensive open space that would have resulted.
Folks became organized in Oro Valley. Republicans and Democrats joined together, set aside their busy lives and organized meetings, focus groups, and house parties to help Gillaspie, Latas and Garner define their message and effectively deliver it. They examined the root causes that resulted in Phoenix and refused to accept that future. They attended seminars on referendum and the initiative process and learned the power ordinary people have to control wayward government in Arizona. Finally, people rejected the high-priced, misleading advertisements for those council candidates who failed them in the past.
This grass roots movement became a professional-style campaign organization and easily achieved its goal of electing council members who represent a fresh start. Given their success, you can expect these same people to play an increasing role for the remaining two years of your term.
The people have spoken and, given the electoral margins, Oro Valley voters are likely to never be silent again.
Barry DiSimone
Oro Valley
21 comments:
Ms. Pastryk's letter is almost laughable. But in the end it is just one more sad testimonial that Ms. Pastryk just can't seem to get her facts straight on something as simple as this.
Does any one who knows the Mayor really believe that he would show favoritism during a Town Council race? You may disagree with his politics but he does have far better judgement than to do that.
The Mayor had no signs on his property. The last time he had a political sign was during his own election campaign.
But this is just one more in the long list of comments on this blog that have no factual base and are put out there for the sole purpose to mislead.
Hi Thinker.
Can you say for certain that the mayor did not have a political sign
on his property? I have no idea if he did .
Are you saying that the writer just made this up? I seriously doubt it.
I can't say if the mayor would show favoritism during a town council race.
I can say that in my opinion the mayor has exhibited some disrespectful behavior towards certain council members.
I can also say that the public does not get treated as respectfully as most members of the development community when they speak to council.
To clarify I don't mean all the time. I have also noticed that when a developer speaks they are rarely and I mean rarely held to the buzzer or three minute time.
Sadly I see citizens cut off routinely.
Hope this changes.
One way to clear this up would be for the Mayor to tell us that he did or did not have political sign on his property.
But I don't think that is the point of the letter.
The point is that people have voted for a change. People voted against developers always being showed favoritism, or perceived favoritism.
We want council members who represent us and work for us.
We are tired of developers running the town or ruining the town!
r
Kathy Pastryk asked if I would post her following comment.
***********************************
When I heard someone say, "Look, there's the Mayor's house with two Parish signs,"
I turned my head ...and thought I was looking at the Mayor's house where two red, white
and blue Parish signs sat side by side on the fence making a very strong statement.
Remarkable; certainly, but why not? For any loyal Parish supporter to decorate the front
of his/her home in such a fashion is nothing less than a citizen's privilege and an expression
of loyalty and support. The message was clear -- or so I thought.
It's a First Amendment right, surely, nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, I consider it to be totally
tasteful and appropriate to have two signs during an election where one might -- if so inclined
-- vote straight Parish! Or straight Gillaspie as was true in most cases.
Is there any reason in this world NOT to put up signs that favor one candidate over another?
I don't see any. Why should elected officials have to shy away from signs -- unless
that's their personal preference?
Campaign signs have become a useful, colorful part of the landscape, generating interest, making a
candidate's name a "household word," and so, in their own way, fulfilling an educational purpose.
I hope that Mayor Loomis and the rightful owner of the house that was pointed out do not mind
my calling attention to it. My unfortunate misconception was about ownership.
Still, the signs -- posted by whoever lives there -- accomplished their mission, for they grabbed my attention
and set some thoughts in motion. I thought about Oro Valley's Mayor and our new council -- and I
wondered what dynamics and drama will unfold these coming weeks and months.
As the new team finds their groove and begins to interact, I will wish them well.
And yes, to Don Cox, mucho gracias for setting me straight!
Barry DiSimone aptly states "the voters of Oro Valley woke up". Barry gets it, I get it, thousands of voters got it but the wizened sage of Oro Vally just can't fathom it. Just what we need, Cox, a little of your insight mixed in with a little of your intellect to add a whole lot of humor to this blog site. Keep it coming (as I know you will).
Just a quick note in appreciation to artmarth for enabling this interesting blog, to Ms. Pastryk for telling it like it is, to the voters of OV for their strong statements at the ballot box, and to OVOT for the comic relief.
"fromdatundra"---- Thanks for the acknowledgment. It's always nice to hear from new and astute bloggers.
Hopefully, you'll see fit to continue to comment---especially since we don't have any others "from 'da' tundra."
I don't care what Ms. Pastryk said in her first paragraph. What is most important was the balance of her letter.
Many of us who watch the Town Council meetings on the Website or attend the Council Meetings in person have observed how individuals, not developers have been treated with disdain by some Council members. I, was going to suggest that the Mayor and one Council member go to a Tucson Council meeting to see how they should be run. At the Tucson Council meetings individuals that stand up to speak have on occasion yelled at the Council and they always keep their composure.
Mr Cox, aka OV objective thinker has on four occassions tried to get elected to the Council and was unsuccessful. This should give him an indication how the voters feel.
I also was very impressed with Mr. DiSimone's letter. He has a true understanding of how the residents of OV feel perhaps he should run.
Coyote....I will let Kathy's comments speak for her. She was obviously wrong and admitted it.
Tundra..As long as it is accurate comic relief, you can count on me.
Zev...I will continue to post factual information. You can view it as you wish....but I am happy that you at least view it. There may still be hope. And as a side to the Ferlin comment......PLEASE MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO RECALL AL!!! THAT WOULD BE REALLY, REALLY FUN.
Tundra....that would be two occasions...2004 and 2006. Mr. DiSimone is not a resident of Oro Valley and therefore you can discount most of his rhetoric. He is a really nice guy, with some good thoughts but carries a huge chip on his shoulder which renders most of his comments too subjective to be considered.
Mr. Cox---- So you say most of Barry DiSimone's comments are "too subjective," but you have the audacity to refer to yourself as "Objective Thinker." That's comical!
"Tundra" wrote, your comments offer "comic relief." The above comment is a perfect example of this.
And ----although you never make any mistakes, it was "Dancer" not "Tundra" who indicated you lost elections on FOUR occasions, which is CORRECT. Two primary election losses plus two run-off election losses equals FOUR LOSSES.
One last thought. If Mr. DiSimone
"carries a huge chip on his shoulder," to most of us, you "carry a whole log!"
It was so nice of Don Cox to remember that I wished to recall Al Kunisch! That would really clean up the council! We have been told he's your friend, Don.
Mr. Kunisch gets a prize for rudeness to his constituents. I have heard him tell people, "You can't speak at this meeting", which was a neighborhood site tour they were invited to attend,and those folks only lived there...they didn't matter to Al! He forgot people have Freedom of Speech in this country.
I have heard him give answers which indicate stupidity to me, and listened to him give answers that are totally misleading.
Yes, I support a recall for the Vice-Mayor!! He is part of the "old gang" that is being thrown out, one or two at a time!
Subjective or objective - what does it really matter? This blog is designed for those who wish to express and discourse opinion; deeming these opinions as subjective or objective has little to do with anything here as BOTH words simply reference perception.
In commonly understood and simplified vernacular, one can virtually substitute these words into 'bias' or 'non bias'. There isn't much that is presented here that is 'editorially pure' no matter who the presenter might be (and that DOES include you, Don Cox). The notion that 'I am giving you the facts' is a fallacy in itself. FACTS are a string of verifiable premises leading to a truism that is ABSOLUTE; there are very few 'facts' proffered within this theater that are, in fact, absolute. Statistics and facts are NOT one and the same. One can pour out a plethora of statistics, for example, and skew them into a whole host of 'conclusions'.
SO MUCH FOR FACTUAL OBJECTIVITY!
As to Barry DiSimone not being a resident of Oro Valley and the declaration that therefor one must "discount most of his rhetoric" is an escapist reality. In several instances, specifically relative to the Naranja Town Site, the Council allowed many comments/inputs from persons that did not live or work in Oro Valley as well as children who have no hand in the over all realities of THIS municipality. I have not seen nor heard any comment from OV OT relative to 'discounting most of THAT rhetoric' - bias or non bias, MR. OBJECTIVE? Mr. DiSimone, whose property is within an area that abuts and is within Pima County, does have issues, both directly and indirectly, with Oro Valley which could affect the property on which he lives. That he lives a bit outside the boundaries of Oro Valley and therefor should be muted is most certainly SUBJECTIVE, isn't it, Mr. Cox?
At the very least, virtually all that comment - in a blog post, a 'letter to an editor', a radio program, or a declaration to the Town, have an interest in the 'workings' of Oro Valley. Persons of different eyes may dissect the past, ride the today, and envision the future, in many different ways and perspectives, but, if they DO comment they generally DO care! Barry DiSimone cares (as do you, OV OT) and caring does matter!
Zev...
Nice post.
What you don't know....only because you have not lived here long enough, is that Barry DiSimone has a chip on his shoulder that dates back to HIS failed effort to incorporate a small community to the west and north of Oro Valley. His ability to discuss Oro Valley issues objectively is highly questionable.
Barry does care. But Barry does not care for Oro Valley!!
Don Cox--- Once again, you prove that "Tundra's" comment about you "adding comic relief" to this blog is so accurate.
Now you write that Barry DiSimone's "ability to discuss Oro Valley issues objectively is highly questionable."
The more you post here, the more foolish you look. On a previous post, you write:
"If you look at the statements in the three previous postings you will see a continuum of statement that are based on 'feelings' and 'emotion'. Few statements have any fact based content. That's OK. This is a blog and there are no rules for fact versus emotion."
Therefore, I'm sure you must be stating a FACT about Barry, as you wouldn't want to make an EMOTIONAL statement---would you?
I'm sure our readers are not surprised by your continuous outlandish comment, but, then again, you seem to know the motives for many people's actions.
What a wonderful attribute that must be!
The statement that "Barry does not care for Oro Valley" is a 'whole bowl of mush' at the very least. What happens in Oro Valley effects ALL who live in this AREA. We ALL have selfish motivations for our beliefs and our actions and that does manifest itself in our perception of influence. I ask YOU, Don Cox, how much altruism is there in YOUR personna?
Zev...
You haven't lived here long enough to know the history of Barry and Oro Valley and I suspect you have not done any research on the subject. I'll offer you the same challenge I gave to Art. Rather than simply sit in front of a screen and exercise your fingers, get out and do some homework. Learn before you type. Had you done that, many of your previous comments would have never appeared.
My service to this community is well documented should you care to look. I have yet to see your name on anything constructive.
Thinker, what does your last post have anything to do with what I wrote? As to my knowledge and/or judgement of Barry and/or Oro Valley, that is MY knowledge resulting in MY opinions and only YOUR self-serving speculations. You pleasure yourself, denigrate others, and your comprehension and perceptive abilities are highly wanting in substance because of your out-of-control narcissism. Who are you? My opinion - really a nobody with a lot of puffery. What are you? My opinion - a person with a certain degree of intelligence but an evil twister of reality. Why are you? My opinion - only God knows.
Zev....It appears obvious that you are having difficulty connecting the dots. I'll make an attempt to assist.
Dot 1> You made a comment about my previous post and stated that my comment about Barry was,"'a whole bowl of mush'". (Why the single quotes I have no clue.)
I interpreted your comment to mean that I have no knowledge about Barry and that I was putting forward "a whole bunch of mush". I do know Barry. We have conversed many times and I also know his relationship with Oro Valley dating back to the mid-1990's. You do little in-depth research into many of the the topics upon which you comment. I suggested you do some and you will find there is more to the truth than what Art has to opine.
That should serve to connect my reply to your comment.
Dot 2>
You asked, "How much altruism is there in your personna?"
ALTRUISM, n. unselfish concern for the welfare of others
If you would take the time to do some research the answer to your question would become abundantly clear. You might go out on a limb and simply ask me about my background. But as I have said, you would rather type nonsensical commentary rather than seek out accurate information.
Hopefully the above will answer the question about what my post had to do with yours. If not, I'll try harder next time.
OV OT
Your interpretation WAS wrong; think about what 'mush' is and perhaps you will understand what I meant.
Single "quotes" are NOT quotes!
My non-sensical commentary is non-sensical to you only because of what I perceive to be your mental blocks.
As to researching your altruism,
why don't YOU elaborate IF you can do so without the chest pounding. I do have my resources and they aren't all negative. I do also judge you by the mannerisms that you sometimes employ.
With the way Oro Valley tries to annex land and plans to do so in the future, whose to say that Mr. DiSimone will not be living in Oro Valley. So, it stand to reason, that he does have an interest in what happens in this town.
I have lived here since 1992. How long has OV Thinker lived here? I have seen many strange things happen in this town.
Dancer....
I am sure that Barry has an interest in Oro Valley. His interest, in my opinion, is not based on what is good for Oro Valley but what he feels is good for Barry.
You beat me here by 4 years. But the important fact is how long have you been 'involved'. I began attending Town Council meetings in 1998 and attended the CPI in 1999. My involvement has continues since then.
Et tu???
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