Just in case some of our readers haven't been around long enough, allow me to give you a recent Oro Valley history lesson.
Do you know why Paul Loomis initially ran for OV Council?
Answer--- As a resident of Lambert Lane very close to Riverfront Park, Loomis heard a apartment complex was being considered prior to it becoming a park. Loomis was worried about how his property values would be negatively impacted and fought the issue. What better way to fight, than run and get elected to the Council.
(Note: Considering the opposition at the time, getting elected wasn't too difficult)
Correction: Mayor Loomis pointed out that this was his issue, but the park had already been built by the time he ran for office. I apologize for misstating the time-line. Art
How about Terry Parish? What was his "issue?"
Answer--- At the corner of Lambert Lane & La Canada is a Beztak development. It's mixed use. Apartments plus some small retail. Well, as a citizen, Parish didn't like that as his home was in close proximity at the time. No sooner did Mr. Parish get elected, and against the advise of the then Town Attorney, he voted with Dankwerth, Gillaspie, and the recently defeated Conny Culver to not allow Beztak their permit. Beztak sued and Oro Valley spent an unknown amount of money settling.
What was"Lame Duck" Helen Dankwerth's issue?
Answer--- When the previous council approved a 75 foot hotel below Pusch Ridge, (which was an idiotic thing to do), Mrs. Dankwerth become so upset that this potential structure may impede her views that she made it a point to walk the site to determine if it would impact her. Her self serving comment: "No, it won't affect us in our custom home development."
Did Barry Gillaspie have an issue?
Answer--- You bet he did. As citizen Gillaspie, he was concerned that a new drug store was coming at the northeast corner of Oracle road & Hardy, right in front of Mr. Gillaspie's home. When the council did nothing to help citizen Gillaspie, he spent his own money to pursue the issue at The Board of Adjustment. Sadly, he lost there too.
What's the point you ask?
Answer--- You'd think these four, plus Al Kunisch, who walked the site of the forthcoming Anthem Equity commercial development by Rancho Vistso Blvd & Vistoso Village Dr. with some of the residents would be a little sympathetic to their constituents. Why Kunisch thought it would be good to visit the site, but refused to allow those citizens present to even speak is lunacy. What could Kunisch be thinking?
Well----we'll find out soon enough. This Wed night the Council will take up this issue. We can only hope this mayor & council will know what it's like walking in the shoes of the people who will lose their views and see their property values decline.
Unfortunately, their propensity to serve the developer at the expense of the people, does not give us much hope.
