Is Oro Valley Deceiving The Citizens On The Naranja Bond Issue?

Exactly what is going on here?

In case you missed it, Oro Valley took out a 1/2 page full color ad in the April 2 Explorer. The ad extols the virtues of the Naranja Park and tells the reader to log on to the OV web site for more information.

Let's not forget the Town Council recently approved to put the question on the Nov 2008 election as to whether or not the citizens wish to have this park which will be funded by a $48.6 Bond Issue, resulting in a secondary property tax.

Whether it's legal to spend town funds (our money) to "push" for this park is questionable. Whether it's even a prudent thing to do should also "raise some eyebrows."

If that's not bad enough, if one goes to the web site, http://www.ci.oro-valley.az.us/PkRec/NaranjaTownSite.htm
you can decide if it may misrepresent what the citizens will get for the $48.6 million.

The web site states "Up-to date information" can be found on the web site.

However, the site shows an Aquatic Center, A Music Pavilion & A Community Center. These amenities were part of the $156 million bond that the council wisely eliminated. Although the web site alludes to the fact they are not included in the bond issue, but part of the "master plan." if someone is not alert enough to see that, but sees all the plans prominently displayed on the web site, they might say, "Wow! An Aquatic Center, Music Pavilion & Community Center, plus all the sports facilities for ONLY $48.6 million. I'll vote for that!"

Also, notice the fact that the site addresses the cost for this park. However, the costs allude to what the town refers to as "the master plan." The ONLY ballot issue is a vote to approve or disapprove a $48.6 million bond. One may ask, why confuse the issue by introducing a figure that is totally inappropriate? Keep it straightforward. Talk to what will be voted on--- nothing more & nothing less!

"The town chooses to use a home with a market value of $300,000. OK---surely there are many homes in Oro Valley at this price. The web site says the tax on this priced home would be $10.20 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST YEAR. They do not address what happens after year one. What's the rate? And how about the interest on a $48.6 million bond that could be for 25 years at a rate up to 12%?

Let's not even consider that many economists believe we are either in or about to be in a recession. Why burden the taxpayers on this boondoggle, especially in these times?

More important-are we being intentionally deceived to get a "yes" vote for this bond?

If not deception, is it just plain sloppiness? Either way, it's irresponsible, and the citizens deserve better!

Valuable Information Concerning Arroyo Grande

What happens to the 14 sq. mile area north of Oro Valley known as Arroyo Grande will impact all of us for decades and beyond. We hope the information below will be of some help in clarifying the important, and complex issues.

A number of our readers have asked for more information concerning Arroyo Grande.

Our neighbors in Catalina that have much to be concerned about have a valuable web site that discusses the Arroyo Grande issues.
http://www.savecatalina.com/Oro_Valley/OV_Annexation.htm

Also, as you'll note, there are links to other interesting sites with more valuable information.
Links Related to This Issue

Some of the data is dated, but for the most part, still applicable.
Note: The area is NOT 45 sq. miles, but approx 14 sq. miles and does NOT extend beyond Catalina to the north. Also, OV will NOT purchase the land outright. The town is only interested in annexation. The developers will be the buyers.


Additionally, below is a short video showing the Arroyo Grande area, courtesy of Azstarnet.com We thought it may be of some interest. (Click for video/audio)

http://videos.azstarnet.com/p/video?id=1648018

Laurie Roberts, AZ Republic Addresses Phx $100M Giveaway

Laurie Roberts writes a column for the AZ Republic.

Concerning Judge Miles decision against the Goldwater lawsuit, Ms. Roberts writes: "One would think the nation's fifth largest city could attract such a thing to the toniest part of town without giving away $100 million, but apparently not."

Read her column here.
http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/LaurieRoberts/20797

For more, you can read the East Valley Tribune report
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/112870

TREO Has Two New Programs To Bring Business To Our Area

The AZ Star reports that TREO (Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc.) has two new programs to entice new businesses to the greater Tucson area, including Oro Valley.

We sure hope David Welsh, Oro Valley's previous Economic Development Administrator, who left here to work for TREO will work to bring us new Hi Tech companies WITHOUT having to resort to any incentives. Now----wouldn't that be refreshing!

Hopefully, Oro Valley will be ready, willing and able to support the TREO programs. Innovation Park may well be the best location in all of southern Arizona, and maybe anywhere.

Read the Az Star Business section story here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/biz-topheadlines/232803