Let me go on record that I had the pleasure of meeting Dave Perry, editor & publisher of The Explorer shortly after he arrived here a little more than 6 months ago. Subsequently, Dave & I have spoken and he even suggested we meet for lunch---his treat.
So---what's not to like?
Well, in case you missed Dave's editorial comments in the June 18 Explorer, he addresses a number of issues pertaining to Oro Valley.
Perhaps one advantage I have over Dave is the fact that while he has been a resident of Oro Valley for approx. 6 months, I've been here going on 15 years.
Therefore, I think Dave misses a few points on some of the issues he addresses.
Let's take the Kai property, for one.
Dave writes: "The Kais have as much right to use their land as those who live on horse properties."
No argument, but Dave----the Kais were looking for a General Plan Amendment to change the zoning. Do you know how much time, effort and money was spent to finally generate a General Plan that the voters could accept? Why in the world would the neighbors say "To hell with the General Plan. Let Kai build what he wants."
No! The neighbors stood up for their rights, and it appears the Kais realized we now have a town council that will not cave in and go along with every developer's request.
I think you missed the point on this issue Dave.
Your comment that "There’s no point in sending the developers elsewhere, lest Oro Valley become an island surrounded by relative mess. So let’s deal with the developers, straight up"
fails to acknowledge that the developers have pretty much gotten whatever they asked for, in particular over the last 8 years or more. Regardless of whether it was retail developments, with the approx $50 million in giveaways, or the home builders who were receiving favorable treatment when it came to impact fees, I for one couldn't be more pleased that we now have a council with common sense that will be a lot more fiscally responsible. As I noted in a recent posting, if SAHBA isn't happy with our "new rules," they may want to do their home building in South Tucson in lieu of Oro Valley.
You mention that "The Greater Oro Valley Arts Council has put out the call to its constituency, urging a show of support for the arts at the town council meeting Wednesday night." You may not realize it, but not too long ago, Dick Johnson----who voted for all those giveaways during his tenure on the OV Council, put out a call in a GOVAC newsletter to have kids from all over the place come and tell our council how our citizens should tax ourselves for the Naranja Park. If it wasn't so sad, it would have been funny. Kids from outside of Oro Valley asking for the dozens of fields so they would not have to travel so far. Oro Valley kids were one thing. Outsiders were something else.
Fortunately, this new council will not be swayed by groups or individuals coming with "their hands out" looking for financial help. This council will do what is best for the people, and if that means curtailing some funds, so be it.
Lastly, you allude to Vestar. You write: "Many people in Oro Valley are angry and upset about the massive retail complex rising along Oracle Road. Some believe they were misled."
On this issue, you will get no argument from me.
Glad to see you writing your opinion about what's going on in Oro Valley. Too bad, but I think you "missed the target" on too many issues.
Hopefully, we can talk about it more over lunch----if you're still buying!
Read Dave's Editorial here
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/06/24/opinion/editorials/doc485834241a853296292803.txt
