The July 20 Az Star reports that the Oro Valley police have a major concern about the escalation of heroin use by our local teenagers.
Recently one of our bloggers pointed out that parks are an ideal place for those interested in the illegal activity of drugs.
Perhaps it is not fair to relate the potential bond issue of the Naranja Park to the potential of even more illegal drug activities, but we believe the reality is---it certainly could be.
Although we have a tendency to address our senior citizen contemporaries on many issues, this issue, although it should concern us all, is predominantly one for those with youngsters, mainly in high school.
The following statement from the Star article is chilling.
"Last week's bust brought the number of felony arrests in drug cases linked to high-school-age youths (in Oro Valley) to 22 since January."
Please take the time to read the Az Star report here. Thanks to reporter Lourdes Medrano for bringing this issue to the attention of Oro Valley citizens.
http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/249064
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Naranja Park Bond: A Heavy Load For Oro Valley Taxpayers
This from one of our bloggers: Re The Naranja Town Site Bond Proposal:
"My problem is this. The last council approved this $48.6 million bond issue [for the Naranja Town Site] that will be paid off by a secondary property tax. On top of that, we will be financing and paying off another $32 million for the new Oro Valley Operations Center. Also, let's not forget the recently approved Steam Pump Ranch that will be subsidized in part by Oro Valley taxpayers.
We still have the Utility Tax the last council stuck us with.
I don't need to tell you anything about the cost of necessities, especially for those of us on fixed income. Without getting mellow dramatic, there are some seniors that must choose between medication and food. Gas is almost $4.00/gal. Utility costs, including water & electric have increased dramatically.
My point is this. This park is a lot more than we need. Here's what is included:
12 Tennis Courts
9 Basketball Courts
5 Sand Volleyball Courts
4 Baseball Fields
4 Softball Fields
3 Soccer Fields
Multi-Purpose Field
Horseshoe Pits
Nature Center
Hiking/Jogging Trails
Playgrounds
Festival Area
Bicycle (BMX) Track
Skate Park
Dog Park
Picnic Ramadas
Had the previous council been a little more circumspect, I and many others would not be against it. By "circumspect," I mean less fields/courts and less costly.
To me, paying for food, gas, utilities, insurance, medicine and other items are necessities. This park is a luxury."
The costs our blogger refers to are just the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of dollars will be added to the average property owners tax bill. Tens of thousands of dollars will be added to Oro Valley town spending. And there are hidden costs like the costs of added insurance and law suits from injuries. And all this for at least the next twenty years!
Its a heavy load for Oro Valley taxpayers to shoulder, especially in what is and will continue to be very tough economic times
"My problem is this. The last council approved this $48.6 million bond issue [for the Naranja Town Site] that will be paid off by a secondary property tax. On top of that, we will be financing and paying off another $32 million for the new Oro Valley Operations Center. Also, let's not forget the recently approved Steam Pump Ranch that will be subsidized in part by Oro Valley taxpayers.
We still have the Utility Tax the last council stuck us with.
I don't need to tell you anything about the cost of necessities, especially for those of us on fixed income. Without getting mellow dramatic, there are some seniors that must choose between medication and food. Gas is almost $4.00/gal. Utility costs, including water & electric have increased dramatically.
My point is this. This park is a lot more than we need. Here's what is included:
12 Tennis Courts
9 Basketball Courts
5 Sand Volleyball Courts
4 Baseball Fields
4 Softball Fields
3 Soccer Fields
Multi-Purpose Field
Horseshoe Pits
Nature Center
Hiking/Jogging Trails
Playgrounds
Festival Area
Bicycle (BMX) Track
Skate Park
Dog Park
Picnic Ramadas
Had the previous council been a little more circumspect, I and many others would not be against it. By "circumspect," I mean less fields/courts and less costly.
To me, paying for food, gas, utilities, insurance, medicine and other items are necessities. This park is a luxury."
The costs our blogger refers to are just the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of dollars will be added to the average property owners tax bill. Tens of thousands of dollars will be added to Oro Valley town spending. And there are hidden costs like the costs of added insurance and law suits from injuries. And all this for at least the next twenty years!
Its a heavy load for Oro Valley taxpayers to shoulder, especially in what is and will continue to be very tough economic times
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