Tucson City Manager Recommends Budget Cuts

We thought some of our readers might be interested in a KVOA article concerning proposed cuts in Tucson's budget. One issue that caught our eye, especially since Oro Valley discussed the parks & recreation budget at the Dec. 3 meeting are the suggested cuts in Tucson's parks, especially their pools.

City Manager recommends budget cuts

Posted: Dec 3, 2008 07:08 PM

The Tucson City Manager's office has released its recommendations for budget reductions. They include Phase 1 cuts which have already been implemented. The City Council will vote on Phases 2 and 3 on Tuesday, December 9th.

For the entire document released by the City Manager Click Here.

Town Council Votes Tighter Controls On Travel

The following item was on the Dec. 3 Town Council agenda, and as best as could be determined, it was put there by Council Member Bill Garner.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT TOWN COUNCIL
POLICY #3 – COUNCIL MEMBER TRAVEL AND TRIP REPORTS.

Well, after lengthy discussion and much "pussyfooting," Paula Abbott finally mentioned the motion had to do with "overseas travel."

It was interesting to note that Vice Mayor Al Kunisch said on three occasions he thought this motion was "really petty." He noted that Mayor Loomis took a trip to Europe and gave the council much information.

Well, excuse me! Our readers may recall we reported previously that in May 2008 Mayor Loomis took a trip, at taxpayer expense for ( if I recall) 7 days to visit boiotech companies in Switzerland & Germany. If I'm not mistaken, the cost was $11,000. and to date, no report was ever given to the council or the citizens. Was anything gained by the mayor taking this trip? Not that I know!

In any case, the motion with a couple of amendments was approved 5-2. Not surprisingly, the mayor & vice mayor voted "No."

Once again, the majority of this council agrees with Bill Garner when he says we should have a more transparent council.

Does It Make Sense For Oro Valley To Hire A Lobbyist?

The Explorer has an article that indicates the Oro Valley Council may consider hiring a lobbyist in an attempt to generate federal earmarks.

A good idea, or not?

“If this was all for infrastructure, that would make sense,” Oro Valley Town Councilman K.C. Carter said.

But when it comes to getting federal funds for other projects, Carter isn’t sure the town should spend its money on a lobbyist. The cost could be as high as $150,000.

We think KC is correct. Any thoughts from our readers?

NOTE: Council voted 7-0 to direct staff to seek any federal funds that may be available. Nothing was done concerning hiring any lobbyist.

Read the article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/12/03/news/doc4935e31a1c8b1140640368.txt

Vistoso Partners Have "Change Of Heart" On General Plan Amendments

At the Nov. 27 Oro Valley Council meeting, Vistoso Partners had three General Plan Amendments on the agenda.

One, a request more a boutique hotel on the sw corner of Oracle & Hardy roads was defeated.

Another concerned what is known as Stone Canyon area 9. That issue was continued until the Dec 3 meeting. However, the applicant has "pulled" the item, and no longer is interested in the Amendment.

The 3rd GPA, had to do with Stone Canyon area 5. That too was rescheduled for the Dec. 3 meeting, but Vistoso Partners will request a continuance until Feb. 4th. Whether or not the council decides to grant a continuance will depend on the applicant's motives. We'll know the outcome tonight.

NOTE: Item was tabled indefinitely at the Dec 3 meeting.

Read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/12/03/news/doc4935e28008aef896778022.txt

Is There A Misunderstanding Between Pima County & Oro Valley As It Concerns Arroyo Grande?

We previously noted that there seems to be a misunderstanding between Pima County & Oro Valley as it concerns the Town Council recent approval of the Arroyo Grande General Plan Amendment. (See posting) Arroyo Grande Status "Up In Air".

The Dec 3 issue of The Explorer expounds on this issue.

Read the article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/12/03/news/doc4935d25207bc7307391891.txt

More On "Shop Oro Valley"

The Explorer has a more in depth article about the "Shop Oro Valley" program.

Once again, although the Explorer article doesn't address the issue, we'll remind our readers to shop where Oro Valley gets the full 2% sales tax. At the Oro Valley Marketplace, Vestar keeps almost 1/2 of our revenue.

Read the article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/12/03/news/doc4935d34001d55867946645.txt