Thursday, May 20, 2010

Mike Zinkin's Updates Us and Says Thanks

Mike Zinken posted a comment on the blog this morning that we feel is far too important to be buried in among the comments. So, we have posted it here. Here it is:

"To all the readers of this blog, my sincere thanks..whatever the outcome. There are 1149 early ballots still left to tabulate, plus an unknown amount of provisional ballots. We should have the results of the mail ballots sometime on 5/20, and the "final" tally sometime Monday.

This is the first time that I have run for a public office, and it was a very positive experience. There are so many people, who were complete strangers to me last September, that have come forward and given of their time, money, energy, and advice that I never be able to really express my true thanks.

The wonderful thing about this country, and Oro Valley, is that after a contest like we just went through, we can all unite behind whoever wins. All the candidates and bloggers have one thing in common...that is the betterment of Oro Valley. If I win this contest, I will continue to need all (including the detractors) of your support and input as to what you think is best for our Town. If Satish wins, he will have my unconditional support.

Again, thank you EVERYBODY.

Comment Provided By Mike Zinken

19 comments:

Richard Furash, MBA said...

Mike,

In your public comments, you have, from time to time, used the term: "Honest Politician".

Most of us forgot what that is in today's rather nasty political world.

Thank you for setting the example of what an "Honest Politician" is: a regular guy or gal who says what they believe.

In our interviews, you we forthright and straight in your responses to my questions. They were your words and they were the straight scoop!

I know, if elected, that you will be true to your words and let Oro Valley excel.

Regardless of the final vote, Mike, you are a winner.

Zev Cywan said...

Mike,
Getting to know you has been a superb experience; you are a true gentleman! There are MANY of us who sincerely hope that you will prevail in the end. We know what and who you are and believe that you can assist in steering our Community towards a better place. Oro Valley needs to get new direction; Oro Valley needs to become more inclusive; Oro Valley needs more interaction; Oro Valley needs commit to the ideal that We are One. Mike Zinkin, you can help make it happen!

Zev Cywan said...

My previous post should have read - 'commitment' in place of 'commit'

Desert Voice said...

ZM and Zev,

Your comments resonate exactly how I feel about Mike, too. Thank you.

Growing up in the 50s, I was raised to believe in heros with integrity, natural leaders who embodied ideals, who had strength of character,honor. Sixty years later, I thought they were not merely endangered but extinct.

What a surprise to discover Z was one of those special people!

Attacked by the opposition when they realized his charisma, he never waivered, never waffled and stayed focused. Resiliently he kept his word by not taking gifts from special interests. His campaign finances are impeccable. Z wanted to keep the campaign issue oriented and not retaliate over the petty. It took time for him to realize that his opponent was not as candid and sincere as he is.Mike had the grace to go to SH early in the race to lay the ground rules and initiate a handshake after the debate. While powerful, he is humble and unimpressed with himself. Just as his post states, he appreciates those who've helped him and quickly says so.

For those of us who would like to see someone of his personal integrity in office, we want Z to win. Z gives hope that heroes are not just 50s antiques but still exist and even run for office! His statement that he will back SH 100%if he is elected instead shows real class.

Roger said...

I really enjoy all the comments on SH taking handouts from "special interest groups". I also find it amazing that no one discusses Zinkin's attempt to gain that same support but was turned away. HMMMMM!!!!!!

If Zinkin were to win this race I know all would rally behind him to support OV but cautiously. If anyone watched the debate and listened to his opening statement if you can call it that you would understand why I say cautiously. Zinkin gave about 20 seconds of why he was running for Mayor and then immediatley went on the defensive about his so called "oversight". Why? Easier to ask for forgiveness than permission right!

Whatever the outcome I believe OV will be a better place.

Richard Furash, MBA said...

Hello Roger,

The purpose of this posting was not to open up the same old sores.

It is time for healing.

This is exactly what Mikes posting was about.

If Dr. Hiremath wins then we will all get behind him. And we will not do so cautiously. We will do so with energy and enthusiasm.

If Mike Zinkin wins we expect all us of, including you, to get behind him. We expect all of us to do it with energy and enthusiasm.

It is time to bury the dogma and move forward as one. We've got a lot to do to Let Oro Valley Excel. We need to do this together.

Roger said...

Zee Man I could not agree more. That is why I sais I enjoy reading all the comments about "special interest groups" etc, etc. I don't see any comments about those "old sores" and the need for that to stop. If this blog is for the betterment of OV then hold ALL accountable. OV will excel because I believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Victorian Cowgirl said...

Roger,

You mentioned special interest groups and stated that Zinkin attempted to "gain that SAME support" but was turned down. Are you stating that he met with EVERY SINGLE ONE of the special interest groups that endorsed Hiremath? Specifics please.

I also explained in an earlier post why Zinkin was forced to go "on the defensive" at the debate. Since the Explorer wasn't reporting on Hiremath's misdeeds, Zinkin had no choice but to do his own reporting!

You also bring up Zinkin's "oversight" (your quotation marks, not mine) implying that it was not an oversight at all, but deliberate, yet you make no mention of Hiremath's "oversight" that took place on the corner of Oracle and Magee.

Why do you have one set of rules for MZ and another set of rules for SH?

Did you ever even bother to investigate exactly how Zinkin was able to get his hands on the logo in the first place? Did it ever dawn on you that first he had to request it from the town and then someone from the town had to approve the request and then give him the PDF file?

Zinkin apologized for his oversight. Have you heard any apology forthcoming from the town employee who approved the request and gave him the file?

I didn't think so.

Nombe Watanabe said...

I am rather sick of the town logo debate.

How about we archive all posts after this one and start anew with election results on Monday?

Roger said...

Cowgirl,

A personal friend WAS there when MZ met with "special interest". Specific enough for you?

Like I said before I agree with Zee Man and the need and time for healing. Today our new Mayor will be finalized as the final vote count will be posted later.

I do want to thank you for confirming my "implication" that MZ was deliberate. You said "Did you ever even bother to investigate exactly how Zinkin was able to get his hands on the logo in the first place? Did it ever dawn on you that first he had to request it from the town and then someone from the town had to approve the request and then give him the PDF file?"

Thanks for confirming that he did in fact seek out the symbol for use.

Time to rally behind our Mayor whomever that may be.

Roger said...

Cowgirl,

A personal friend WAS there when MZ met with "special interest". Specific enough for you?

Like I said before I agree with Zee Man and the need and time for healing. Today our new Mayor will be finalized as the final vote count will be posted later.

I do want to thank you for confirming my "implication" that MZ was deliberate. You said "Did you ever even bother to investigate exactly how Zinkin was able to get his hands on the logo in the first place? Did it ever dawn on you that first he had to request it from the town and then someone from the town had to approve the request and then give him the PDF file?"

Thanks for confirming that he did in fact seek out the symbol for use.

Time to rally behind our Mayor whomever that may be.

Richard Furash, MBA said...

As I've already posted, it really is time to move on.

We won't Let Oro Valley Excel if we continue to harp on the same old issues and keep opening up sores.

There is a far bigger issue.

Regardless of whether Mike or Satish are declared the winner, the town will start divided; because half the voters would have voted for a losing candidate. There will be no clear mandate.

If either candidate assumes that their agenda is entirely what all the people want because they won, then they are sadly mistaken.

Our new Mayor will have to seek compromise and consensus. He will need to understanding the positions of all our people (not just the young working family and not just the retired couple) and, yes, even of the special interests.


That is the essence of leadership.

We have a new Council. Shortly, we will have a new Mayor. Together, they will represent us.

There is no benefit to any of us to keep the rancor going.

Ferlin said...

I am a poor looser; I will not like Satish Hiremath being Mayor.

Being negative about the whole election, I cannot just "get over it".....the $ have won.

Nombe Watanabe said...

Z. That is what I said supra. Archive.

Zev Cywan said...

Zee Man, yours is a very astute post. Nitpicking the past will do us no good; it's time to move forward and whomsoever be the next Mayor along with a COMPLETED Council, hopefully we can and will start acting like a Community instead of a cliquish bunch of schoolyard ninnies.

Times ahead WILL be difficult no matter who will be the caretakers of our governance. We will not be able to overcome that which is out of our control; we should not put the burden of realizing any dream that is just a dream on the shoulders of those who might be required by circumstances to stay the course of what reality might dictate.

Yes, there are accomplishments that can be pursued and we should ALL work towards achieving what we can. We cannot expect that we will always agree but, at the very least, we should always respect those who do try for a better end, and, if we can make every attempt to mitigate our differences then we will have the OPPORTUNITY to come together for the betterment of ALL.

Victorian Cowgirl said...

Zee Man,

I understand that you want us all to "move on" but I hope you will allow me to respond to Roger since he made an assertion about Mike Zinkin that he is now unwilling to defend or prove.

Roger,

No, your answer is not specific enough. In fact, you're being quite evasive. Your original post said, "special interest groups." PLURAL. When I asked you to name ALL the SPECIFIC groups, you backed down and changed the wording to, "special interest." SINGULAR.

Why are you afraid to list the names of the group(s) that you refer to? I sense that you're lacking confidence in your prior assertion that Mike sought endorsements from all the same groups as Hiremath did.

As for your statement, "Thanks for confirming that he did in fact seek out the symbol for use." No one, including myself, has denied that he REQUESTED the symbol for use. The argument has never been whether or not he requested it. The argument has been whether or not he was AWARE that use of the logo is not permitted on campaign materials.

He already explained that he wasn't aware of that, so why do you keep bringing it up? Especially considering that you have offered no explanation for Hiremath's oversight that took place on the corner of Oracle and Magee.

I'll ask you again. Why do you not question the "motive" of the town employee who gave him the logo in the first place? Wasn't it her job to ask him for what purpose he was requesting it? And then to inform him that he may not use it for that purpose?

You focus all the blame for everything on Zinkin and turn a blind eye when anyone else makes a mistake.

Ferlin said...

So he lost by 30 votes; I can't believe that the counters did not fix Hiremath with a bigger total!!

Roger said...

Guess it does not matter any more. Hiremath is Mayor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jay D said...

Check out the latest election results...Hiremath by 30.