We can't tell you what transpired in Executive Session, but we can report that Steve Solomon was approved to fill the vacant council seat until June 2012. The vote was 4 votes "yes." The four "yes" votes were the four new members. Too bad, they saw fit fit to take this action as one of their first critical votes.
All we know about Mr.Solomon is that he is a developer and has had some issues representing the people as a member of the Vistoso Community Association HOA Board of Directors
We all know developers have an agenda, and when the likes of Pat Spoerl, who has proved herself to be a worthy interim replacement and Bill Adler, probably the most knowledgeable person of town codes, ordinances and our General Plan had submitted their names for consideration, we must wonder if a "back-room" deal wasn't made in the appointment of Mr. Solomon.
The bottom line is this: "To the victors, go the spoils."
Time will tell if this council really has the interests of the people of Oro Valley at heart. Right now, it doesn't look that way.
13 comments:
I am suprised and disappointed that the new council decided to select a developer. I was hoping for a more balanced council, but this appointment suggest otherwise.
Regrets to Sproel who has served us well in a short period of time.
Remember the Indian Village project, on Moore & Rancho Vistoso Blvd., which appears to have hit a brick wall? He's the guy.
I would merely caution all to "not judge a book by its cover." Rather, let's see how the new Council actually performs before passing judgment.
I think they just showed us how they plan to "perform."
Zee Man, you are absolutely correct in your statement. I would like to add that people on ALL sides are tired of the bickering that has besieged this town. Each issue should be judged on it's own merit and not judged because of who might be advocating for or against such. Yes, time will tell a more complete 'story' and time will allow for more applicable judgment(s). This is not to say that any one of us cannot advocate for our beliefs in any given instance but we need to put the darts at rest.
Might I be so bold as to suggest that some of you take a few moments and do some research into Councilman Solomon. When Mr. Adler, who you rightfully trumphet, sees fit to nominate Mr. Solomon as the Volunteer of the Year, I suspect that he has done some homework. I think that may be in order for three of the posters here.
May I be so bold to suggest that Cox ask Bill Adler what he thinks of this appointment?
Better yet, he can ask Satish the question.
Didn't Bill Adler also nominate Pat Spoerl as volunteer of the year? And didn't she actually receive that award? So wouldn't she be the better choice?
We can argue 'till the cows come home' the merits of Bill Adler's past contributions and/or his present or future ideologies/ties, whether or not Pat Spoerl could have been a 'better' choice, what happened to the Indian Village 'project', or why not Matt Raab, Mike Zinkin, or Me for that matter; the fact is, Steve Solomon, for the most part a respected member of the community, applied for and got the 'job'. SO BE IT! Now, how's about us getting down to the business of trying to heal this town, contribute to it, give some rationale to it, deal with it, and STOP THE CRYING GAME which serves no other purpose than to impede any chance for a desperately needed unity.
Zev....Well stated.
And this will be my last post on this subject. As asked, I did contact Bill about his thoughts on the appointment. His response was positive, stating that Steve's work on the Environmentally Sensitive Land Ordinance (ESLO)Committee has been very positive and objective.
Will Steve be sensitive to the building and development community? I think the obvious answer to that question is yes. But I don't think it will be to the detriment of any other segment(s) of the community. After all that should be the position of every person elected to the Town Council.....if you are open minded.
I agree with OVOT. When the Indian Village project was announced it looked like a very well thought out plan. I guess with the housing downturn the plans were put on hold.
I hope Mr. Solomon brings good ideas to his new position. I wish him well.
Presuming that there is such an animal as a "responsible developer," then Steve would fit that definition. His Town Center development was created with maximum preservation of an historical site and clever design of residences (with parking inside the units).
If he brings the same sensitivity and creativeness to the Council, what's the down side?
Astute Gal, thanks for you input. I didn't know this. There are responsible developers (My Dad was one and he was a "good dude").
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