Why We Enthusiastically Support Matthew Rabb For Council

We are doing this posting at this time for three reasons:

1) We were asked the question.
2) A very few detractors have made distorted comments about Matthew and why we support him.
3) We are proud to support such a fine young man.

Some Background---

We had no awareness of Matthew Rabb until after he got enough signatures to become a candidate. Matthew did NOT solicit any help from anyone other than his twin brother, his family and friends in garnering the required signatures.

I saw fit to contact Matthew to determine more about him as a person, and more important, why he was running, and what were his views of the critical issues confronting our town.

Matthew and I spent hours discussing Oro Valley issues, and I got a good understanding as to his values and concerns for our future.

I saw fit to offer Matthew our support and told him to think about it; discuss it with his family and friends and let me know what he thinks of our offer.

I made it clear to Matthew that we expect nothing in return for our support.

Regardless of what you may hear from those few with their own agenda, that was how things played out.

Matthew saw fit to not accept our support. As a young independent man, Matthew felt he could "go it alone," and although it was disappointing, we backed off, but did nothing whatsoever to hurt his candidacy.

Matthew generated enough votes in the primary election, which we were very pleased to see. Matt contacted me and asked if the offer of support was still available?

I told him, unequivocally, "yes," and that I was very pleased he saw fit to ask.

That was just subsequent to the final primary results being made official.


What are Matthew's positions on some of the critical issues?

Matthew believes as we do on just about every issue. Please see The Zeeman interview of Matthew. (Our Interview With Matthew Rabb posted April 8)

Here is some of what Matthew stands for.

Matt easily differentiates himself from the other two candidates.

1) Matthew believes that taking money from the contingency fund to balance the budget is irresponsible.

2) Matthew believes that the citizens of Oro Valley should not be hurt in any way in granting any amendments to our General Plan. Matthew believes a General Plan Amendment must benefit the town, and while not wanting to hurt any developer, the "people of Oro Valley" are his first priority.

3) Matthew believes that the retail development "giveaways" did more to hurt our budget situation than help.

4) Matthew believes that working hard to develop Oro Valley's Hi Tech business community is imperative. That includes working to assist a new Basis School to open its doors here. This is not only proper, but necessary.

5) Matthew will be fiscally responsible and adhere to the old credo that "your expenses must not exceed your revenue."

6) Matthew believes that the citizens of Oro Valley come first, ahead of any Special Interest Group.

7) Matthew believes that no Special Interest Group should dictate town policy.

8) Matthew does NOT support any new taxes, including a Property Tax. "Taxing the citizens, especially in these difficult economic times is NOT the answer. The answer is cutting back frivolous spending."

There are many other issues that allow us to enthusiastically support Matt, but let's move on.


What are Matthew's main positive attributes?

Topping the list must be his basic intelligence and common sense. Matthew knows what he knows, and admits what he doesn't know. He is smart enough to listen and ask questions on any issue prior to making a decision. That in its self is refreshing.

Matthew also takes time to listen to those who disagree with him. He gives careful consideration to all view points.


What are the negative attributes about Matthew?

Some say, "Matthew is too young to run." Our response to that is simple and direct. We had a 60 year old plus up to an eighty year old plus council members, and they did not do the job. Why not allow an intelligent 29 year old to do the job. We are confident he will do it extremely well if afforded the opportunity.

That is why we are asking all Oro Valley voters to vote ONLY for Matthew Rabb for council. Please, do not vote for a second seat. It will only hurt Matthew's chances, and he is too valuable for Oro Valley to not have the chance to work for us.

Art

Special Interest Endorsements Are "Scary" Read Why

Why should Oro Valley voters be concerned when "Special Interest" groups endorse candidates?

Here's why! Read about the candidates and some or their endorsements below.

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Satish Hiremath Endorsements

Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Says:
"Council Member Mary Snider needs a strong pro-business team to work with. It is crucial that three more business friendly candidates are elected. Satish Hiremath, Lou Waters and Joe Hornat will complete an excellent team to lead the Town of Oro Valley. Council Member Mary Snider needs a strong pro-business team to work with. It is crucial that three more business friendly candidates are elected. Satish Hiremath, Lou Waters and Joe Hornat will complete an excellent team to lead the Town of Oro Valley."

Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce Says:
"The Chamber’s Endorsed Candidates did very well yesterday! Mary Snider will be the newest Council Member in Oro Valley. Satish Hiremath will be in the general election in May 2010 and so will Lou Waters and Joe Hornat."

Tucson Association of REALTORS Says:
"In the race for Mayor of Oro Valley the Tucson Accociation of Realtors has endorsed Dr. Satish Hiremath."

"Fire Fighters For Hiremath"
Just recently, new signs have appeared--"Fire Fighters for Hiremath." In 2004 Golder Ranch Fire endorsed candidates. Within a month,those candidates elected voted to allow GRFD to take over Town Hall fire service. Subsequently, thousands of Oro Valley residents saw their fire service bills escalate dramatically as Rural Metro Fire Dept effectively was put out of business here.

Oro Valley Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #53
Might the police union feel that Hiremath will be more sympathetic to the fact that the police department is almost 50% of Oro Valley's total budget? Hmmm!

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Joe Hornat Endorsed by:

Oro Valley Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #53

The North Tucson Fire Fighters Assoc.

Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce

Tucson Association of Realtors

Southern Arizona Home Builders Association

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Lou Waters ENDORSEMENTS

Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce

North Tucson Firefighters Association

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #53

Arizona State Fraternal Order of Police
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OUR CONCERNS

Chamber of Commerce--- Do we want the chamber to dictate policy? Like, allowing businesses to keep their lights blaring all through the night, to the detriment of home owners and the astronomy community?

Tucson Assoc. of Realtors--- Do we want real estate signs to be all over our streets with little or no control from our Town Council?

Southern Az Home Builders Assoc.--- Do we want the home builders to determine how much new home impact fees should be?

Fire Fighters--- Do we want to chance another rate increase at the whim of our Fire District, which is what happened to thousands of us, when GRFD took over for Rural Metro Fire Department?

Oro Valley Police Unions--- The OV Police unions look out for their own. That's fine, but do we want them to control what is best for the financial stability of Oro Valley? They fought like the dickens to avoid even one layoff, showing a callous attitude to all other town employees.


We can NOT allow these groups to take control of our town. Only Mike Zinkin & Matt Rabb have no Special Interest endorsements. They want the people's endorsement ONLY.


PLEASE--- VOTE FOR MIKE ZINKIN FOR MAYOR & ONLY MATT RABB FOR COUNCIL.

Makes Me Sick: Firefighters Stick Their Noses Where It Doesn't Belong

A Golder Ranch Fire District (GFRD) fireman lives in my neighborhood.

He's a supporter of Hiremath, Hornat, and Waters. His yard is cluttered with signs. Frankly, it looks like a junk yard.

So, I looked at one of his signs. Here's what I found.

Clearly, the Firefighters PAC is behind Hiremath. They are more than behind him. They are actively campaigning for him. Click here to visit their web site. See for yourself.

On the 17th, they are off to walk Rancho Vistoso with Hiremath.

Swell. Just what we need. Public servants on the street supporting a candidate; using all the respect they have gained as "first responders" and putting it behind a specific candidate.

It makes me sick.

This is an abuse of our trust.

Here's what I'd like to know.

Why have they taken sides? Why pick one candidate over another?

They are, after all, public servants, paid for with our hard earned dollars. I would prefer that they simply sit on the sidelines and let the citizens of Oro Valley make the best decision for themselves. Leave it to us. Get out of the way.

But nooooo....

They gotta stick their nose where it don't belong.

Mike Zinkin has voiced nothing but support for them.

So, I ask, what is the "hidden agenda". Because, there must be one. Otherwise, why would the NWFD firefighters weigh-in and actively solicit votes for Hiremath?

Even more reason to get the word out.

I'm thinkin' Zinkin'