Although the mayor is a "lame duck," he still thinks it's appropriate to use our bed tax revenue to fund his friends at The Metropolitan Tucson Visitors & Convention Bureau & Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities.
Johm Musolf in addressing the council at tonight's Study Session reminded them that the council voted unanimously back in Nov.2009 to cease funding these outside agencies. Furthermore, John pointed out that on April 14 the council did NOT include any funding for the 2010-11 proposed budget. (2009-10 funding was $112,000)
Anyone in attendance, or who may have watched the meeting on streaming video couldn't help but notice two things.
1) Mayor Loomis continued to make his argument to fund these two agencies.
2) Vice Mayor Bill Garner stated over and over again why this should not be done. If nothing else, Bill pointed out that Oro Valley should initiate an RFP (request for proposal) to determine if other entities might do a better job on behalf of Oro Valley.
Bill also noted that the Hilton El Conquistador Resort & the Wingate Hotel are the only two hotels that are members of the MTCVB. Additionally, Marana does NOT contribute, but the Ritz Carlton does, and they manage just fine.
Our Oro Valley neighbor Cris DeSimone (Wake Up Tucson radio host) who knows quite a bit about this subject addressed the council and basically endorsed Bil's comments.
The fact is, it will be the new council that will probably make the determination.
If you don't think it matters who is on the new council, think again.
Only Mike Zinkin & Matt Rabb have come out and supported Bill Garner's position.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Mayoral Candidates Respond To Four Questions From The Explorer
I believe The Explorer performed a public service by asking and having the two mayoral candidates responding to four questions on issues of concern.
We hope all Oro Valley voters will read the responses from Satish Hiremath & Mike Zinkin.
Then----make a determination. Which candidate sounds "more mayoral?" Which candidate seems to have more experience, more knowledge, and a much better grasp of the issues?
It seems to me that Mike Zinkin is the clear cut winner.
Read, and judge for yourself and hopefully, you'll vote accordingly.
Art
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Read Questions & Answers here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/04/28/news/doc4bd76a8643100453262362.txt
We hope all Oro Valley voters will read the responses from Satish Hiremath & Mike Zinkin.
Then----make a determination. Which candidate sounds "more mayoral?" Which candidate seems to have more experience, more knowledge, and a much better grasp of the issues?
It seems to me that Mike Zinkin is the clear cut winner.
Read, and judge for yourself and hopefully, you'll vote accordingly.
Art
*************************************************************************************
Read Questions & Answers here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/04/28/news/doc4bd76a8643100453262362.txt
Comparing The Two Mayoral Candidates---Mike Zinkin "Wins!"
In her letter to The Explorer, Diane Peters compares the two mayoral candidates.
Her assessment? Mike Zinkin is the ONLY choice.
Art
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Zinkin shows interest in the town’s welfare
As Oro Valley voters decide between Mike Zinkin and Satish Hiremath in the upcoming mayoral election, it would be prudent to consider a few things.
Mayor Loomis came in last in the primary, meaning that Oro Valley taxpayers had had enough of a mayor who catered to the whims of special interest groups. Loomis is now endorsing Hiremath, who is endorsed by several special interest groups, the majority of which are not even located in Oro Valley. Where is the logic in replacing Loomis with another mayor who is connected to special interests?
One should also compare and contrast the records of Zinkin versus Hiremath.
Mike Zinkin has shown a consistent interest in the welfare of our town. He spent four years on the Oro Valley Development Review Board and has extensive knowledge of our general plan and zoning codes. As chairman of the DRB for two years, Zinkin has experience running a town meeting. He is also a graduate of the Citizens Planning Institute.
In addition, Zinkin also attended boards and commissions training given by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, served on the Steam Pump Ranch Task Force, was a member of the Capital Improvement Committee and has worked with the town attorney, the chief of police and the town engineer in matters pertaining to town code violations and public safety.
In contrast, Hiremath has no experience in municipal government. He has never held a position on a town board or commission and has never even attended CPI classes.
Add to this that Hiremath stated that he never attends town council meetings because “they’re too frustrating.” His pattern of showing a disinterest in Oro Valley government was apparent again during the January budget retreat when he failed to return for the afternoon session. Perhaps the budget discussions were also too frustrating.
Voters should also be aware that Hiremath has declined Zinkin’s request to hold a public mayoral debate. If Hiremath truly believes that he is the superior candidate, he should be welcoming a debate rather than making excuses to avoid one.
Diane Peters, Oro Valley
Her assessment? Mike Zinkin is the ONLY choice.
Art
*******************************************************************************************
Zinkin shows interest in the town’s welfare
As Oro Valley voters decide between Mike Zinkin and Satish Hiremath in the upcoming mayoral election, it would be prudent to consider a few things.
Mayor Loomis came in last in the primary, meaning that Oro Valley taxpayers had had enough of a mayor who catered to the whims of special interest groups. Loomis is now endorsing Hiremath, who is endorsed by several special interest groups, the majority of which are not even located in Oro Valley. Where is the logic in replacing Loomis with another mayor who is connected to special interests?
One should also compare and contrast the records of Zinkin versus Hiremath.
Mike Zinkin has shown a consistent interest in the welfare of our town. He spent four years on the Oro Valley Development Review Board and has extensive knowledge of our general plan and zoning codes. As chairman of the DRB for two years, Zinkin has experience running a town meeting. He is also a graduate of the Citizens Planning Institute.
In addition, Zinkin also attended boards and commissions training given by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, served on the Steam Pump Ranch Task Force, was a member of the Capital Improvement Committee and has worked with the town attorney, the chief of police and the town engineer in matters pertaining to town code violations and public safety.
In contrast, Hiremath has no experience in municipal government. He has never held a position on a town board or commission and has never even attended CPI classes.
Add to this that Hiremath stated that he never attends town council meetings because “they’re too frustrating.” His pattern of showing a disinterest in Oro Valley government was apparent again during the January budget retreat when he failed to return for the afternoon session. Perhaps the budget discussions were also too frustrating.
Voters should also be aware that Hiremath has declined Zinkin’s request to hold a public mayoral debate. If Hiremath truly believes that he is the superior candidate, he should be welcoming a debate rather than making excuses to avoid one.
Diane Peters, Oro Valley
Explorer Letter Says It All: "Zinkin Better Man To Take Care Of Oro Valley"
We don't know Linda Johnson, but she's "dead on" concerning the Oro Valley Mayoral election. Ms. Johnson's words should be heeded by all OV voters.
Art
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Zinkin better man to take care of OV
Although Oro Valley elections are nonpartisan, many citizens have received an e-mail from a gentleman (nonresident of Oro Valley) recommending we vote for the Republican mayoral candidate, Hiremath.
This e-mailing gentleman is assuring us that because Hiremath is a Republican, he would be fiscally responsible. Not so.
Normally, Republicans are more fiscally responsible, however our town council Republicans have a record of overtaxing and reckless spending.
For example, the utility tax increased through council members Kunisch, Dankwerth, Parish and Mayor Loomis was designed to end April, 2009. Regrettably, the Republican Council, knowing this is a tax on our necessities, water, gas and electricity, voted to extend the tax. They keep on taxing.
Hiremath's records show that he may have the same "easy spending, easy taxing" tendencies. As a board member of GOVAC, he came before the Oro Valley Town Council seeking a $60,000 handout to balance the GOVAC budget. How do we know that Hiremath won't repeat similar scenarios if elected to mayor?
In addition to concerns of overspending, there is an unusual situation with Hiremath's endorsements; he is endorsed mainly by Tucson city organizations or non-Oro Valley residents: Tucson Chamber of Commerce; the Tucson Association of Realtors; the North Tucson Firefighters; Oro Valley Fraternal Order of Police (not necessarily Oro Valley residents) and Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce. I go on record as a loyal supporter of all firefighters, policemen and their fraternities. However, our town of Oro Valley needs to vote for a mayor who will focus on Oro Valley issues, budgets, organizations and government obligations.
Previously, our leaders have financially supported organizations from outside Oro Valley and disregarded the will of the people. In this election, we hope to rectify the misplace loyalty as well as change the overtaxing and overspending problem. That is why Mike Zinkin is the better candidate for mayor.
This election is about taking care of Oro Valley.
Linda Johnson, Oro Valley
Art
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Zinkin better man to take care of OV
Although Oro Valley elections are nonpartisan, many citizens have received an e-mail from a gentleman (nonresident of Oro Valley) recommending we vote for the Republican mayoral candidate, Hiremath.
This e-mailing gentleman is assuring us that because Hiremath is a Republican, he would be fiscally responsible. Not so.
Normally, Republicans are more fiscally responsible, however our town council Republicans have a record of overtaxing and reckless spending.
For example, the utility tax increased through council members Kunisch, Dankwerth, Parish and Mayor Loomis was designed to end April, 2009. Regrettably, the Republican Council, knowing this is a tax on our necessities, water, gas and electricity, voted to extend the tax. They keep on taxing.
Hiremath's records show that he may have the same "easy spending, easy taxing" tendencies. As a board member of GOVAC, he came before the Oro Valley Town Council seeking a $60,000 handout to balance the GOVAC budget. How do we know that Hiremath won't repeat similar scenarios if elected to mayor?
In addition to concerns of overspending, there is an unusual situation with Hiremath's endorsements; he is endorsed mainly by Tucson city organizations or non-Oro Valley residents: Tucson Chamber of Commerce; the Tucson Association of Realtors; the North Tucson Firefighters; Oro Valley Fraternal Order of Police (not necessarily Oro Valley residents) and Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce. I go on record as a loyal supporter of all firefighters, policemen and their fraternities. However, our town of Oro Valley needs to vote for a mayor who will focus on Oro Valley issues, budgets, organizations and government obligations.
Previously, our leaders have financially supported organizations from outside Oro Valley and disregarded the will of the people. In this election, we hope to rectify the misplace loyalty as well as change the overtaxing and overspending problem. That is why Mike Zinkin is the better candidate for mayor.
This election is about taking care of Oro Valley.
Linda Johnson, Oro Valley
Oro Valley Resident Says "Hiremath Ad Is Disingenuous & Misleading""
Babbara Ansell's letter to The Explorer says that Satish Hiremath's recent ad is "disingenuous and misleading." Keep in mind, she is not even alluding to his flyer where he makes a false claim about being the ONE candidate against a Property Tax.
Anyone else see a trend here? Not a good trend by a man known for having integrity.
Art
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Hiremath ad disingenuous, misleading
On April 22, a disturbing advertisement, paid for by the “Dr. Satish Hiremath for Oro Valley Mayor Committee,” appeared in the Northwest section of the Arizona Daily Star. It stated: “Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, agree: Dr. Satish Hiremath is the best qualified candidate in the non-partisan election for Mayor of Oro Valley.”
This ad would be humorous if it weren’t so alarming. Humorous because, of course, there is no evidence presented for the supposed conclusion, and therefore could be perceived as just silly. But it is alarming because one wonders if this is the kind of consensus that Satish Hiremath professes he will build in the town council and within the Town of Oro Valley.
Will he just say that something is true despite evidence to the contrary or a complete absence of evidence? One is reminded of others’ attempts at this type of mis/dis-information: “Iraq has weapons of mass destruction;” “Barack Obama is not a U.S. citizen;” “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.”
What evidence did Satish Hiremath collect to support his conclusion? How did he collect it? This is of some concern because he has made it clear that he doesn’t like to attend meetings. As mayor, how will he gather information and opinions for making decisions and for presenting the point of view of the Town of Oro Valley? Although meetings are not always the best or most efficient way to collect information, they can be an effective and transparent means of doing so. Will he simply decide what he thinks is correct or appropriate and then present it as if others agreed with him or as if his conclusions were correct?
Everyone should be concerned about this matter because his advertisement is decidedly disingenuous and misleading.
Barbara Ansell, Oro Valley
Anyone else see a trend here? Not a good trend by a man known for having integrity.
Art
*************************************************************************************
Hiremath ad disingenuous, misleading
On April 22, a disturbing advertisement, paid for by the “Dr. Satish Hiremath for Oro Valley Mayor Committee,” appeared in the Northwest section of the Arizona Daily Star. It stated: “Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, agree: Dr. Satish Hiremath is the best qualified candidate in the non-partisan election for Mayor of Oro Valley.”
This ad would be humorous if it weren’t so alarming. Humorous because, of course, there is no evidence presented for the supposed conclusion, and therefore could be perceived as just silly. But it is alarming because one wonders if this is the kind of consensus that Satish Hiremath professes he will build in the town council and within the Town of Oro Valley.
Will he just say that something is true despite evidence to the contrary or a complete absence of evidence? One is reminded of others’ attempts at this type of mis/dis-information: “Iraq has weapons of mass destruction;” “Barack Obama is not a U.S. citizen;” “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.”
What evidence did Satish Hiremath collect to support his conclusion? How did he collect it? This is of some concern because he has made it clear that he doesn’t like to attend meetings. As mayor, how will he gather information and opinions for making decisions and for presenting the point of view of the Town of Oro Valley? Although meetings are not always the best or most efficient way to collect information, they can be an effective and transparent means of doing so. Will he simply decide what he thinks is correct or appropriate and then present it as if others agreed with him or as if his conclusions were correct?
Everyone should be concerned about this matter because his advertisement is decidedly disingenuous and misleading.
Barbara Ansell, Oro Valley
DRB Member Sets The Record Straight On Mike Zinkin' s ServiceTo Oro Valley
The letter from Mr. Schoeppach to The Explorer speaks for itself. Next time Ms. Andersen writes something---or has someone write something for her, she might want to do it truthfully.
Art
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Zinkin’s view reflects the needed balance
I read with great surprise Jill Anderson’s letter “No way Zinkin a pro-business OV candidate.” As a fellow member of the Oro Valley Development Review Board, I’ve viewed Ms. Anderson as a reasonable colleague, so her letter seemed out of character.
Ms. Anderson used the May 12, 2009, DRB meeting when “Wal-Mart requested a paint color change” to show Mike Zinkin as not being pro-business while chair of the DRB. Meeting minutes (accessible on the town’s web-site) reveal that Ms. Anderson got her facts completely wrong. The minutes report Ms. Anderson was not present at this meeting, yet she describes what happened. Mike was not the meeting chairperson, Tom Gribb was. Town staff actually recommended against granting the color change because it “was not in compliance with the approved MACP.” Mike made no motion denying Wal-Mart’s request. I did, because granting the request “would violate the trust of the people in the community.”
The minutes don’t reflect Mike made comments on the issue, only that I, Chairperson Gribb and member Buette (who supported Wal-Mart) did so. The staff recommendation passed 5-1.
Ms. Anderson has a right to her opinion, but I believe her allegation is only as credible as the example she cites supporting it. I served on the board during most of Mike’s tenure as chairperson and never observed what Ms. Anderson alleges. He sometimes asked applicants questions they may have not been comfortable having raised, because the design guideline element was being violated. All members of the board have an obligation to raise such questions.
Mike Zinkin’s perspective represents the balance citizens of Oro Valley need in its mayor — the understanding the town must become more supportive of business, while maintaining reasonable development standards that make our community the livable place we all enjoy. Mike Zinkin’s actual record reveals that’s the person he is, not the person Ms. Anderson inaccurately portrayed.
Michael R. Schoeppach, Oro Valley
Art
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Zinkin’s view reflects the needed balance
I read with great surprise Jill Anderson’s letter “No way Zinkin a pro-business OV candidate.” As a fellow member of the Oro Valley Development Review Board, I’ve viewed Ms. Anderson as a reasonable colleague, so her letter seemed out of character.
Ms. Anderson used the May 12, 2009, DRB meeting when “Wal-Mart requested a paint color change” to show Mike Zinkin as not being pro-business while chair of the DRB. Meeting minutes (accessible on the town’s web-site) reveal that Ms. Anderson got her facts completely wrong. The minutes report Ms. Anderson was not present at this meeting, yet she describes what happened. Mike was not the meeting chairperson, Tom Gribb was. Town staff actually recommended against granting the color change because it “was not in compliance with the approved MACP.” Mike made no motion denying Wal-Mart’s request. I did, because granting the request “would violate the trust of the people in the community.”
The minutes don’t reflect Mike made comments on the issue, only that I, Chairperson Gribb and member Buette (who supported Wal-Mart) did so. The staff recommendation passed 5-1.
Ms. Anderson has a right to her opinion, but I believe her allegation is only as credible as the example she cites supporting it. I served on the board during most of Mike’s tenure as chairperson and never observed what Ms. Anderson alleges. He sometimes asked applicants questions they may have not been comfortable having raised, because the design guideline element was being violated. All members of the board have an obligation to raise such questions.
Mike Zinkin’s perspective represents the balance citizens of Oro Valley need in its mayor — the understanding the town must become more supportive of business, while maintaining reasonable development standards that make our community the livable place we all enjoy. Mike Zinkin’s actual record reveals that’s the person he is, not the person Ms. Anderson inaccurately portrayed.
Michael R. Schoeppach, Oro Valley
Three Votes For Hiremath. How Many Disagree?
Well---if you read this letter to The Explorer, you'll have no doubt that Satish Hiremath has three votes. We must wonder what the rest of the Canada Hills Village 15 homeowners think about Mike. Are these the ONLY three Hiremath supporters in the whole community of 100+?
Art
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Dealing with Zinkin makes everyone angry
Dr. Satish Hiremath is our choice for mayor of the Town of Oro Valley.
Dr. Satish Hiremath has a successful dentistry business, and is a very active volunteer, leading GOVAC for several years. His business is thriving. GOVAC has matured into a successful regional organization under his guidance. Both jobs require detailed financial planning and personnel interaction. Getting consensus is mandatory. Leadership skills are required — working with people is the job.
Mike Zinkin was an air traffic controller for many years and has been a baseball umpire for 40 years. I have no doubt that he was a very fine air traffic controller and that he is a great baseball umpire; you can't do those badly or you are not asked to continue. They require one to make repeated, instantaneous, black and white decisions without consulting anyone. The decisions must be communicated instantly as unquestioned orders. No leadership skills are required to guide airplanes or to call strikes.
Mr. Zinkin interacts with our homeowners association —with mostly legitimate concerns — more than anyone else in our tract. Every time he does so, he does it in such a manner that everyone gets angry. The natural response is to just say no. If Mr. Zinkin were elected to the HOA board, we would resign immediately. He's impossible to work with.
Seven years ago, Mr. Zinkin was on the HOA board. He and another board member were censured after they cost the HOA several thousand dollars by their actions. They escaped being sued for malfeasance on a technicality. He has not served on that board since.
Dr. Satish Hiremath is clearly our choice to lead Oro Valley as mayor.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the Canada Hills Village 15 Homeowners Association.
Douglas Forester, Harry Wells, Burton Jordon, Oro Valley
Art
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Dealing with Zinkin makes everyone angry
Dr. Satish Hiremath is our choice for mayor of the Town of Oro Valley.
Dr. Satish Hiremath has a successful dentistry business, and is a very active volunteer, leading GOVAC for several years. His business is thriving. GOVAC has matured into a successful regional organization under his guidance. Both jobs require detailed financial planning and personnel interaction. Getting consensus is mandatory. Leadership skills are required — working with people is the job.
Mike Zinkin was an air traffic controller for many years and has been a baseball umpire for 40 years. I have no doubt that he was a very fine air traffic controller and that he is a great baseball umpire; you can't do those badly or you are not asked to continue. They require one to make repeated, instantaneous, black and white decisions without consulting anyone. The decisions must be communicated instantly as unquestioned orders. No leadership skills are required to guide airplanes or to call strikes.
Mr. Zinkin interacts with our homeowners association —with mostly legitimate concerns — more than anyone else in our tract. Every time he does so, he does it in such a manner that everyone gets angry. The natural response is to just say no. If Mr. Zinkin were elected to the HOA board, we would resign immediately. He's impossible to work with.
Seven years ago, Mr. Zinkin was on the HOA board. He and another board member were censured after they cost the HOA several thousand dollars by their actions. They escaped being sued for malfeasance on a technicality. He has not served on that board since.
Dr. Satish Hiremath is clearly our choice to lead Oro Valley as mayor.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the Canada Hills Village 15 Homeowners Association.
Douglas Forester, Harry Wells, Burton Jordon, Oro Valley
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