Oro Valley Resident Lambasts Mayor And Council

In his letter to The Explorer, Donald Bristow lets the Mayor & Council(majority) know what he thinks about their actions concerning volunteer groups.

We agree totally with Mr. Bristow.

Here is his letter.


Council's acts will have a negative impact


Recent town council meetings reinforced my concerns with new council members and Mayor Hiremath.

Concern 1:

The mayor and council had temporarily delayed their plan to eliminate most or all resident-staffed commissions, boards and committees. However, during the last council meeting, disrespect for the residents' participation was again exhibited. The mayor and non-elected Councilman Solomon led a vote to override a decision made by the resident-staffed arts review commission.

The commission members had rejected some art proposed for the new retirement residence on Lambert Lane. The decision was within their authority and wouldn't delay the construction of the complex. The information presented by both sides clearly indicated a misunderstanding. Under these circumstances, even the most junior business manager would have sent the two parties back to resolve their misunderstandings.

However, the commission members' decision was overridden. Why were the art review commission members thrown under the bus? Was this another step to elimination of this commission? Will this council reduce the responsibilities of commissions to an insignificant level, thus allowing business owners, developers, builders, and the real-estate industry to set the direction of matters involving general plan, codes, ordinances and governing structure?

Concern 2:

The council is in the process of studying and approving an updated sign code. The Sign Code Task Force and staff, for the most part, have done an excellent job updating the Oro Valley sign code. Will the council and mayor accept the recommendations, or will they make numerous changes, again letting business owners, developers, builders and the real-estate industry set the direction of matters involving general plan, codes, ordinances and governing structure?

Will the council and mayor create a code that will make Oro Valley the sign-blighted capital of metro Tucson?

My concerns lead me to believe that actions of this council will negatively impact Oro Valley's future. Who is running Oro Valley? Do you want the future of Oro Valley to be crafted by special interest groups or residents? It is time to let your elected officials know what you expect from them.

Donald Bristow, Oro Valley

Oro Valley Hires New Assistant Town Manager

As reported in The Explorer, Oro Valley has hired a new Assistant Town Manager.

We welcome Greg Caton from Colorado to our community, and wish him the best in his new position.

Mr Caton comes on board officially on Nov. 15.

Read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/11/03/news/doc4cd08df731e60889899222.txt