Only Bill Garner & Barry Gillaspie stood tall throughout the discussion at the council meeting as it concerned the saving of the Coyote Run Bus Service.
After more rhetoric than was necessary, with our wonderful Mayor Hiremath truly beating a dead horse,and refusing to do the right thing, the Oro Valley Council voted 6-1 to save the service that is so necessary for those among us that desperately need it---at least for another year.
Did the potential recall of Joe Hornat & Mary Snider play a role in this vote?
I'll leave that up to our readers to decide.
All we know, is that it would have been the wrong thing to do to terminate this service and basically allow the RTA to determine if and how it would operate.
Geez! Do you think there's a chance this council might even think of eliminating all but a couple of the police take vehicles?
Who knows. A potential recall might even perform more miracles.
14 comments:
Yes, there is cause to wonder, Art!
In between the vote and last night's meeting, the recall was announced.
Snider's turnaround last night was dramatic. The meeting following the vote eliminating Coyote Run, she informed the public that she and the Council worked out a plan with Suntran, Handicar, etc. so that there would be no interruption in services. The only change would be Oro Valley would not foot the bill. Snider seemed surprised that we the voters had no idea how hard they worked. I wondered why she hadn't shared that with the public before the Council voted.
Last night's meeting outted her.
There is no plan in place yet.
Amy made that clear from her presentation. Possible alternatives exist but will require a great deal of coordination to implement. As each Coyote Run user described their unique and dramatic needs, offered suggestions of funds within the budget that could be rerouted to keep the service and moved every listener deeply.
Yes, agreed, Bill and Barry spoke eloquently, compassionately about keeping the service. Barry is experienced, very bright, and penetrates the political issues. I wish he'd speak more. As other council members addressed questions to the speakers, I asked why they didn't research the issue before they voted. Even Snider for whom it was "all worked out" changed her mind with more information. Yet if Coyote Run 's coordinator and users hadn't come to the meeting, Snider might not realize her grasp of their situation was superficial.
Snider was convinced she was making the right decision.
Snider stated she was elected to use her judgment, not to vote as her constituents want. With this most recent example of her judgment, how responsible is she as a Councilperson?
Thanks Desert Voice.
After listening to the Coyote Run portion of the meeting, it seems obvious that:
1)Hiremath is just totally arrogant and doesn't give a damn about the people----especially those that foolishly voted for him.
2) As for Hornat & Snider, they came across as totally superficial, trying to save their respective "backsides.
3) Solomon just makes himself look even more foolish & ignorant every time he opens his mouth. He needs to take a class on how to show some (class.)
4) Waters, as usual takes his lead from Hornat & Snider and goes along with whatever they think.
5) Bill Garner & Barry Gillaspie, once again showed that the people are the most important element. Good for them!
Art,
Bill Adler was diplomatic when he described this Council as a Council of "choices". Previous ones were Councils of Excellence.
To hear the CR passenger suggest that a $22,000 TV, or employees birthdays, or a percentage of health benefits, might be an appropriate shift to help those who need Coyote Run so badly, makes one wonder where their values are. To watch Hiremath, who suffers the same 'hearing loss' as his predecessor, remained cemented in his position despite the obvious pain and suffering of CR's users was incredible! What a lack of humanity!
Yes, your word 'superficial' describes Hornat and Snider's approach to this issue.
Although Waters touts a powerful resume, he described himself as a journalist not a politician during the campaign. He appears idealistic, artistic, likeable, but
unworldly and may need to rely on the Chicagoan for tips about political cat fights. His "reason" for not publicizing how hard this council works, ie they cut the Communications person, was a cheap shot. The Grapevine line was that she fell out of favor and they fired her, not laid her off.
Art, now what news vehicle was Waters talking about when he said that he worked in the media and you should not believe everything you read?
One characteristic of your blog is that we care. To others C-A-R-E is a four letter word of which they will never be accused of.
Why can't the coyote run service be used by all town residents if there is room or empty seats available? Those who are not 62 or disabled could pay a higher ride fee.
For anyone who didn't see this, listen to Mayor Highertaxes at the 1:39 mark of the June 1st council meeting as he insults the people of Oro Valley with this comment:
"All we're doing by keeping Coyote Run is fostering Oro Valley's elitist mentality."
Then listen to Solomon at the 1:32 mark when he claims that the reason we have such good town employees is because we offer them 100% paid health insurance and paid birthdays off and if we stop offering those benefits, we will lose those employees.
Question: Where will they go? Are there a multitude of other options in Tucson where they can find an employer who will give them 100% paid health care and their birthday off? NO ONE does this!
And listen to Barry Gillaspie at the 1:36 mark.
Of all the blowhards to ever grace the dais during Gillaspies many years on the council, I believe Solomon was the first one who became annoying enough to get the always mild-mannered, respectful, and civil Gillaspie to finally...
...Well, watch it and see!
Cowgirl--- In light of your last comment, below is an email I saw fit to send to Barry Gillaspie. (I'll edit some of my profanity for the blog)
Hi Barry--- It was great to see you take on that a**-hole "The Appointed One," Solomon last night. You did the right thing, as noted by the audience's approval.
As I noted on the blog, you & Bill "stood tall," while Hornat & Snider were only concerned with trying to save their own a*s.
Waters only knows to follow their lead, and Hiremath is too g*d damn arrogant for his own good.
Congrats for joining with Bill and doing the right thing.
Art
DV....The plan to replace Coyote Run has been in in the works for some time and was so announced several Council meetings ago.
The true nature of the blogmaster is revealed in his unedited comments to Barry. Such class.
Thinkerbell,
I noticed that you didn't (couldn't) defend Solomon's comment about how we will lose all the good town employees to other companies if we discontinue 100% paid health insurance and paid birthdays off.
Prove it! Name me all the other companies in Tucson that are offering those benefits!
VC...I didn't respond to Solomons comment because I don't have any support to do so. Ask him to prove it, not me.
OVOT,
If Snider had her finger on the pulse of her constituents, she would have immediately volunteered exactly what x,y.z Councilpersons worked out. Her comments were general, simplistic, vague. It felt like a justification for her vote and an afterthought to soothe voters' concerns.
Coyote Run is a hot spot for many voters. A perceptive politician would immediately reassure voters the facts of what was done. Snider did not.
Census 2010 documented how educated OV citizens are. This community expects Council to provide solid, well researched and accurate answers not vague inaccurate generalities.
After Amy's presentation, it was clear Snider's perception of what was "accomplished" was incorrect. Scarey to have an elected Councilperson's take so different from the reality.
When you sell a million dollar home, do you credit yourself with the sale when you have earnest money or when your commission clears your bank account?
Can anyone name me even ONE company in Tucson or Oro Valley that offers 100% paid health insurance AND paid birthdays off?
Anyone?
Admit it, OVOT, your guy Solomon often makes assertions that he cannot defend. I find that to be dangerous because he is making his point/argument...that he is right...based on fantasy. Therefore, he is wrong.
This is dangerous because his followers will believe every word he says.
VC....When did I become Solomon's "guy"? I think the heat has gotten to you. The only "fantasy" is that which lives in your mind.
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