We are asking all our readers to read the following time-line as it concerns the Coyote Run Bus Service. This issue is of little consequence to the vast majority of our citizens, but it is a real lifeline to those that rely on this service.
If we do not care about our disabled and elderly neighbors, who should we care about?
The next council meeting on this issue will be July 20. We can only hope the full council will show enough compassion, and allow this service to continue.
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TIME-LINE
April 20 Council Meeting
Council votes 6-1 to eliminate Coyote Run Bus Service. Only Bill Garner votes "NO."
"Unfortunately, this is where the rubber hits the road. When you cut, you affect real people and real lives," Councilman Steve Solomon said.
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June 1 Council Meeting
With a large turnout of speakers, including the elderly and disabled that rely on Coyote Run pleading to not discontinue the service, Bill Garner makes a motion to use bed tax revenue to allow for continuation of Coyote Run for another year.
The motion is approved 6-1 with Mayor Hiremath, who serves as Vice Chairman of the RTA Board, casting the lone dissenting vote.
Referring to the seniors and disabled among us that require the services rendered by the Coyote Run Bus, Hiremath says:
"All we're doing by keeping Coyote Run is fostering Oro Valley's elitist mentality."
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June 7 Letter from RTA to Mayor Hiremath
RTA Executive Director Gary Hayes sends Hiremath a letter and states: “Needless to say, we were certainly surprised and disappointed at Oro Valley’s Town Council’s decision last week to continue Coyote Run in its current format."
Hayes continues: “As you know, RTA staff has been working closely with town staff to achieve a win-win solution for the residents of Oro Valley and the RTA, and frankly, were led to believe that the solution had the support of the town’s elected officials.”
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June 8 (The very next day)
Council Member Solomon with a 2nd by Waters requests that the June 1 vote approving the continuation of Coyote Run, be reconsidered. It is placed on the June 15 agenda.
Hiremath is quoted as stating he was glad the council will reconsider the issue.
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June 15 Council Meeting
Council votes 5-2 with Garner & Gillaspie in the minority, to once again put the disabled and the elderly through more agony and waiting by reconsidering the vote to continue Coyote Run.
The council will now go through the process all over again. A second public hearing will have to be held, and the council will have to re-vote on the issue.
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June 29 Special Council Meeting
Council votes 4-1 to appoint Solomon & Waters to a working group aimed at researching regional transportation prospects and addressing questions surrounding the Regional Transportation Authority. (RTA.) Snider and Gillaspie were absent. Once again, Bill Garner was the sole no vote.
We must question how and why Solomon & Waters, the two individuals that requested a reconsideration of the approval of Coyote Run,and voted for the reconsideration, should be on a task force that will make recommendations on this issue.
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July 6 LOVE Blog Posting
Why is Coyote Run necessary?
Read what one supporter says.
Here are a few of the dangers the seniors, whose average age is 81, will be exposed to:
Those who should no longer be driving may be forced to drive again, endangering not only their lives but others.
Seniors, who need to reach doctors beyond Oro Valley/Northwest Hospital may be left on a street corner to await a transfer vehicle in extreme heat or a monsoon with dangers ranging from heatstroke to lightning.
Mentally or physically disabled children may be left in the care of drivers who have had no first aid or CPR training.
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July 20 Council Meeting
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION REGARDING ORO VALLEY TRANSIT SERVICES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
A Council work group was formed by the Town Council, comprised of Council Members Waters and Solomon, to address issues and concerns heard at the June 1, 2011 public hearing on the elimination of Coyote Run transit service. The Council work group, in conjunction with staff, will examine options to resolve issues.
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