I'd like to share an email from Darcy Olson, President & CEO of The Goldwater Institute. Although it is not pertinent to Oro Valley, it certainly should be interesting reading.
As a hockey fan (NY Rangers), I think our Senior Senator & the NHL Commissioner are "nuts." Kudos to George Will & The Goldwater Institute on this issue.
Art
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Excellent article by George Will in today’s Washington Post on Glendale’s attempt to force taxpayers to subsidize a private sports franchise and the Goldwater Institute’s effort to protect taxpayers. Thought you’d enjoy it.
Darcy
An Arizona city’s sports mania encounters a hard check
By George F. Will
PHOENIX
Suburban Glendale is less a community with professional sports facilities than a sports enterprise with a community held hostage to previous improvident decisions. Now Glendale’s government may multiply its follies — unless Arizona’s constitution saves the city from itself.
Taxes provided $346 million of the $455 million cost of the huge (up to 72,200 seats) retractable-roof NFL stadium where the Arizona Cardinals will play 10 times this season, if there is a season. (The NFL is having labor problems.) But Glendale (population 253,000) has a more immediate problem with its hockey team, the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes.
After the team entered bankruptcy in 2009, the NHL bought it for $140 million and has lost at least $30 million operating it. It might decamp to Winnipeg, Manitoba. This would enable Glendale, which spent $180 million on the hockey arena, to cut its losses. Glendale, however, not wanting its eight-year-old arena to sit vacant, wants to sell up to $116 million of municipal bonds so that it can give $100 million to a wealthy Chicago business executive to help him buy the team. With the $100 million, the city would supposedly purchase the right to charge parking fees at the arena the city owns, with the fees going to pay off the bonds. But the city already owns the right it is purchasing: It already imposes a ticket surcharge for parking.
If future fees are insufficient, Glendale’s taxpayers will have to make up the shortfall. Furthermore, Glendale would pay the new owner an additional $97 million under a contract, awarded without competitive bidding, to manage the arena through the 2014 season.
Fortunately, this folly may be illegal. The Arizona constitution’s “gift clause” may block Glendale’s booster socialism — the ruinous pursuit of derivative grandeur from sports. The clause was written to prevent crony capitalism — to provide a wall of separation between corporations and government by forbidding government to give corporations gifts, loans, grants or subsidies.
The Goldwater Institute, a think tank and advocacy organization dedicated to the limited-government principles of its namesake, plans to sue, if necessary, to see that Arizona’s constitution is respected. So the city, which has been dilatory regarding documents sought by the institute, is threatening to sue the institute, which warned bond rating agencies and others about its possible constitutional lawsuit. Glendale correctly says that the lawsuit will add a risk premium to its cost of borrowing.
But before the institute announced its intentions, Moody’s, the credit rating agency, responded to Glendale’s idea of taking on another $116 million in debt by lowering the city’s rating. Its debt is already triple the median for comparable cities. Darcy Olsen, the Goldwater Institute’s president and chief executive, notes that if questioning a government’s behavior can generate “a retaliatory lawsuit by a legion of government attorneys, then journalists, bloggers and regular citizens across the state are all at risk.”
John McCain, who holds the Senate seat once occupied by Barry Goldwater but does not hold Goldwater’s views about governmental minimalism, calls the institute’s actions “disgraceful” and “basically blackmailing”: “It’s not their role to decide whether the Coyotes should stay [here] or not.” Well.
Constitutions do not impress the co-author of the McCain-Feingold assault on the First Amendment (his law restricts political speech). But the institute’s job — actually, it is every Arizonan’s job — is to protect the public interest. A virtuoso of indignation, McCain is scandalized that the institute, “a non-elected organization,” is going to cause the loss of “a thousand jobs.” McCain’s jobs number is preposterous, as is his intimation — he has been in elective office for 28 years — that non-elected people should not intervene in civic life.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman agrees with McCain that the world is out of joint when people can second-guess the political class: “It fascinates me that whoever is running the Goldwater Institute can substitute their judgment for that of the Glendale City Council.” He will learn not to provoke Olsen, who says, “It happens to fascinate me greatly that the commissioner thinks a handful of politicians can substitute their judgment for the rule of law.”
Warren Meyer of Forbes.com calculates that Glendale’s new plan would bring the city’s spending to almost $400 million on a team valued at $134 million — a team that has lost money in each of its 15 years here. Glendale’s rejoinder to the Goldwater Institute is an attempt at intimidation by lawsuit, which speaks volumes.
georgewill@washpost.com
__________________
Darcy Olsen
President & CEO
Goldwater Institute | www.GoldwaterInstitute.org
Showing posts with label Economic Development Agreements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Economic Development Agreements. Show all posts
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Ventana Medical Systems Gets Its Incentives---After Holding Az & Oro Valley's "Feet To The Fire."
Its the proverbial, "good news--bad news" scenario.
The good news is the Oro Valley Council voted unanimously to offer Ventana Medical (Roche) its requested incentive.
The bad news is the fact that the company Roche hired to assist them in getting their incentive, basically forced the state, the county and our town to give them what they asked for----or we'd lose out to another location.
Oh well! That's the way business is done today.
Read the two Explorer articles here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/10/27/news/doc4cc74f412ccbd307198349.txt
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/10/27/news/doc4cc74f78169e6058607415.txt
The good news is the Oro Valley Council voted unanimously to offer Ventana Medical (Roche) its requested incentive.
The bad news is the fact that the company Roche hired to assist them in getting their incentive, basically forced the state, the county and our town to give them what they asked for----or we'd lose out to another location.
Oh well! That's the way business is done today.
Read the two Explorer articles here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/10/27/news/doc4cc74f412ccbd307198349.txt
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/10/27/news/doc4cc74f78169e6058607415.txt
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Praise For Every Entity As Ventana Medical Expands In Oro Valley
Everyone seems thrilled that Roche, parent company of Ventana Medical Systems has chosen Oro Valley for their expansion.
Nobody is complaining about the $13 million incentives including up to $1 million that the Oro Valley Council is expected to approve tonight.
The Explorer reports that Roche has chosen Oro Valley over both Indianapolis & California.
Read two articles from The Explorer here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/10/20/news/doc4cbe2197e5ee4522212632.txt
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/10/20/news/doc4cbe20e73d7e3953511325.txt
Nobody is complaining about the $13 million incentives including up to $1 million that the Oro Valley Council is expected to approve tonight.
The Explorer reports that Roche has chosen Oro Valley over both Indianapolis & California.
Read two articles from The Explorer here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/10/20/news/doc4cbe2197e5ee4522212632.txt
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/10/20/news/doc4cbe20e73d7e3953511325.txt
Monday, August 23, 2010
Shop Oro Valley Makes Sense. Shop OV Marketplace Makes NO Sense!
The Az Star writes about both Oro Valley & Marana programs asking for support in shopping locally.
Oro Valley has had a program to shop locally since Nov 2008, and we certainly encourage everyone to frequent Oro Valley shops whenever possible.
There is one major exception.
We encourage ALL our readers to avoid shopping at the Oro Valley Marketplace.
Why?
Because it makes absolutely no sense to give Vestar almost 1/2 of our sales tax revenue every time you buy anything with tax. It's crazy to give Vestar $45 out of every $100 we collect. There is NOTHING special that requires anyone to shop there.
Whether it be a chain store or a "mom & pop shop," there are other viable alternatives in Oro Valley.
We agree----Keep Oro Valley dollars in Oro Valley---but not in the pockets of Vestar.
Read the Az Star story here, including the fact in the fiscal year ended June 30, Oro Valley collected $16 million in sales taxes, which was almost 44% of our General Fund revenue.
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=361824526868946733&pli=1
Oro Valley has had a program to shop locally since Nov 2008, and we certainly encourage everyone to frequent Oro Valley shops whenever possible.
There is one major exception.
We encourage ALL our readers to avoid shopping at the Oro Valley Marketplace.
Why?
Because it makes absolutely no sense to give Vestar almost 1/2 of our sales tax revenue every time you buy anything with tax. It's crazy to give Vestar $45 out of every $100 we collect. There is NOTHING special that requires anyone to shop there.
Whether it be a chain store or a "mom & pop shop," there are other viable alternatives in Oro Valley.
We agree----Keep Oro Valley dollars in Oro Valley---but not in the pockets of Vestar.
Read the Az Star story here, including the fact in the fiscal year ended June 30, Oro Valley collected $16 million in sales taxes, which was almost 44% of our General Fund revenue.
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=361824526868946733&pli=1
Monday, August 2, 2010
Might Oro Valley Learn From Marana's Business Incentive Program?
Every so often we see fit to report some news on our neighbor, Marana.
We thought this Az Star article might be of interest. It concerns Marana's way of enticing new businesses.
No "giveaways," and nothing for the likes of Vestar and other retail developments.
Here's the Star article.
http://azstarnet.com/business/local/article_ae7939e7-dd86-5abb-b60e-688899e7b40f.html
We thought this Az Star article might be of interest. It concerns Marana's way of enticing new businesses.
No "giveaways," and nothing for the likes of Vestar and other retail developments.
Here's the Star article.
http://azstarnet.com/business/local/article_ae7939e7-dd86-5abb-b60e-688899e7b40f.html
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Retail Developers Drop Claims Against Oro Valley
Inasmuch as it became a moot point, it was no surprise that Vestar & BP Oracle Crossing Investors dropped their claim against Oro Valley as subsidy money held in escrow was released subsequent to the Az Supreme Court ruling.
Here is The Explorer article.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/03/31/news/doc4bb281bd4bdfb031831797.txt
Here is The Explorer article.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2010/03/31/news/doc4bb281bd4bdfb031831797.txt
Monday, February 1, 2010
How The CityNorth Decision Will Impact Future Subsidies
The Az Republic has an interesting article on the ramifications of the Supreme Court ruling on the CityNorth case.
Tom Irvine, an attorney who has worked on similar agreements for government groups, said numerous past agreements would not have stood up to the court's new, updated direction.
"Any pure retail subsidy would fail," he said.
We certainly believe those subsidies given out in Oro Valley, especially the Vestar Marketplace deal would be that category Mr. Irvine references.
Read The Az Republic article here.
http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/02/01/20100201citynorthimpact0201.html
Tom Irvine, an attorney who has worked on similar agreements for government groups, said numerous past agreements would not have stood up to the court's new, updated direction.
"Any pure retail subsidy would fail," he said.
We certainly believe those subsidies given out in Oro Valley, especially the Vestar Marketplace deal would be that category Mr. Irvine references.
Read The Az Republic article here.
http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/02/01/20100201citynorthimpact0201.html
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Clint Bolick, Goldwater Institute Writes About "Gift Clause" & The Az Constitution
Following this past Monday's ruling by the Az Supreme Court, Clint Bolick reflects on the decision.
Gift Clause in Arizona Constitution has meaning again
by Clint Bolick
The Goldwater Institute's constitutional challenge to the $97.4 million CityNorth subsidy was the signature test for an untried idea: a litigation center dedicated to vindicating largely unused protections of individual rights and written restraints on government in our state constitution. Monday's decision by the Arizona Supreme Court in Turken v. Gordon illustrates the potential for such endeavors.
gavel b&wBefore we filed the case, cities across Arizona were engaged in subsidy wars to attract businesses that might contribute to their sales-tax coffers. Savvy developers peddled grandiose schemes, playing one city against another. Small businesses, which are the engine of our economy yet never receive special benefits, were forced to help subsidize much bigger competitors.
No one had the resources to take on the powerful combination of government and special interests. Even worse, decades of court precedents had diluted the Gift Clause--which categorically prohibits gifts of taxpayer funds "by subsidy or otherwise"--almost to the point of nonexistence. So when Phoenix gave a massive subsidy to a Chicago developer to build a luxury shopping mall, it seemed like a case tailor-made for litigation.
Things looked bleak when the trial court upheld the subsidy, crediting the developer's promises of massive tax revenues and other benefits to the City. But the Arizona Court of Appeals, meticulously applying the original intent of the Gift Clause, struck down the deal.
The Supreme Court could have returned matters to business as usual. It did allow the CityNorth deal to proceed, pointing to the confusion the Court felt its prior precedents had sown. And it deferred to the City's judgment that the CityNorth deal served a legitimate "public purpose." But the Court held that promises of "indirect" economic benefits--such as jobs that may result from a proposed project--are insufficient consideration for tax-dollar giveaways. From now on, economic development agreements must produce tangible benefits and fair-market value for taxpayers. That ought to curb the worst excesses, and we'll be on the watch to make sure that government behaves.
In the meantime, score one for the little guy--and for the idea that with the right cases brought to them, courts will hold governments to their constitutional boundaries.
Clint Bolick is director of the Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation.
Gift Clause in Arizona Constitution has meaning again
by Clint Bolick
The Goldwater Institute's constitutional challenge to the $97.4 million CityNorth subsidy was the signature test for an untried idea: a litigation center dedicated to vindicating largely unused protections of individual rights and written restraints on government in our state constitution. Monday's decision by the Arizona Supreme Court in Turken v. Gordon illustrates the potential for such endeavors.
gavel b&wBefore we filed the case, cities across Arizona were engaged in subsidy wars to attract businesses that might contribute to their sales-tax coffers. Savvy developers peddled grandiose schemes, playing one city against another. Small businesses, which are the engine of our economy yet never receive special benefits, were forced to help subsidize much bigger competitors.
No one had the resources to take on the powerful combination of government and special interests. Even worse, decades of court precedents had diluted the Gift Clause--which categorically prohibits gifts of taxpayer funds "by subsidy or otherwise"--almost to the point of nonexistence. So when Phoenix gave a massive subsidy to a Chicago developer to build a luxury shopping mall, it seemed like a case tailor-made for litigation.
Things looked bleak when the trial court upheld the subsidy, crediting the developer's promises of massive tax revenues and other benefits to the City. But the Arizona Court of Appeals, meticulously applying the original intent of the Gift Clause, struck down the deal.
The Supreme Court could have returned matters to business as usual. It did allow the CityNorth deal to proceed, pointing to the confusion the Court felt its prior precedents had sown. And it deferred to the City's judgment that the CityNorth deal served a legitimate "public purpose." But the Court held that promises of "indirect" economic benefits--such as jobs that may result from a proposed project--are insufficient consideration for tax-dollar giveaways. From now on, economic development agreements must produce tangible benefits and fair-market value for taxpayers. That ought to curb the worst excesses, and we'll be on the watch to make sure that government behaves.
In the meantime, score one for the little guy--and for the idea that with the right cases brought to them, courts will hold governments to their constitutional boundaries.
Clint Bolick is director of the Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Newspaper Reports On Az Supreme Court Ruling
Following are two front page stories from the Arizona Star & the Arinona Republic concerning yesterday's ruling by the Az Supreme Court on the CityNorth subsidy of $97.4 million.
From the Az Star---
Now that the town has a reasonable commercial base,Mayor Loomis said any
new agreements "will be looked at even more carefully than in the past."
Our comment---
Too bad Loomis and the then OV Council didn't look more carefully in 2004. We wouldn't have gotten stuck with these one sided deals, especially Vestar, and that Marketplace anchored by Walmart.
From the Az Republic---
Former Phoenix Councilman Greg Stanton said the ruling showed that the benefits of the project did not outweigh the costs for taxpayers. "The Supreme Court decision made it clear that it was a bad deal for the people of Phoenix," he said.
Our comment--- We couldn't agree more with Mr. Stanton.
Here's The Az Star article
http://www.azstarnet.com/news/local/article_e20aa108-0735-5feb-a758-14abd590256e.html
Here's The Az Republic article
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2010/01/26/20100126citynorth0126.html
From the Az Star---
Now that the town has a reasonable commercial base,Mayor Loomis said any
new agreements "will be looked at even more carefully than in the past."
Our comment---
Too bad Loomis and the then OV Council didn't look more carefully in 2004. We wouldn't have gotten stuck with these one sided deals, especially Vestar, and that Marketplace anchored by Walmart.
From the Az Republic---
Former Phoenix Councilman Greg Stanton said the ruling showed that the benefits of the project did not outweigh the costs for taxpayers. "The Supreme Court decision made it clear that it was a bad deal for the people of Phoenix," he said.
Our comment--- We couldn't agree more with Mr. Stanton.
Here's The Az Star article
http://www.azstarnet.com/news/local/article_e20aa108-0735-5feb-a758-14abd590256e.html
Here's The Az Republic article
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2010/01/26/20100126citynorth0126.html
Monday, January 25, 2010
Oro Valley Council To Discuss Ramifications Of Az Supreme Court Ruling On CityNorth
As a result of today's Supreme Court ruling on Turken vs. Gordon (the CityNorth subsidy) the Oro Valley Town Council will discuss the ramifications on previous subsidies given out here.
The discussion will be held in Executive Session Jan. 27 @ 5:00PM.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING PAYMENTS UNDER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS FOLLOWING THE ARIZONA SUPREME COURT TURKEN V. GORDON DECISION.
In light of the court's decision that the ruling applies going forward and will not affect previous agreements that public entities have signed with developers, it seems that Oro Valley must give the funds held in escrow to the appropriate developers.
Let's not forget one thing. It was under the inept leadership of Mayor Loomis that these agreements were made that were so one sided in favor of the developers----especially Vestar and its Marketplace anchored by Walmart.
The discussion will be held in Executive Session Jan. 27 @ 5:00PM.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING PAYMENTS UNDER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS FOLLOWING THE ARIZONA SUPREME COURT TURKEN V. GORDON DECISION.
In light of the court's decision that the ruling applies going forward and will not affect previous agreements that public entities have signed with developers, it seems that Oro Valley must give the funds held in escrow to the appropriate developers.
Let's not forget one thing. It was under the inept leadership of Mayor Loomis that these agreements were made that were so one sided in favor of the developers----especially Vestar and its Marketplace anchored by Walmart.
Phoenix Business Journal Reports On Supreme Court Ruling On CityNorth
The Phoenix Business Journal reports on Supreme Court ruling on CityNorth.
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2010/01/25/daily11.html
http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2010/01/25/daily11.html
Az Supreme Court Vacats Appeals Court Decision On CityNorth Subsidy
The Supreme Court of Arizona basically upheld the Superior Court's ruling on the Turken. vs. Gordon subsidy case, and vacated the Appeal's Court ruling.
The ramifications of the decision are still to be determined, by suffice to say, it was a loss for the small business owners and the people of Arizona, including, of course, those of us in Oro Valley.
In any case, in its 29 page decision, the court made it clear that their decision would only be applicable to transactions made after this ruling.
Please stay tuned to see a soon to be released press release from The Goldwater Institute.
Here is the link to the Supreme Court ruling.
http://www.supreme.state.az.us/opin/pdf2010/CV090042PR.pdf
The ramifications of the decision are still to be determined, by suffice to say, it was a loss for the small business owners and the people of Arizona, including, of course, those of us in Oro Valley.
In any case, in its 29 page decision, the court made it clear that their decision would only be applicable to transactions made after this ruling.
Please stay tuned to see a soon to be released press release from The Goldwater Institute.
Here is the link to the Supreme Court ruling.
http://www.supreme.state.az.us/opin/pdf2010/CV090042PR.pdf
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Az Supreme Court To Announce CityNorth Decision 10:00 AM Jan 25.--Vestar Sues Oro Valley On Their "Giveaway"
The Az Supreme Court CityNorth decision will be announced tomorrow morning at 10:00AM. We will all know whether the court will uphold the Appellate Court ruling that basically said the Gift Clause violates the Arizona Constitution.
The Goldwater Institute filed the law suit against Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon after he opted to give Klutznick Co. an out of state developer $97.4 million of future sales tax revenue for what may have been some municipal parking spots in Phoenix's CityNorth development.
We in Oro Valley know all about these giveaways, as under Mayor Loomis's inept leadership, we committed to give a few retail developers millions of our sales tax revenue.
The Vestar lawsuit reported in today's Az Star is the 2nd suit. It follows the one by the Oracle Crossing developer filed in Dec. 2008.
Read the Star article here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/business/local/article_62ab7a67-c29d-500b-88c0-d201145d77cc.html
The Goldwater Institute filed the law suit against Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon after he opted to give Klutznick Co. an out of state developer $97.4 million of future sales tax revenue for what may have been some municipal parking spots in Phoenix's CityNorth development.
We in Oro Valley know all about these giveaways, as under Mayor Loomis's inept leadership, we committed to give a few retail developers millions of our sales tax revenue.
The Vestar lawsuit reported in today's Az Star is the 2nd suit. It follows the one by the Oracle Crossing developer filed in Dec. 2008.
Read the Star article here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/business/local/article_62ab7a67-c29d-500b-88c0-d201145d77cc.html
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
CityNorth----Funny or Sad? We Say, "It's Sad For Phoenix Citizens"
While we anxiously await the Supreme Court ruling on The Goldwater Institute lawsuit against Phx Mayor Phil Gordon, read what is going on---courtesy of Az Repulic reporter Laurie Roberts.
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Laurie Roberts' Columns & Blog
.
I almost feel sorry for CityNorth. Almost.
I find myself feeling almost sorry for the developers of CityNorth. First, they find themselves in the cross hairs of the Goldwater Institute for cooking up a deal with Phil Gordon to siphon away $100 million in future sales tax revenues in exchange for building a shopping center in northeast Phoenix.
Then, they open the first phase of their development – a smattering of shops, restaurants and some high-dollar apartments – in the middle of the biggest economic downturn of most of our lives. Then Bloomies et al pulled out of an eventual second phase and last week, CityNorth's lender filed to foreclose, hoping to recoup a portion of its $290 million loan.
Meanwhile, the city continues to pay the law firm of Fennemore Craig up to $520 an hour to defend the city’s plan to hand over $100 million in future tax revenues, should CityNorth ever build its vaunted shopping mall. As of September, the city had paid more than $600,000 in legal fees to defend against the Goldwater lawsuit.
We're still waiting for the Arizona Supreme Court to decide whether to uphold the Court of Appeal’s decision that the deal was unconstitutional. In the meantime, I’m wondering if Phoenix residents can foreclose on the city to get their $600k back...
*********************************************************************************************
Laurie Roberts' Columns & Blog
.
I almost feel sorry for CityNorth. Almost.
I find myself feeling almost sorry for the developers of CityNorth. First, they find themselves in the cross hairs of the Goldwater Institute for cooking up a deal with Phil Gordon to siphon away $100 million in future sales tax revenues in exchange for building a shopping center in northeast Phoenix.
Then, they open the first phase of their development – a smattering of shops, restaurants and some high-dollar apartments – in the middle of the biggest economic downturn of most of our lives. Then Bloomies et al pulled out of an eventual second phase and last week, CityNorth's lender filed to foreclose, hoping to recoup a portion of its $290 million loan.
Meanwhile, the city continues to pay the law firm of Fennemore Craig up to $520 an hour to defend the city’s plan to hand over $100 million in future tax revenues, should CityNorth ever build its vaunted shopping mall. As of September, the city had paid more than $600,000 in legal fees to defend against the Goldwater lawsuit.
We're still waiting for the Arizona Supreme Court to decide whether to uphold the Court of Appeal’s decision that the deal was unconstitutional. In the meantime, I’m wondering if Phoenix residents can foreclose on the city to get their $600k back...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Goldwater Institute: "Reform Crucial To End Government Favoritism"
Nick Dranias is an attorney and director of constitutional policy at the Goldwater Institute. Please take a few moments to read Nick's Op Ed to The Az Republic as it concerns retail subsidies. You'll note Nick refers to Oro Valley and its giveaways.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2009/09/14/20090914dranias15.html
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2009/09/14/20090914dranias15.html
Friday, July 31, 2009
CityNorth Upcoming Supreme Court Hearing: Two Points Of View
The July 29 Az Republic has an article by Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks that extols the virtues of the CityNorth subsidy.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2009/07/29/20090729wedlets292.html
On July 31, reporter Bob Robb writes,"A sales-tax rebate to reimburse a private developer for a parking garage that will serve primarily the private patrons of the developer's private tenants is a clear violation of the constitutional provision."
"This state Supreme Court actually has an easy choice. It can affirm that, as the Court of Appeals unanimously did. Or it can pretend that the state Constitution says something it doesn't say."
http://localsearch.azcentral.com/sp?catId=&aff=1100&searchkeyword=&searchca
The case will be heard in Phoenix on Sept. 30 @ 9:30AM.
Hopefully, the Supreme Court will do the right thing and uphold the Az Constitution, agreeing with The Goldwater Institute that brought the case to this point.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2009/07/29/20090729wedlets292.html
On July 31, reporter Bob Robb writes,"A sales-tax rebate to reimburse a private developer for a parking garage that will serve primarily the private patrons of the developer's private tenants is a clear violation of the constitutional provision."
"This state Supreme Court actually has an easy choice. It can affirm that, as the Court of Appeals unanimously did. Or it can pretend that the state Constitution says something it doesn't say."
http://localsearch.azcentral.com/sp?catId=&aff=1100&searchkeyword=&searchca
The case will be heard in Phoenix on Sept. 30 @ 9:30AM.
Hopefully, the Supreme Court will do the right thing and uphold the Az Constitution, agreeing with The Goldwater Institute that brought the case to this point.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
CityNorth Oral Arguments Scheduled For Az Supreme Court On Sept. 30 @ 11:00 AM
The Court has set a date to hear oral arguments on the $97.4 million subsidy to the developer of the CityNorth retail mall in Phoenix.
The date is SEPT. 30 @ 11:00 AM. at The Supreme Court in Phoenix.
Most of us know the ruling on this case may have major implications on a number of Economic Development Agreements in Oro Valley.
The date is SEPT. 30 @ 11:00 AM. at The Supreme Court in Phoenix.
Most of us know the ruling on this case may have major implications on a number of Economic Development Agreements in Oro Valley.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Oro Valley Town Attorney Signs Letter Opposing Tax- Sharing Deals
On June 6, we did a posting thanking our Town Attorney, Tobin Rosen for his excellent work in preparing a "Friend Of The Court" letter supporting the Goldwater Institute in the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on "giveaways."
A Big "Thank You" To Town Attorney Tobin Rosen For His Letter Re: "Amicus Brief"
We are posting the June 24 Explorer article on this issue mainly because it supplies the details in just how much these "foolish giveaways" are costing us, the taxpayers.
Please read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2009/06/24/news/doc4a41643ccda48473265952.txt
A Big "Thank You" To Town Attorney Tobin Rosen For His Letter Re: "Amicus Brief"
We are posting the June 24 Explorer article on this issue mainly because it supplies the details in just how much these "foolish giveaways" are costing us, the taxpayers.
Please read The Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2009/06/24/news/doc4a41643ccda48473265952.txt
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Need Another Reason Why Retail "Giveaways" Are "Losers?"
As most of us know, Oro Valley is awaiting the Az Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of Economic Development Agreements, and we now put the applicable sales tax revenue in an escrow account.
As most of us also know, the $23.2 million a previous Oro Valley Council foolishly gave Vestar for its "ill conceived" Marketplace was the most egregious of all the giveaways.
Now, we have another good reason to point out how ignorant these giveaways are---not that we didn't know it all along.
Has anyone noticed the multitude of "available" signs on what were retail shops throughout Oro Valley? One of these empty storefronts had been Verizon at the Rooney Ranch shopping center on Oracle road south of 1st Avenue? In this case, it doesn't yet say "available,"---only that "we moved."
Although no one was smart enough to say where they moved, the answer is, Vestar's Marketplace.
Why should we care? Simply because anyone who purchased a phone or whatever at Verizon on Oracle road, helped Oro Valley's revenue stream with a 2% sales tax. Well, as of now, that's not the way it is. As a result of the EDA, we only get slightly more than 1%, and Vestar pockets the rest.
You tell me, that's not a losing deal for the Oro Valley taxpayers!
As most of us also know, the $23.2 million a previous Oro Valley Council foolishly gave Vestar for its "ill conceived" Marketplace was the most egregious of all the giveaways.
Now, we have another good reason to point out how ignorant these giveaways are---not that we didn't know it all along.
Has anyone noticed the multitude of "available" signs on what were retail shops throughout Oro Valley? One of these empty storefronts had been Verizon at the Rooney Ranch shopping center on Oracle road south of 1st Avenue? In this case, it doesn't yet say "available,"---only that "we moved."
Although no one was smart enough to say where they moved, the answer is, Vestar's Marketplace.
Why should we care? Simply because anyone who purchased a phone or whatever at Verizon on Oracle road, helped Oro Valley's revenue stream with a 2% sales tax. Well, as of now, that's not the way it is. As a result of the EDA, we only get slightly more than 1%, and Vestar pockets the rest.
You tell me, that's not a losing deal for the Oro Valley taxpayers!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A Big "Thank You" To Town Attorney Tobin Rosen For His Letter Re: "Amicus Brief"
Probably not too many of us are familiar with our Town Attorney Tobin Rosen. Most of us that know Mr. Rosen know him from council meetings, where, when necessary, he gives his legal opinion when asked; usually on an issue that needs legal clarification.
However, Mr. Rosen does a lot more than that on behalf of our community.
I want to share a letter Mr. Rosen sent to the Town Attorney in Scottsdale on June 4. The letter is in reference to Turken v. Gordon Supreme Court Case No. CV-09-0042-PR.
Mr. Rosen writes:
Yesterday, the Oro Valley Town Council authorized and directed me as Town Attorney of Oro Valley to sign on to the amicus curiae brief that the City of Scottsdale is preparing to file in the Arizona Supreme Court in support of the Court of Appeals Decision in Turken v. Gordon.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in the preparation of editing a brief. Given the admittedly tight timeline for preparing and filing the brief, I will accommodate you and your office in any way I possibly can. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for allowing and assisting the Town of Oro Valley to participate with you in this important matter.
Very truly yours,
Tobin Rosen
Town Attorney
I only have two comments.
1) Mr. Rosen was directed by the OV Council to write the letter. Nobody had to tell Mr. Rosen to
show such grace and class in his choice of words.
2) It would have been nice if Mr. Rosen could have said, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously authorized and directed him. Unfortunately Mayor Loomis & Councilman Kunisch voted "no."
Their terms expire in 2010. Inasmuch as they refused to support our community, please try to remember this as another reason why they don't deserve our support in any future election.
However, Mr. Rosen does a lot more than that on behalf of our community.
I want to share a letter Mr. Rosen sent to the Town Attorney in Scottsdale on June 4. The letter is in reference to Turken v. Gordon Supreme Court Case No. CV-09-0042-PR.
Mr. Rosen writes:
Yesterday, the Oro Valley Town Council authorized and directed me as Town Attorney of Oro Valley to sign on to the amicus curiae brief that the City of Scottsdale is preparing to file in the Arizona Supreme Court in support of the Court of Appeals Decision in Turken v. Gordon.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in the preparation of editing a brief. Given the admittedly tight timeline for preparing and filing the brief, I will accommodate you and your office in any way I possibly can. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for allowing and assisting the Town of Oro Valley to participate with you in this important matter.
Very truly yours,
Tobin Rosen
Town Attorney
I only have two comments.
1) Mr. Rosen was directed by the OV Council to write the letter. Nobody had to tell Mr. Rosen to
show such grace and class in his choice of words.
2) It would have been nice if Mr. Rosen could have said, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously authorized and directed him. Unfortunately Mayor Loomis & Councilman Kunisch voted "no."
Their terms expire in 2010. Inasmuch as they refused to support our community, please try to remember this as another reason why they don't deserve our support in any future election.
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