"The War On MIke Zinkin"

The latest game being run by the Majority-4 on Council Member Zinkin seeks to discredit him. They are using the weight and the financial resources of your town to hassle Zinkin for a good natured joke he made at a council meeting in October, a joke they laughed at. You can watch the council's deliberation here.

Here's what one resident and council member Zinkin thinks of this latest move.
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The Majority-4 of Hiremath,  Hornat, Snider and Waters won their recall election by a nominal 51%. That leaves as 49% of the eligible voters who were not happy with them. This was after the development community pumped nearly $100,000 into their campaigns.

Mike Zinkin is a 3-year council member who has been at odds with the Majority-4 for most of his time in office. As a result there have been a goodly number of attempts by them to remove him.

It started with various allegations of misconduct which turned out to be just that. Never proven.

Their next tactic was to attempt to recall the council member. This attempt failed however when they were unable to obtain sufficient signatures (2,000) from the Oro Valley citizenry.

The latest accusation includes the alleged “sexual harassment” of an employee. This happened because Mr. Zinkin, in a joke from the dais at an October council meeting, made reference that it has taken so long for the General Plan update to be completed that Mr. Zinkin’s hair has gone gray and that an employee is still trying to grow a beard.

Mayor Hiremath and other council members laughed at the joke.

This is considered “sexual harassment” by the Majority-4 council members?

Are we living in the safe world of Disneyland or in a sissified self created fantasy world? As they say: "Get a grip on reality."

It is understood that the Majority-4 would like to have Zinkin out of the way, and appoint someone in his seat that agrees with them. This would create a “Super Majority” with 5 votes, and give the five a monopoly on policy making.

Is this what the citizens of Oro Valley want?

Rudy Roszak
Oro Valley Resident
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Guest View-Jack Stinnett: Majority-4 Try To Re-write History... Again

Oro Valley resident Jack Stinnett was Chariman of the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Board when the town purchased the El Conquistador Country Club. He resigned his position on the Board in response to what he felt as an ill advised, poorly studied purchase. In the following, Jack presents the facts regarding public input into this purchase decision; and the concurrent council decision to raise the sales tax to pay for financial loss from golf course operations.
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On his campaign web site, Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath presents a "carefully crafted" lie regarding public participation in the process of purchasing the El Conquistador Country Club.

The Mayor's implies in his statement [insert right] that there was meaningful public input into the town's purchase the facilities and the increase in the sales tax.

The facts, however, do not support his position. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Yes. There were three meetings in which the public had an opportunity to opine on the purchase. However, at no time did residents have the opportunity to influence the decision to purchase the El Conquistador golf courses and the decision to raise the local sales tax to support the golf course.

Let's take a look at the public hearings to which, I believe, Mayor Hiremath refers in his statement.

Meeting 1: December 3, 2014
The purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club was revealed for the first time to the public at the Oro Valley Town Council's December 3, 2014 regular meeting.

At this meeting, the Town presented its proposal in support of the purchase in 30 minutes. Mayor Hiremath, Councilmembers Hornat, Snider and Waters asked no questions of substance.

Immediately after this presentation, five  attendees submitted "blue card"s and spoke against the purchase. This, I think is what Mayor Hiremath refers to as a "public meeting." If so, then this is the first such meeting.  I attended this meeting.

Meeting 2:  December 9, 2014
The purchase proposal was  presented to the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ("PRAB") on December 9, 2014. The Town had abruptly cancelled the PRAB regularly scheduled November 17 meeting and rescheduled it December 9 so that PRAB could approve the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club prior to the December 17 Council vote.

As I listened to the presentation, it appeared to me that Town Manager Greg Caton had expected a PRAB "rubber stamp" of approval. However, after 90 minutes of questions to Mr Caton, and Town staff presenters, PRAB members did not pass the Town's motion to approve the purchase. Instead, PRAB passed a motion 5-1 supporting the acquisition of the EL Conquistador recreational facilities but not the three golf courses. This, I think, is what Mayor Hiremath refers to as a "public meeting." If so, then this is the second such meeting.  I participated in this meeting.

Meeting 3: December 17, 2014
The Town El Conquistador purchase proposal was then presented at the regularly scheduled December 17 meeting. It was approved on a 4-3 vote. Those in favor: Mayor Hiremath, and concilmembers  Hornat, Snider and Waters. The approval came after many residents spoke against the rushed purchase stating their opposition to the deal, inadequate due diligence, lack of public review meetings and the lack of transparency of the process. This, I think, is what Mayor Hiremath refers to as a "public meeting." If so, then this is the third such meeting.

No true public hearings were held on this purchase and tax increase
The "hearings" conducted at these three public meetings were perfunctory. The first meeting doesn't really count. No one knew about the purchase until that very meeting. The PRAB meeting, "meeting 2", was scheduled to approve the purchase. It was not scheduled as a public forum. At the start of this meeting, three residents addressed the board. Two residents expressed concerns about the purchase. One spoke in support. Residents only observed the meeting after that.  At "hearing 3",  residents had only 3 minutes to opine at the December 17 meeting. What they said had no impact on the decision. The Majority-4 had already decided to make the purchase.

The public said "No." The council majority ignored their input
At all of these meetings, the "public input" that was given was overwhelmingly "No." That input was ignored. It seems to me that the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club was agreed upon by the Majority-4 long before town residents could hear the facts, voice their opinion or suggest alternatives.

Later in 2015 the Town held "outreach" meetings to explain the purchase after the fact and test soft areas of the story. Over the next months the purchase narrative was routinely updated to "fine tune" the story and discredit facts that did not support the Mayor's statements.

Mayor Hiremath: The truth does not support your assertion
There were no public meetings that allowed residents to learn, evaluate and provide input on the purchase and the sales tax increase. The deal to purchase the El Conquistador properties and to raise the Town's sales tax was decided before any public awareness, scrutiny or involvement. It was, in my opinion a "backroom deal."

Mayor Hiremath: Your statement misleads residents
The Mayor attempts to hide what really transpired.

Why does he not stand behind his decision? Why hide behind a "facade" of public participation?
It was his negotiation. It was his decision. It was the decision of fellow councilmembers Hornat, Snider and Waters to support it. They did so without regard to the sentiment of the majority who spoke against this purchase.

Jack Stinnett
Former Chairman
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 2013 and 2014

Heather’s Corner: When Mom Meets The Underbelly of Oro Valley Politics

Last week at the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Forum, Mayor Hiremath listed four things you should expect from your Mayor.  The fourth was that the Mayor should be "somebody who cares for you. And I am that individual."

Is he kidding?  

Heather writes today about her personal experience and how Mayor Hiremath and his majority colleagues never exhibited even one ounce of caring for her and her neighbors' needs.
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In this elections season, I think it is important to share with you my one experience with the current Oro Valley Town Council Majority-4.  I'm just a regular ol' Oro Valley housewife/stay-at-home mom of two.   It's safe to say I did not know much about the Oro Valley Town Council when I needed their help.  Franky, like most people in my situation, I was busy with my own bubble of motherhood. And, I thought to myself: They are my council. Certainly they will help me.

But I know now that during that experience, I spent hours of time away from my children, money out of our own pockets, and a considerable amount of grief to do someone else's homework. In the end, we were somberly taught a lesson in inequity.  You see. I expected the Oro Valley Town Council, and the Majority-4 specifically, to protect my interests.

I was wrong about them. I was wronged by them.

I want to tell you my story.

There was a beautiful sloped hill and protected riparian area on a lot next to the home we purchased. The lot wasn't without challenges, but to the layman's eye, it was apparent that a home could be built. Enter the builder. He believed it necessary to destroy almost the entirety of the slope and protected area to build a comparable "castle."

We protested at the Board of Adjustment and failed. This was our first experience with codes and procedures, but not so for the builder, who spoke of hardship with a magic tongue. It was sobering, but we would not give up! We had one more opportunity to state our case to the "Knights of the Round Table," (Town Council) and this time we'd be prepared!

We hired an army of architects, experts, and engineers to refute the arguments of the builder and we prevailed! The lot encompassed a 4500 sq. ft. buildable envelope, of which to masterpiece a castle of all castles, all without destroying the slope and subsequent home to a family of bobcats. We would bring forth this information to the "Knights" and they'd rule in our favor-victory for all!  It would be a win-win.

But that's not the ending of this story.

Four of the knights were unthwarted by our work and hard efforts. They did not give consideration to the army's evidence. They ignored the findings of their own town scholars and staff. And the builder, well, he destroyed that beautiful hillside and all that went with it, but, all for not.

This mom met politics.  Developer 1 Citizen 0.  End of game.

I can't respect those who show blatant disregard to information, factual evidence, or expert findings, when it doesn't support a developer, business, or revenue-providing-entity for the town. Sometimes the individuals' interests need to override. Sometimes the underdog needs to win too.

I support the new candidates. May they be "knighted" with values and fortitude that appreciate us all as individuals while still maintaining appropriate relations with businesses and developers for the town as a whole.
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Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley a total of five years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Her husband is Canadian so she is a hockey fan by default and so are her two very clever children. When not being a mommy, she enjoys hiking in Catalina State Park, hand building pottery, and gardening. Her favorite things about living in Oro Valley are the towns recognition of art and culture, their commitment to preserving nature and the Christmas parade. (Also anything from GMG Chinese Bistro.)

Straney and Bristow Seek To Unite Oro Valley

"What will you do to unite Oro Valley?" 

That question was put to the candidates at the Northwest Conservatives Forum on July 9.

Candidate Bristow summed up the feeling of many in the community.

"In my opinion there is discord. You can't have 3 council members very active in trying to recall another one, in the papers, out on the streets, and not have discord."  

Don also spoke of the need for respect for the opinions of others, respect that has been lacking in the council: "When you are discussing issues you do not attack people, you discuss the issues." Don would like to be sure in his tenure as council person to get the best opinions of all 7 members of council.

Candidate Straney observed: "I like energetic discussion... I seek alternate opinions. When people feel strongly... you need to do the hard job of listening."

It is not possible to fix a problem if you deny there is a problem. the Majority-4 deny that Oro Valley is a divided community.  Here is where they stand:

Hornat: "I don't think there is discord."
Council Member Hornat supports his position with information on council votes.  During the tenure of this council, there have been "..15, votes out of 158 votes that were 4-3 votes;  99 of them were 7-0 votes."  He feels that the council has aired their differences very well.

Hornat, as we previously reported, was gathering recall signatures at Fry's in Oracle in the last days of the recall effort when he was supposed to be at a meeting a Securaplane.  Hornat is also one of the 2 individuals on council who attack, rather than discuss issues.

Mayor Hiremath: I did it because it was right
Mayor Hiremath led the failed Zinkin recall effort. He did not answer the question as to how he would bring Oro Valley together.  Perhaps, he simply does not care to or think there is as need to bring the community together.  Rather, Hiremath lectured that it was his job to enforce the rules and that's what he was doing when he led the recall of Council Member Zinkin.

Council Member Snider: If someone is still offended "... all we need to do is talk about it."
Council Member Snider thinks that "I think the recall issue is over."  This from a council person who was still talking about the recall on February 24, a month after it failed.  She gave a speech at council on how "offended" she was by alleged remarks.

Council Member Waters: "Theres nothing wrong with disagreement,"
Council Member Waters asserted that "It is untrue that sitting Council Members organized any recall." Water's role in the recall was to advise the other members of the Majority-4 on how to "make the recall personal." Thus, Snider's Februry 24 remarks.
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Watch the video of the candidate responses.  Tell us which candidates are best qualified to bring Oro Valley together.
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Northwest Conservatives Forum Incumbents Misstate The Facts On Oro Valley Demographics

This coming monday, we we will post regarding candidates comments on the Oro Valley General Plan: Is it a guide or a blueprint? The comments were made in response to question at last week's the Northwest Conservatives Forum.

In response to this question, each of the Majority-4 responded that Oro Valley is getting younger, demographically, and that the 2015 General Plan should reflect this.

The Majority-4 continues to misstate the facts.  Knowing the facts is important because it influences whether, for example, the town should build a community center or more ball fields.  The Majority-4 have focussed on the latter.  Perhaps their lack of knowing the facts has resulted in their ignoring the needs of Oro Valley's senior community, a community that should get even larger once the 800 plus "luxury" apartments are completed and occupied.

We posted this item last fall.

Oro Valley is getting order, not younger demographically.

Here are the facts...
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(November 6, 2013)

In his State of the Town address, Oro Valley Mayor Hiremath observed: " “Oro Valley is no longer just a “retirement” community!” According to town communication director, Misti Nowak, the Mayor was making the point that in spite of Oro Valley’s reputation as just a retirement community, according to the latest Census data, there are as many people over 65 as under 18."

The facts don't exactly support this assertion.  According to the 2010 Census,  there were actually 37% more people over 65 (10,699) than 18 or under (7,888).  Still, it is important to remember that Oro Valley is more than a retirement community.

The problem is...

Oro Valley's Population Is Actually Getting Older

Here are 5 striking facts.  During the 10 year period 2000-2010:

• The growth in the number of people in the 65+ group was twice that of the 18 and under group: 3,959 to 1,996, respectively.
• The percent of households with individuals who are 65 or older increased from 35% to 40.5%.
• The percent of households with individuals who are 18 or younger decreased from 28% to 24.7%.
• The percent of the population with individuals who are 14 or younger decreased from 17.8% to 15.1%; and
• The actual number of people 14 or younger increased by 892 in the 10 years, an increase of 17% while the overall population of the town increased 38%.

Indeed, the overall statistic, average median age, bears this out.  It increased to 49.6 years in 2010, up from 45.3 years in 2000. (The median age is that age at which there are as many people over 49.6 years as under 49.6 years.)

It Matters That  Oro Valley Population Is Actually Older, Not Younger

The statistics matter because the direction the numbers are headed should impact planning.

A younger community, one where the youth population is growing significantly, requires more schools, more recreation facilities, and more youth family services.  An older community, one where the population is aging, requires more medical service, less outdoor recreation facilities, and strong police and emergency services.

The young, after all, have different needs, different dreams, and different aspirations than seniors. Striking a balance between the desires of the young and the old will be key to the 2015 General Plan update.

Given This Aging Trend, Does Investing Town Reserves In More Youth Facilities Right Now Make Sense?

That's something of which you need to be the judge.

Tonight, the Oro Valley Town Council will discuss spending $2.3 million on two multi-use fields and a dog park at the Naranja Town Site. Multi-use fields are most suitable for soccer, perhaps some softball.  This would be something primarily for the young people of our community. The dog park, which really should be put at Riverfront Park, has appeal to those who own pets.   It is really age neutral.  Its cost is a small part of the $2.3 million.

Neither of these things, unless you are a pet owner, serves an aging community.

If, for example, Oro Valley has $2.3 million to invest, and there is some discussion as to whether this is even the case, why not invest it in a Community Center? This could be used by young and old. Perhaps the town should use some of the money to seed our parks in the winter so that the parks don't look like brown fields of muck, as they are beginning to look now.  Just go visit Riverfront Park.

We are not for or against two multi-use fields or the dog park.

The statistics tell the facts: These are facilities that most of us will not use.

So, we question the wisdom of it at this time.

We question the wisdom of investing in the Naranja Town Site without a suitable plan for the rest of the facility.  We question the wisdom of spending the town's reserves when the economy of our country continues in a malaise.  We question how the town can come up with money to build a significant facility but not have enough money to even over seed are parks in the winter.   We question why commitments that were made in our last general plan, such as for a community center, have never been discussed, let alone met. 

We wonder what you think?
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