Guest View-Pat Straney: Oro Valley Is At Critical Turning Point

What a difference a year makes. The 2014 General Election found Oro Valley in a “Good Space” with a bright future from the perspective of most residents. People were not concerned with the operational “day to day” issues of Oro Valley governance. Most were willing to accept the “All is Well in Oro Valley” mantra often espoused by the current mayor and his administration.

That was then - this is now!
The 2015 election season finds Oro Valley in a much different space or reality – a critical turning point in its history. The present situation is directly related to the ineffective, bullying leadership-style of Mayor Hiremath and the decisions that were made under his administration. Part of the mayor’s responsibility is to set the tone and expectations of those involved in the governance of our town. He has set that tone – and most have fallen in line.

So many mistakes that we have to fix
In the interest of time and space, I will highlight just a few of the more major elements contributing to the “realities” of today’s Oro Valley.

• The El-Con Fiasco

The acquisition of the El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort under the guise of acquiring a “turn-key” Community Center (CC) and 324 acres in the heart of Oro Valley for a mere $1,000,000! The realty is the “turn-key” CC came wrapped in 45 holes of “money losing golf” and commits the tax payers (you and I) to multiple millions of dollars in capitol investment and subsidies - in an “ill-advised” attempt to turn the golf operations profitable within 5 years – and the building into a CC that meets the resident’s wishes on a community wide basis. Neither stated outcome is likely, in spite of the rosy projections stated by the current administration. 

• Tax Increases

The 2 % utility tax was made permanent - along with the original 2% increase – bringing that to 4% total increase on your utility tax. Then, a ½ cent sales tax increase was added to subsidize golf losses without a sunset which has the effect of taking approximately $2,000,000 dollars of disposable income out of potential purchases at Oro Valley businesses. Is this business friendly? The mayor claims visitors to our area will pay approximately 30% of this tax but their actual paid share is less. 

• Major Zoning Changes and Land Use Amendments

There appears to be a bias towards land-use changes that favors developers – not the people. How many apartments do we really need? How many more homes so close together you can reach through your window and shake your neighbor’s hand? 

• Disrespectful Mayor and Several Town Council Members

They claim to listen to all viewpoints. They do not. (Blue card anyone?)They treat Council Members with opposing views like recalcitrant children – and worse – make fun of them. They claim that only they care about our Police and Fire Department heroes. That is certainly not true. I have never spoken with any member of this community who does not hold these folks in very high regard and I am one of them. They make our community safe!

These examples certainly do not encompass all citizen’s concerns. There are many more.

How Did Oro Valley Get To This Point – The Point of RECALL?
In my view, Mayor Hiremath does not have the “skill-set” (training, experience and leadership-style) that Oro Valley requires – especially today. However, this is not about the mayor as a man – or about his intentions. It is about his business knowledge, experience, capabilities and temperament in making large-impact decisions in a representative form of government.

The mayor’s business background is primarily as a successful provider of technical services in his dental business. And granted – that is a skill that few have. However, typically a person in this kind of business is an owner/operator of the business and is the only one “uniquely qualified” to make the important decisions for the success of the business. He has no Board of Directors to answer to. He is not required to get input from others, or consider alternate views, and does not concern himself with stockholders – other than of course his patients.

Mayor Hiremath's business model does not work well – nor is it appropriate – to apply to the representative form of government to which Oro Valley residents are entitled
Businesses and residents alike deserve a professional, respectful and transparent mayor who works for the people – not the developers. They deserve a leader who has the combined business experience, community knowledge and proven leadership skill-set that Oro Valley
needs so badly at this “critical junction” in its history.

My goal is to make you, the Oro Valley resident, the centerpiece of our community
My leadership-style and experience values public input and alternative views as critical elements in getting to the best solutions - and best decisions on any important issue - in any entity. I will provide the type of leadership that will put Oro Valley back on a long term sustainable financial course and begin the job of rebuilding the Public Trust.

This Recall Election offers all residents a “do-over” option. Ultimately, you get to decide what skills and capabilities you want your elected official to possess to lead Oro Valley forward. Give careful consideration to the major skill and experience differences in your choice and make an informed vote.

Read a detailed bio and background information on my website: www.electpatstraneymayor.com
---

Guest View-Mayoral Candidate Pat Straney: "What A Difference A Year Makes"

ONE YEAR LATER
Ever since July 28 of this year when I declared my candidacy for mayor in the 2015 Oro Valley Recall Election, I have been asked many times why I am running again for the Office of Mayor. “What is different from a year ago?”

The short answer to that question is, “A whole lot has changed and – unfortunately – a whole lot has not changed!”

Allow me to share my thoughts, and provide some of the details and context behind my statement. During the 2014 election, very few “hot button” issues that had been created (or were in the process of being created) by the dysfunctional town council were commonly recognized or acknowledged by the Oro Valley community-at-large. The issues were starting to boil over but did not break through the “all is well in Oro Valley mantra” declared over and over again by some of the town leadership. Too many residents liked what they were hearing and did not look deeper into the truths behind the headlines being touted as facts.

The subsequent divisiveness in the community created by the actions of the current town leadership is stunning!!

I campaigned on the need to improve the overall municipal governance and leadership of the Town of Oro Valley and described several areas of opportunity for improvement:

• Bring an atmosphere of civility, integrity and teamwork to the town council, town staff and the community-at-large. (Interestingly, the Majority 4 have borrowed my slogan for their use in their campaign efforts this year.); 
• Utilize “best practices” and “lessons learned” employed by successful businesses and other municipalities to improve town governance; 
• Improve transparency and openness in town governance to facilitate an atmosphere of “inclusiveness” for all residents.

In spite of these goals, the “uncommon timing” and “partisan balloting requirements” of last year’s election cycle coupled with low voter turnout failed to bring needed change to our town. But 2015 brings us a whole new set of circumstances that directly affect all residents and businesses and cannot be ignored (panel on left)

In addition, “self-serving” interpretation of the intent of the General Plan, along with Planning and Zoning change requests approved by the current town leadership, have resulted in the type of home and overdone apartment construction we are currently witnessing in Oro Valley.

To top it all off, we have the controversial El Conquistador “deal” that commits us (the tax payers) to large capital investments, long-term subsidies and significant operating losses for the foreseeable future. This “deal” was accomplished in a “less than open manner”, and is based on a flawed business plan and incomplete due diligence prior to the purchase of the properties. Very importantly, it puts Oro Valley in direct competition with private businesses in our community.

We are at the point where it is necessary to take an honest look at the governance of our town and what steps to take to begin the healing of this great town.

Oro Valley residents and business alike deserve a professional, respectful and transparent mayor and town council that functions in an atmosphere where all resident’s feel welcome to share their opinions and are respected for their positions on important town issues and decisions. As mayor, I pledge that I will make you - the citizens of Oro Valley - my special interest group. Thank you for your support and for your vote.

We're Back: Our July Review

LOVE is back. Ready to roll. Here's a quick look at what happened while we were offline.
---
Hirmath recall election approved... to happen in November
In June, the Oro Valley Citizens for Open Government submitted petitions containing more than 3,400 signatures seeking the recall of Oro Valley Mayor Hiremath. The petitions were reviewed by the Oro Valley town clerk and then by the Pima County Clerk. The results is that far more than sufficient signatures were obtained. Hiremath's name will be on the November recall election ballot.

Straney To Seek Mayor Position
Oro Valley resident Pat Straney has announced that he will seek election for the position of Oro Valley Mayor this November.  Straney, who lost to Hiremath in the partisan, low turnout August election last year.

Straney believes that results will be different this time. "Everyone will receive a ballot for this election, not just partisans. In addition, last summer, there was no golf course purchase, no aura of a backroom deal and no half cent sales tax increase. Believe me, this time around I will be not be timid about drawing a stark contrast between me and my opponent or my vision for Oro Valley going forward.”

Learn more about Pat on his website.

Challengers Seeking Signaures
All of the candidates are seeking signatures so that they can get on the ballot. Their petitions must be submitted by September 4.

The 3 council candidates are looking to add to their signature list, even though they have signatures above the threshhold level of 526. Pat Straney is looking for signatures as he has just started. If you are interested in signing there petitioners, you can do so at the Oro Valley Library tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, from  9 – noon each day.

The incumbents do not need to go through this process since they already hold office and they are the ones being recalled.

If you are interested in getting a election sign for Dr. Hartung you can reach him at ryanhartung1953@gmail.com.

November Election Line-up Is Set
The November election is a "head to head" competition. The lineup is:

• Satish Hiremath incumbent v and Patrick Straney, challenger
• Lou Waters incumbent v and Steve Didio challenger
• Joe Hornatm incumbent v Ryan Hartung, challenger
• Mary Snider, incumbent and Shirl Lamonna Challenger

There is a world of difference between these choices. Our only question: Will Oro Valley's voters do their homework to learn what these differences are?


"Lie, Intimidate and Bully?" Not so, according to council candidate Dr. Ryan Hartung
Mayor Hiremath  resorted to "name calling" and "labeling" his opponents. He was quoted in the Explorer as saying that the petition group, OVCOG would "lie, intimidate and bully." These strong words, not supported by fact, were refuted by OVCOG head and now council candidate Dr. Ryan Hartung. Dr. Hartung addressed council in late June:

"I am not a liar. I am not a bully. I don't intimidate people. I am a father of two who wants to be left alone and hang out in his house. I saw wrong in Oro Valley and I'm trying to fix what I see as a wrong. I have never come out and called names to anyone else and I would appreciate it if that is not the same for me."

Name calling and unfounded accusations on the part of a sitting Mayor of any community is child like.

Majority-4 Supporters Print Identical Letters In Explorer
The Explorer printed two letters from Majority-4 supporters in July. The articles contained virtually identical wording. As one of our readers pointed out: "Apparently, both they and their supporters are incapable of independent thought." Many believe that the printing of these letters and negative comments about opposing candidates will be the hallmark of the Majority-4 campaign. The opposing candidates, however, plan to take the opposite tack. They are sticking to the facts and have stated to LOVE that they will run "clean" campaigns.

For the past 5 years, the Explorer's preference has been to print, unedited, anything that is submitted to them by the town or any member of Majority-4. This was the operating model of the prior editor's reign. Thus, we referred to the Explorer as the "local advertising circular" since it was not, in any way, a journalistic piece. We understand that new editor Rupkalvis will not print letters from candidates. We hope, however, that he will teach his staff  to provide critical think to that which they do print. Printing relatively identical letters letter from two different people shows a complete lack of thinking.

Civility Lost
The council majority has yet another web page. This one is about how they claim to stand for "civility."

As one reader wrote us:

"With Hiremath's constant rants and character assassination, Snider's husband accosting Brendan [Burns] at the Community Center Grand Opening, and Waters' wife accosting an Oro Valley resident when he was delivering campaign flyers for Mike Zinkin, the have a lot of nerve carrying the civility banner!"

Are they "Civil?" You tell us.

We will publish more on "civility" next Wednesday.

Majority-4 initiated a money transfer from their PAC to a private PAC... One that has no bank account
In January, Oro Valley resident Don Cox established a PAC. The PAC is named: "Triple E - Effective, Efficient, and Effortless Growth Management." The type of committee listed on the organization is a "committee organized for the purpose of making independent expenditures." Its seed money contributors are Council Members Waters and Hornat.

Council members Lou Waters and Joe Hornat  transferred $500 each to this PAC to this PAC on February 9 and February 12, respectively. The money came from their "Vote Lou Waters" and "Vote Joe Hornat" PACs.

The PAC did not list a bank to which funds are to be deposited in its filing. This is contrary to law. We wonder where the money went?

Want to learn more?

Really? Does Oro Valley really need a press release to explain the color of golf course grass?
Early in July, the town issued a press release explaining why the grass on the golf course turned brown. The explanation said the color change was due to aeration of the golf course. Aerification is performed in the hot, summer months, when fewer people are using the golf courses."

The process of aerification lifts cores from the soil, leaving them on the grass. So, that causes the brown appearance. However, the grass itself does not turn color from this process.

Our opinion: It really is a waste of town resources to create and then issue a press release on something of so little interest and consequence to most town residents. Would the town issue a press release if, for example, a water fountain breaks at the community center? At best, these types of notices belong on a bulletin board in the clubhouse and not as an official press release of the town of Oro Valley.

Guest View-Pat Straney: Tomorrow, A "Watershed Moment" For The Town Of Oro Valley

Wednesday, the Mayor and City Council of the Town of Oro Valley have an opportunity to demonstrate sound, business-based, fiscally responsible leadership that will benefit the community at large; or, concurrently, will cause potential harm, driving away possible new residents and businesses not desirous of further taxes.

Mr. Mayor and Council Members.  I ask you NOT to go forward with the acquisition of the Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Country Club facilities.

The business case for this decision appears deeply flawed based on the limited information provided and the Town of Oro Valley assumptions and projections that have little or no “data driven” support in the reality of today’s “real world” golf and country club demographics. In fact, this proposal flies in the face of what has and is happening with the golf business sector here in Oro Valley, Tucson and the country as a whole.

Justification for financial success of this project is based on an “as-of-yet” undocumented resurgence in the golf industry. In fact, it is just the opposite. It is no more than a hopeful “opinion.

The current stated plan is to finance this acquisition with Oro Valley contingency funds and a permanent 2.5% sales tax (which represents a 25 % increase from the current sales tax of 2.0%). The town estimates that it will be a number of years waiting for the golf operations to possibly break even or show a profit. These assumptions seem based on a “Build It or Improve It and They Will Come” philosophy. This includes the assumption that the greater community of Oro Valley does, indeed, desire a community center.

It is public knowledge that the golf courses at Rancho Vistoso, Stone Canyon, Oro Valley Country Club, Sun City, and several in Tucson – in addition to the Golf Club at The Ritz Carlton have been struggling to stay afloat let alone being profitable over the past number of years. Why would costly, over-the-top spending on 3 old golf courses in need of major repairs and improvements lead to revival of the industry and be considered a good thing for the town of Oro Valley?

Further, with regard to providing recreational facilities focused on physical fitness opportunities, several very nice fitness clubs already exist in Oro Valley, including Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, Gold’s Gym and a specialized Pilates Studio. This is some of what is available to Oro Valley residents at very affordable prices. Council majority has stated a “business friendly” attitude which the displayed in their campaigning literature and comments. Would they now choose to adversely impact local business by adding to their competition challenges?

Effective municipal governance should not be based on this type of high risk speculation. It likely sets the stage for additional unending taxes and resultant negative impacts on all residents and businesses community-wide.

This action should not be taken without public input and broad support.

At the very least, if a community center is, indeed, an established citizen desire and Oro Valley priority, its use, location, capital and on-going costs must be fully defined - and the plan to fund it must be presented to the public - who pay the taxes – for their vote.

Potential funding considerations should include an analysis of all current Town of Oro Valley revenue streams for possible “re-direction” of existing funds to a community center project if it is determined to be of a higher priority than any current or proposed project or operational expense.

A mix of the above revenue analysis and traditional new sources of revenue such as bonds or additional “short-term” taxes specifically directed at this project could improve the business case for this project. Public support is imperative for the success of a project of this magnitude.

So, Mr. Mayor and Council Members, you have publicly stated that the choice is yours to make. We do wonder, however, is it a sound, data-based, fiscally responsible leadership decision, - or is it a self-serving, “bully pulpit-based decision” that will define your leadership style going forward?

The community taxpayers await your decision.

Patrick Straney
Oro Valley Resident

---
Patrick Straney is President of the Rancho Vistoso HOA. He is also former 2014 Oro Valley Mayoral Candidate.

Guest View-Council Member Bill Garner: Straney and Bristow Are The Only Choice For Oro Valley

Thanks to the Citizens of Oro Valley, I am serving my second term on the Oro Valley Council. I have, up to now, tried to stay out of the pettiness that we have all witnessed. I have thought it inappropriate to openly campaign or endorse any candidate running for any Oro Valley office.

Town of Oro Valley Web Site

Although I truly believe that people who know me can probably quickly figure out where I stand on this year's race for Council and Mayor. I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight, in case there is any doubt. It is very important that Pat Straney be elected Mayor and that Don Bristow be elected to council.

Our current Mayor has done nothing to bring this Council together. He has had many opportunities to show unity on the Council. Instead he has chosen to flex his muscle and be divisive. He does not share what he does when he is out representing the Oro Valley as a member of the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) or the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).

Our current Mayor was at the forefront in the failed recall attempt. I have never seen a sitting member of an elected body actively participate in, let alone lead the recall of another sitting member of that body. He has divided our community. He should be replaced so that we can take this town forward.

Pat Straney is a man with a corporate background. He has supervised large numbers of people and been responsible for large budgets. He has shown his leadership skills as the President of the Rancho Vistoso Community HOA. He is a man of integrity, with all the leadership qualities, and is deserving of your support.

Don Bristow has also been active in his neighborhood HOA. He has been a fixture at Council meetings and many Planning and Zoning meetings. He has shown an active interest in our Community and deserves to be on Council. Don studies the agenda and has, on many occasions, contacted the Council prior to the meeting with his insight. Don is well versed in the Town's Codes and Council Procedures. He will "hit the road running".  He will be an outstanding council member.

This is an important election. We need to change the complexion of the Council. It is time I stepped out and publicly stated my support...and do so for Pat Straney and Don Bristow.
---

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.
---
Watch the video of the candidate responses.  Tell us which candidates are best qualified to bring Oro Valley together.
---

Northwest Conservatives Forum Incumbents Misstate The Facts On Oro Valley's Employee Wage Increases They Granted

Last week the Northwest Conservatives hosted a candidate forum at the Oro Valley library.  LOVE's John Musolf video recorded the event.  We posted in on YouTube for you to view.  You can access it at the top right panel of this blog.  This posting is first of several that we will post regarding the forum.
---
Incumbents Mayor Hiremath and Council Members Hornat, Snider and Waters either misstated the facts of simply obliquely responded when asked the following question at last week's Northwest Conservatives candidate forum.

"Lacking any evidence that the Town has difficulty retaining employees, the recently adopted salary increases were based on a study that compared Oro Valley to cities and counties with much larger populations. The increases are ongoing and also trigger increased retirement obligations for the Town. Given that residents’ incomes are flat or declining, and County property taxes are increasing significantly, please explain your views on fiscal responsibility relative to salaries.” 

Fact Check: When All Is Considered, The Average Wage Increase Is 6.5%, Mr. Mayor, not 2%

Mayor Hiremath stated:  "The reality is, the average raise the employees got was 2%."

Mayor Hiremath is wrong.

The fact is that the minimum one time salary adjustment was 2.7% for Oro Valley's top 24 employees. Some one-time adjustments are as high as 6%.  On top of this, each employee will receive an merit increase on their employment anniversary date of from 3.5 - 4.0% on their new base wage.  Taken together, the one-time adjustment plus the merit increases will average about 6.5%,  Some employees will see a double digit increase over their 2013-2014 compensatoin

Fact Check: There Is No Town Of Oro Valley Employee Retention Problem

No one discussed the retention rate of Oro Valley employees.    Our guess is the incumbents either never checked on what the retention rate is or that the retention rate is high, therefore not supporting their position.  We have seen no mass exodus of Oro Valley employees despite not receiving salary increase for 3 years. This is because there are few comparable job opportunities. 

Incumbent Lou Waters provided two examples of the town is losing employees. In neither case, compensation was not the reason.

Waters pointed to former town planner David Williams. Williams, be believe, left to go into private practice for, what we understand, were personal reasons over which the town would have no control; and the town's Human Resource Director, Ron Corbin, left to return to Yuma to be with his wife.  His position, based on this study, received a 8.3% earnings increase based on the study.

Fact Check: 8 of 11 Municipalities To Which Oro Valley Was Compared In The Salary Study Are In The Phoenix Area

Council Member Joe Hornat disputed that the study included towns bigger the Oro Valley. He observed that Sahuarita and Marana were included in the study. He is correct. However, these are only 2 of the 11 communities considered.   The fact is, as noted in our posting last week, 8 of the 11 cities in the study were in Maricopa County. All of these have substantially larger populations than Oro Valley.

Fact Check: Current Compensation Is Just One Possible Factor That Attracts Or Retains Quality Personal

Council Member Snider stated the following in response to the question:

"Any organization that thinks they can satisfy the needs of their constituents on mediocrity [of employees] is set up for failure."  

We think that Snider equates high pay to retaining quality employees.  Pay is merely one possible reason people want to work for the Town Of Oro Valley.

Some like public service. Some serve because a public sector job presents a more suitable life style than the pressure-filled competitive nature of the private sector. Others like working in the public sector because public sector jobs are more secure than private sector jobs. Some like it because the benefits they receive, like the ones offered in Oro Valley are far richer than those offered in other communities or the private sector.  Even others like it because of the rich defined benefits retirement program, a program that is no longer offered in the private sector. Regardless of the reason compensation is only one reason that motivates people to work for the Town of Oro Valley.

Fact Check: Challengers Agreed That Some Increase Was Warranted, However...

Mayoral Candidate Patrick Straney and Council Candidate Don Bristow observed that raises were in order for town staff.  Employees had, after all, not received increases in 3 years.

Bristow pointed out that it is the basis for determining the size of the raises that is of concern: "The problem is that the study [upon which the decision was made to significantly increase staff salaries] is flawed."

Pat Straney cautioned that Oro Valley should be thinking "long term" when it comes to granting salary increases.  Given the transient nature of most of Oro Valley's revenues: "We need to know the impact and where the money [in the future] is coming from" to pay for increases.
---
Please watch the video. Then, tell us: What is your analysis of the responses?

Guest View-Patrick Straney: Why I Want To Be Your Mayor

As we approach the high energy season of the 2014 election cycle, several thoughts come to mind. I realize how fortunate I am to be a citizen of the United States of America, with all of our freedoms and inalienable rights. Along with this freedom comes responsibility and accountability.

I decided to seek office as Your Mayor for many reasons. Foremost, as a resident of this extraordinary community - which is the Town of Oro Valley - I consider it an honor as a responsible citizen to have the opportunity to provide the leadership, integrity, vision, and commitment required to help guide Oro Valley to a sustainable higher level of excellence in community services while preserving the history, culture and uniqueness that define Oro Valley. A key component of this leadership is the consideration of the needs of all residents, well beyond a focus on special interest segments of our Town. I hold the position of Mayor in high regard and will work to ensure that important key issues for the Town of Oro Valley are fully vetted I believe that energetic debate, discussion and consideration of alternate points of view will lead us toward a shared vision where important issues can be resolved through compromise, cooperation and teamwork. I look forward to a lively “Community Conversation.”

I have had the pleasure of serving as the President of the Rancho Vistoso HOA Board for the past seven years. During this time, I have learned a lot about community management and governance. Rancho Vistoso has witnessed exceptional growth centered on a solid fiscal policy. This was achieved, in large part – because of the commitment of many volunteers who gave unselfishly of their time and talents. I will work to implement that cohesiveness for the entire Town of Oro Valley. A community is stronger because of its citizen’s active involvement.

Although my management experience was honed in a large corporate structure, I fully understand the needs of small business and will seek “value added” opportunities that empower and expand the capabilities and success of our small and large business community in a consistent and mutually beneficial way. In addition, I believe that my extensive and proven “large organization” business skills have direct application to on-going development of excellence in municipal government.

Please join me in making Oro valley the best that it can be for all residents and businesses alike. “The Place to Live, Work and Play” in Southern Arizona.

I appreciate your consideration in this election. Please visit my website at www.VotePatStraneyMayor.com for more information.

Thank you for your support!

Patrick (Pat) Straney
Candidate for Mayor – Oro Valley, AZ.

Heather's Corner: Oro Valley Rotary Club-Helping The Needy

July 1st marked the beginning of the fiscal year for The Rotary Club of Oro Valley ("OVRC"), a tradition long established since the first meeting held in 1910 Chicago for the Rotary Clubs of America. We are certainly looking forward to what the new year brings from the club who lives it's motto, "service above self," through a variety of community focused programs.

Established in 1992, the OVRC provides community outreach by way of scholarships, book drives, youth service groups, leadership development programs, tuition assistance for working adults, and year round contributions to Catalina Community Services. The Aqua Youth Showcase is a recent example of OVRC community support. This showcase "encouraging fitness and wellness through aquatic activities, and providing an opportunity for all members of the community to interact,"

In addition, the OVRC helps the needy. It participates in the Phoenix Mega-Pack to help pack food for, "Feed My Starving Children," with a total reaching 108,800 meals.

The OVRC also focuses on youth. For example, it sponsors the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (PRCA) Interact Club for youths 14-18 with the intent of developing local and international service projects.

The OVRC is an impressive organization.  We were pleased to learn the Oro Valley Mayoral Candidate Pat Straney is chairman of the Oro Valley Rotary Foundation.

"I, as well as all of our club members, raise funds to support humanitarian needs in our community and well beyond as a result of our club's membership and active participation in Rotary International activities. I act as the voice and coordinator of Rotary Foundation activities for our club and act as the interface between our club, the District and International Rotary foundation activities. It is also important to note that Rotary is a non-partisan organization."

The OVRC is a wonderful way to get involved and volunteer to provide assistance in supporting your community.  There are always ways to volunteer your time and efforts or you might consider joining the OVRC for a more concrete and highly regarded commitment.

If you have any questions about volunteering or in general, you can contact Pat, Wendy Wise, or Tom Duplain. Their contact information can be found on the OVRC website.
---
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.)

Meet The New Candidates: Pat Straney and Don Bristow Seek To Bring Civility Back To The Oro Valley Town Council

Recently, the Arizona Daily Star published regarding each of the six Oro Valley candidates. The article is brief.  Also a local advertising circular published about these candidates. They conveniently printed only the pictures of the Majority-4, They conveniently misstated that these 4 have served 2-terms, perhaps in an attempt to increase their "gravitas".

You already know the Majority-4.   You don't need to read about what they say now. You simply need to look at their performance during the past 4 years. You simply can judge them on their performance.

But, what of the two newcomers?  Would you like to meet them?

Today, June 11, we introduce them to you. Heck, we'll even post their picture!

We've done our homework on them. We've met with them. We know what they want to accomplish. We know they are viable candidates.  We want to share some of what he have learned.

Patrick Straney For Mayor

Pat Straney

You can read about Pat's background both as President of the Ranch Vistoso Master HOA and as a senior executive at General Motors (He left long before the bankruptcy) at his web site, votepatstraneymayor.com. So, we won't repeat it here. What we do want to share are some of the insights we learned during our conversations with him.

Pat believes that our elected officials need to work as a team.  He also believes that it is the Mayor's role to seek ways to build consensus. To Pat, discord has no role in Oro Valley governance.

Pat observed to us that he understands that council members will not always agree.  He sees lack of agreement as a good thing.  Pats experience has been that the best ideas often surface through the convergence of differing views. We agree.  He has demonstrated through is work in the public and private sector that he can build agreement.

Our conversations with Pat have been reassuring. He is "calm, cool and collected." He handled our tough questions directly. When we asked him, for example, if he were friendly with any of the Majority-4. He responded that he knows Mayor Hiremath because the Mayor appointed him to a advisory activity in town. He also told us that he serves on a Rancho Vistoso Community sub committee with Joe Hornat and that he enjoyed talking to Joe about issues that are shared by both Rancho Vistoso Community and Town of Oro Valley. Pat noted: "I want to be everyone's Mayor." We think that is a good thing!

We asked Pat his thinking on the role of the Mayor when it comes to managing the town. Pat believes that the Mayor needs to do his own thinking. He said that he is ready to do the hard work of preparing for every meeting by reading the materials and then meeting with staff.

When it comes to special interests Pat believes that as Mayor, Oro Valley is his special interest. He wants to provide the leadership required to build on the Town’s strengths and help guide it to the highest level of excellence – while preserving the history, culture and uniqueness that defines Oro Valley.

Pat doesn't believe that the Oro Valley Police Department or any other town department’s 's budget and operations should be a source of contention among council members. His plan is to fully understand the ample input received from the Oro Valley residents relative to their expectation of Town services provided. It is the council’s job to fully understand all aspects of providing such services over the long term and make knowledge based decisions that support Oro Valley excellence going forward.

Don Bristow For Council

Don Bristow, like Pat Straney, has been a resident of Oro Valley for a number of years. You can read about him by visiting his website, votedonbristow.com.

There are three things that we found refreshing when we spoke with Don regarding his candidacy.

First, Don is a citizen who takes action. He is active in our community even though, at present, he is neither an elected or appointed official.  For example:

• Don is passionate that Oro Valley’s codes and regulations should be reviewed and followed.  He believes that these codes should not ignored or administratively modified to suit special interests. Rather than complaining about violations, he actually does something about it.  When Don sees what he believes to be a sign or display code violation, he reports it to town staff, with accompanying photos.  He knows its a violation because he knows the code.  Most often, the violations he reports are validated by town staff. Corrections are made.
• Don’s interest goes far beyond signage. He attends virtually all council meetings and many board and commission meetings. He has brought forth issues to staff and council such as permitting a u-haul rental facility where it did not belong; to challenging a staff conclusion that an RV motor coaches and towable trailers are, by definition, merely cars. This definition allows for the display of RV motor coaches and towable trailers at the Oro Valley Marketplace, a display which does little to benefit Oro Valley.

Don has demonstrated the he, like Pat, will do his homework. He will be prepared to do his job knowledgeably.  Don will listen to all presentations and ask questions before making his decisions.

Second, Don will do his council job effectively because he is a measured, respectful person. He gets along with everyone because he is respectful to all. His positions are fact-based. They are presented in a manner that is both understandable and verifiable.

Third, Don believes the only special interest group is you, the citizens of Oro Valley.  This does not mean that he will ignore other interests. It means that he will seek council decisions that balance the needs of the citizens with the needs of other interests, including the business community. Within that context, he told us that he will use the Oro Valley’s General Plan and Town regulations as his guide to making decisions while on council.

We asked Don what he would like to accomplish while on Council.  He responded that he would like to transform the Oro Valley Town Council into a highly cooperative team, a team that demonstrates respect not only for fellow council members but also for the citizens of Oro Valley.  He would seek fiscal responsibility by spending wisely on priorities that matter to the residents of Oro Valley.  He would also advocate for environmental, historical and cultural preservation in Oro Valley.  Of course, all of this would be done, he noted, in the context of maintaining quality of life and public safety for all in Oro Valley.
---
Both Pat and Don are registered Independents, like us.

Bits and Pieces

Garner For Youth

The Oro Valley Aquatic Center hosted a huge 3-day swim meet event last weekend.  Seen in the crowd was Oro Valley Council Member Bill Garner.  Bill was one of the champions of building this facility.  He fought for things like the "water slide" and the family changing room. Garner wanted the facility to be "first class."  It is.

Council Member Garner has championed other facilities for Oro Valley youths. He's spoken of a community center, possibly located at Steam Pump Ranch.

Unfortunately, the current Oro Valley Council Majority-4 have an: "If we didn't think of it its not a good idea" mentality. They marginalize his ideas.  They prefer to try to paint him as an outlier rather than the twice elected, six year council senior leader that he is.

Hopefully, fresh membership on council after this year's election will enable all the best ideas, regardless of source, come to light.
---
Help Is On The Way

We previously reported that Patrick Straney, President of the Rancho Vistoso HOA, was considering running for either Mayor or Council. When we spoke with Patrick several weeks ago, he told us that he would base his decision on discussions he would have, seeking advice and council from a variety of sources.  Wednesday, Patrick completed his deliberations. He filed an amendment to his PAC Statement of Organization.  It is now: Straney For Mayor.

Mayor Hiremath has announced that he will seek reelection.  Straney is the only other announced Mayoral candidate.  Based on that, it will be a 2 person race, over in the August primary.

We will report more about Patrick during the next months, so that you can learn about him to determine whether he is an viable alternative to "The Great Divider."
---
OVPD announces upcoming Coffee with a Cop event

Oro Valley, Ariz. (May 2, 2014) - The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) is excited to announce its May Coffee with a Cop event. It will be on Monday, May 5, 2014, from 8 to 10 a.m. at All the Buzz Café, 12985 N Oracle, Suite 165, in Oro Valley.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The goal of this program is to break down barriers between the public and police officers. Typically the majority of contact the public has with law enforcement is during emergencies, traffic stops or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective time for relationship building with the community. Coffee with a Cop allows for a relaxed one-on-one interaction between the community and their local police officers.

Businesses who are interested in participating in future Coffee with a Cop events may contact Lt. Kara Riley at 229-4956.

(Source: Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
---
UPDATE: Shoplifter identified and charged

Oro Valley, Ariz. (May 8, 2014) - The Oro Valley Police Department would like to thank the public for its assistance in the April 12, 2014 GNC shoplifting incident. The suspect has been identified and charged. (Source: The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
---
OV Town Council adopts vision and guiding principles for general plan update

Oro Valley, Ariz. (May 8, 2014) - At its May 7 Regular Session, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously voted to adopt the proposed vision and guiding principles for the Your Voice, Our Future project, also known as the general plan. The vision and guiding principles are the culmination of months of community input and more than 3,000 comments on what matters most. They will be used as a framework to guide future decisions.

With this adoption, the community's vision will now move forward to the next phase of the project-the creation of the general plan. Beginning this fall, the Your Voice Committees will work on building the plan, advising project staff and making recommendations on policy and goal proposals. The resulting general plan will shape decisions about the Town's future and quality of life.

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
---

Guest View-Pat Straney: Why I Want To Be Your Mayor

As we approach the high energy season of the 2014 election cycle, several thoughts come to mind. I realize how fortunate I am to be a citizen of the United States of America, with all of our freedoms and inalienable rights. Along with this freedom comes responsibility and accountability.

I decided to seek office as Your Mayor for many reasons.

Foremost, as a resident of this extraordinary community that is Oro Valley, I consider it an honor as a responsible citizen to have the opportunity to provide the leadership, integrity, vision, and commitment required to help guide Oro Valley to a sustainable higher level of excellence in community services while preserving the history, culture and uniqueness that define Oro Valley.

A key component of my leadership will be the consideration of the needs of all residents, interests well beyond a focus on special interest segments of our Town. I hold the position of Mayor in high regard. I will work to ensure that important key issues facing the Town of Oro Valley are fully vetted.

I believe that energetic debate, discussion and consideration of alternate points of view will lead us toward a shared vision; a dialogue in which important issues can be resolved through compromise, cooperation and teamwork. I look forward to the lively “Community Conversations.”

I have had the pleasure of serving as the President of the Rancho Vistoso Home Owners Association Board for the past seven years. During this time, I have learned a lot about community management and governance. Rancho Vistoso has witnessed exceptional growth centered on a solid fiscal policy. This was achieved in large part because of the commitment of many volunteers who gave unselfishly of their time and talents. I will work to implement that cohesiveness for the entire Town of Oro Valley. A community is stronger because of its citizen’s active involvement.

Although my management experience was honed in a large corporate structure, I fully understand the needs of small business and will seek “value added” opportunities that empower and expand the capabilities and success of our small and large business community in a consistent and mutually beneficial way. In addition, I believe that my extensive and proven “large organization” business skills have direct application to on-going development of excellence in municipal government.

Please join me in making Oro valley the best that it can be for all residents and businesses alike: “The Place to Live, Work and Play” in Southern Arizona.

I appreciate your consideration in this election.

Please visit my website, www.VotePatStraneyMayor.com, for more information.

Thank you for your support!

Patrick (Pat) Straney
Candidate for Mayor
Oro Valley, AZ.

---