8.3% Water Rate Increase Starts With Your August Bill… While the Town Continues To Waste Drinking Water On Irrigating Recreation Facilities

You August water bill is going up "big time” 

Your water bill will increase 8.3% on average this coming August based on a changes in the water rate. This is the largest increase in Oro Valley history and was championed on a 5-1 vote (Greene voting:  yes”; Bohen voting no; Barrett Absent) at the June 6 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting. The water rate increase is actually 7.9% but when sales and utility taxes are applied plus an approved increase in the water preservation fund fee, the net increase is 8.3%. (See:  Sticker Shock) 

While the council does nothing to reduce the use of drinking water on three recreational facilities

The Town Council is waiting for a miracle solution for the use of drinking water on one of the town's golf courses and two of the town's parks. The Council has wasted the opportunity to bring reclaimed water to those areas. Instead, the Council decided not to do anything about it. Are they waiting for some miracle solution to come from the State or the City of Tucson regarding further treating reclaimed water and introducing it into the Water system? Are they waiting for the state to engage in a massive project to bring desalinated water from Mexico into the State and distribute it through the CAP distribution system? 

Meanwhile, Pima County is transitioning recreation water use to reclaimed water

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Pima County Board Of Supervisors voted to "Transition of the irrigation system in Arthur Pack Park to reclaimed effluent irrigation and requested the County Administration to develop a plan for transitioning all County parks to reclaimed effluent irrigation." So, it looks as though the County has a plan while Oro Valley's Town Council "fiddles and diddles" and does nothing.

We don't know what this Council is waiting for, but we do know that they're not doing anything to eliminate the use of drinking water on town recreational properties,  And while they fiddle, the cost of bringing reclaimed water to those facilities becomes more and more.

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In the following guest view, resident Mike Zinkin points out the obvious to all except five members of council: The Town is the biggest water waster in the community. 

6,598,000 gallons of potable water wasted
The Town of Oro Valley continues to bury its head in the sand as almost 6.6 million gallons of potable water were wasted on town properties in June 2024. To break it down: the closed Pusch Ridge golf course used 2,894,000 gallons, Riverfront Park wasted 1,644,000 gallons, and Jim Kriegh Park used 2,060,000 gallons. The cost for the Pusch Ridge waste alone was $11,719.39. Do you really believe the income from disc golf covered this water cost?

In June 2023, water waste for these properties was 5,531,000 gallons. This year, the waste for June increased by over 1,000,000 gallons, rubbing this negligence in our faces.

What will it take for our town government to act responsibly? 

The Community Center is still not ADA compliant, despite being owned since May 2015. Yet, the government established a splash pad (wanted by only 4% of the people) and a new BMX track (desired by just 1%). Meanwhile, the Oro Valley Little League has no fields other than the one at Coronado Middle School.

I am not alone in my concern over this water waste. While I may be at an age where this irresponsibility won't affect me directly, what about our grandchildren? How will we explain to them that drinking water must be rationed because of the irresponsible priorities set by our government in 2024?

Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

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Ally Miller Will Not Run For County Supervisor in 2020

Miller opts out
Pima County Supervisor has decided that she will not run for reelection in 2020. Miller is considered by many to be a champion of the people, fighting to root out cronyism and wasteful spending in county operations. Unfortunately, she is a voice in the wilderness.

Announcement on Facebook last evening
Miller made this announcement on Facebook last evening:

Bits and Pieces

LaCanada, Moore Roundabout Completed Soon
The Roundabout at Moore and LaCanada is scheduled to be competed before Thanksgiving, providing relief to those who travel in the area. The town is providing education on it. Watch the KGUN9 report here.

We saw a car trying to take a left turn into the roundabout on Northern Ave. This is almost a physically impossible thing to do. All you really need to know is that you enter right when it is safe to do so.

Pima County Sheriff caught shoplifting
35 year old Ryan Fuller, a now suspended Pima County Sheriff, was arrested for shophlifting at WalMart. Read the Daily Star report here.

Folk Concert Tomorrow
There is a folk concert at Steam Pump Ranch tomorrow. It starts at 10:30.  Learn more about the SAACA concert series here.

“Special note: Ride your bike or walk to the Heirloom Farmers Market via the shared use path on a Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch and receive $1 coupon to use at Steam Pump Ranch Artisan and Commerce Corral vendors (offer limited to the first 20). Pick up your coupon at the Parks and Recreation booth.” (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Relations)

Bits and Pieces

Scene In Oro Valley

Oro Valley resident Shirl Lamonna shares our love of Photography.  She sent this photo of a Road Runner to us.  Shirl tells us that she took the picture through a window looking onto her back yard.  Nice picture, yes?

Got a picture that typifies Oro Valley? We'd love to see it. We'll print those we select.
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2 Pima County Offices Up For Election

The August ballots will include 2 county offices of interest:

• Toni Hellon is running unopposed for Clerk of the Superior Court
• There are 3 candidates for Justice of the Peace in Precinct 1

(Source)

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"Summer schedule for Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 12, 2014) - During the months of June through September, the Second Saturdays live music, gardening demonstrations and ranch house tours will be discontinued until October, when the weather cools. For the summer, Second Saturday events at Steam Pump Ranch will only include crafts for children, along with the weekly Oro Valley Farmers Market and Historic, Western and Americana Artisan Fair, 8 a.m. to noon.

Children's crafts are free and available 8 a.m. to noon

• July 12 - Fun in the garden craft 
• August 9 - Back-to-school backpack craft 
• September 13 - Create a personalized ranch brand

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Miller Votes No On County Tax Increase

Something you are likely to not read in the local papers is the consistent commitment of Pima County Representative Ally Miller. Miller politics are "citizen-centric."  She is beholden to no special interest group except you, the people.  Her district includes Oro Valley.

This week she voted NO to a to a 17% Pima County tax increase, one that will be used to build soccer fields and other frivolous items.  Miller's politics are "citizen-centric."  She brings good sense to the insanity brought by her fellow county supervisors.

"Residents applauded Miller on her comments and fight for County taxpayers. After the meeting, Miller said, “While the other 4 Supervisors have clearly shown their priority is to spend taxpayer money on non-core services, such as buying and developing this land for soccer, they prove they do not care to listen to their constituents. Now faced with a 17% tax increase and roads that are still in dire need of repair, citizens must take a hard look at what the other Supervisors have done with their tax dollars and decide if they will continue to allow this type of leadership from their elected officials.”"

(Source: Miller Office Press Release)

It is the abuse of county taxing authority that continues to convince that Oro Valley should never have a property tax.
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Bits and Pieces

You May Not Receive An Oro Valley Election Ballot If You Don't Act

If you are not planning to vote at the polls on August 26, then you most certainly should be sure you get a mail-in ballot.  Getting one is as easy as calling the county recorders office at 724-4330, then choose 6.  You will get an individual who will look you up in the data base.  During that conversation, be sure you tell them to mail the ballot to a location you will be at when the ballots go out. There is no mail forwarding of ballots.  Also tell them whether you want an Oro Valley election ballot only or a ballot that includes Oro Valley but has non Oro Valley candidates from a specific party.

So, the process is simple if you make the call.

If you don't make the call, you may not get a mail-in ballot if you wish to vote early.

In order to get an mail-in ballot "automatically" you must be:

• Noted on county voter records as on the "early voter list"
• A registered Republican or Democrat
• A valid address for getting the ballot.

If you are a registered "independent" or on the county's "inactive list," you need to call them to make sure you get the ballot.  You get to be "inactive" by not replying to one of there inquiries since you last voted.  So, given all the junk mail people receive, its easy to overlook their correspondence.  

Last week, the county sent out notices to voters denoted as active.  You may have received one.  You did not have to return anything if you were a registered Democrat or Republican and had a valid mailing address. If you were an independent, however, you were supposed to complete the form and send it back. Otherwise, you will not get ballot.

Confused?

That's why we suggest you call. Make sure the county gets it right. Make sure you get a ballot.  Make sure you vote.

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Garner and Zinkin Bring Historic Preservation To Forefront

Next Wednesday, there is one item on the regular agenda of the Oro Valley Town Council.  It is consideration of Steam Pump Ranch's Procter-Lieber House.

"Our intent on Wednesday is to restart restoration of Steam Pump Ranch.  The intent is to restore the house. Get things moving again," noted Council Member Zinkin in our discussion with him yesterday.  "That ranch can be the focal point of Oro Valley. It can make us unique. No one in southern Arizona has anything like Steam Pump Ranch. It can be a real draw."

During the past 12 years. the town has created parking, put covers over the market area, and rehabbed the Pusch house.

Instead of working to fulfill a 2008 commitment to restore Steam Pump Ranch as a major draw for residents and visitors, the Majority-4 on council (Mayor Hiremath and Council Members Hornat, Snider and Waters) chose to do other things, all without a real plan or vision.

The Procter-Lieber house can be many things, as Garner and Zinkin see it. And, yes, it s also a  remembrance of times when the only thing in Oro Valley was the ranch's watering station.

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Oro Valley Financial Operations Recognized For Excelllence

"The Town of Oro Valley has been tapped for three more national awards in the areas of financial reporting, budgeting and procurement.

The Town received two awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The first is the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the FY 2012/13 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This is the 20th consecutive year that the Town has received this honor.

Oro Valley Finance Director Stacey Lemos commented, "It is truly an honor to be recognized by these national organizations and a true testament to the dedication and commitment to excellent fiscal management by our Finance Department team."

For the sixth consecutive year, the Town of Oro Valley has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, which required the Town to satisfy a set of stringent, nationally-recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.

Of the 91 incorporated municipalities in Arizona, Oro Valley is one of only 27 municipalities in the state to receive both awards from the GFOA.

These two awards are the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting, financial reporting and budgeting, and they represent a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Additionally, for the sixth year in a row, the National Procurement Institute has honored the Town of Oro Valley with its Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award.

The AEP award is sponsored by every major public procurement association in the country and is recognized as the benchmark of excellence in the profession. The Town of Oro Valley is one of only 16 government agencies in Arizona, and one of only 58 cities in the United States to receive this award.

In a press release, Stephen J. Gauthier, director of the GFOA Technical Services Center stated, "Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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County To Approve Record Spending

"With the tentative 2014/2015 budget adoption set for June 17th, I have been working hard to analyze the 666 page county budget. Yes, the number of pages is actually 6-6-6. With its passage, homeowners will face a property tax rate increase of almost 17%. Many would assume that with an increase in property taxes, the County would be increasing funding for core services such as our roads, but sadly, the budget allots for no increase in funding for road repair. Over the years, Pima County has utilized grant funds to supplement various services and departments. As those grant funds have dried up, the County is now seeking revenue to account for those budget deficiencies. And that Revenue will come from YOU....the taxpayers." (5-22 Blast Message From County Supervisor Miller)

Remember: Oro Valley is a donor community. We pay taxes in. We get little out.

Bits and Pieces

OVPD Finds Suspect Manuel Chavira

"The Oro Valley Police Department would like to thank the public for its assistance in the May 16 incident involving Manuel Chavira. The suspect has been identified and charged. Please see the original media release below

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (May 16, 2014) - The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) is seeking the public's help in locating a felony suspect.

Manuel Chavira broke into his ex-girlfriend's home through the garage by utilizing a keypad entry. This was witnessed by a neighbor. Chavira stole a watch from the residence and immediately pawned it. It is suspected Chavira may have stolen and pawned other items from his ex-girlfriend throughout the relationship, to include a wedding ring. Chavira is wanted for four counts of trafficking in stolen property and has a $5,000 bond.

Manuel Chavira is a 45-year-old Hispanic male, 5'6" in height, 150 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes." (Source: The Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)
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Your County Taxes Are Going Up

Pima County Supervisors voted earlier this week to increase your property tax rate.  Lots of reports on this already. However, we think the analysis to which we linked is the most honest.  Its a 12% increase in the rate that will cost the "average $100,000 home" an added $51.  Bad news, for Oro Valley homeowners.  Our property values are much higher than the average. In fact, it is people like us who fund the tax and spend county.

According to the article: "Despite a poor economy, the County administrator Chuck Huckelberry says the increase begins to increase funding for core services. The County has tapped its cash reserves and its bond rating is at risk.

The Board similarly approved nine separate decision packages to make targeted investments in such areas as Sheriff’s services, indigent defense, road repairs and wildcat dumping enforcement."

Don't you love the euphemism: "Investment."  Is sounds so much better than "spending."  Just ask Oro Valley Town Manager Greg Caton,  He insists that Oro Valley's outrageous increase in its spending per the 2014-15 budget represents "Investment."  However, we know its simply "spending."
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Oro Valley Shows Slow Population Growth

According to the US Census Bureau, Oro Valley's population grew from 41,011 to 41,627 or 1.5% in the three years ended 2013.  During the same period, Marana's population grew more than 9% and Sahuarita's grew 6.4%.  The population growth rate for Arizona was 3.7%.  (Source)

Oro Valley will probably catch up when the 1,000 or so apartments go on stream later this year and early next year.
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Miller To Discuss County Issues Relevant To Oro Valley

Pima County Supervisor Ally Miller will be hosting a Town Hall at 6PM tomorrow in the Oro Valley Branch of the Pima County Library.  "As your representative on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, it is critical I hear your thoughts, concerns, and comments on current issues facing our County," notes Miller in a press release.

Supervisor Miller will present her thoughts on several different areas: Roads maintained by Pima County, which includes La Canada; Pima County debt; and Economic Development.  These are all of importance to those of us living in Oro Valley.

There are also some specific county-involved matters that are of importance to Oro Valley residents. Here's our list of things we'd like to hear about:

• Funding to complete Steam Pump Ranch.  Funds to complete the ranch were supposed to have come from the county in a prior bond funding. The bonding never materialized. All we have now is a beautiful plan and a dust pit ranch.  What is the county's vision of Steam Pump Ranch?  Will they help or should Oro Valley plan to "go it alone."
• Partnering with Oro Valley to create a business incubator in Innovation park.  An incubator is a facility for start ups businesses. There is one, for example, that the University of Arizona operates on the far east side.  Oro Valley's Innovation Park is a prime location for this type of facility.  What will the county do to partner with Oro Valley?
• Oro Valley’s roads are in good shape because Oro Valley maintains them.  What role will the county play in rebuilding Tangerine Road into major East-West road?  What role will it play in continuing to rebuild LaCholla as a new Oro Valley North-South road?
• Completing a spur from the CDO shared-use trail, under Oracle, to Catalina State Park is on the planning horizon.  Our understanding is that this is a project that is the responsibility of the county. Where does this project stand?

What items of direct relevance to Oro Valley would you like to ask Supervisor Miller?

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Bits and Pieces

Watch Oro Valley Grow

This month's Oro Valley economic development support a few changes. As we previously reported, Dickey's Barbercue and Grille is slated for Plaza Escondido, which is where Marshall's is located. FUWX Refloxology will locate in Rooney Ranch. Savaya Coffee is going to be located next to the Basis School.

Securaplane In Innovation Park

Meantime projects that are quite visible to us all our either completed or in midstream construction. Secruraplane has open for operations and innovative park, the HS L apartments are growing daily a fast pace. These apartments are located on the west side of Oracle, south of the Oro Valley Marketplace. Town Center, located across from Rooney Ranch, is also growing daily. Finally, blading has been done on the property on the south west corner of Oracle and Desert Sky Road. This is for a memory care facility.
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County Speed Enforcement Cameras Going Bye Bye

"The Pima County Board of Supervisors has voted to shut down all 11 speed-enforcement cameras in the county....They reportedly found no conclusive evidence that fixed, stand-alone cameras effectively and consistently reduce speeds or crashes because drivers tend to decrease speed near the camera and then accelerate after passing."(Source)

Now, the City of Tucson should follow suit.
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Our Voice-Your Future Giving Pies Away

"Oro Valley is planning for the future, and we can’t do it without YOU. Join us for a FREE piece of pie at one of these events, and tell us what you love about OV!

• Saturday, January 11, 2014 12 – 2 p.m. @ All the Buzz Café 12985 N. Oracle Road #165
• Saturday, January 18, 2014 12 – 2 p.m. @ Village Bakehouse 7882 N. Oracle Road 
• Saturday, February 1, 2014 3 – 5 p.m. @ Jerry Bob’s 10550 N. La Cañada Drive

(Source: Oro Valley Press Release)

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Public Awareness: Fraudulent Checks in the Mail

"The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) has become aware of several residents who have received letters containing fraudulent checks. The letters state the recipient has won a prize and if they make contact with an "agent" they would receive the amount of the check. Other letters ask the resident to pay the taxes upfront to a Western Union account and in return they will receive a larger amount in the mail within 24-48 hours. These are not real checks or winnings and residents should discard them immediately. The OVPD reminds residents to keep track of all bank accounts by checking them often and to periodically check their credit reports to ensure that no unauthorized accounts have been opened." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)
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Tomorrow's Live Music and Other Stuff at Steam Pump Ranch

"The Town of Oro Valley is proud to announce the guest speaker for the January 11 event at Steam Pump Ranch, located at 10901 N. Oracle Road. Historic Archaeologist Homer Thiel, with Archaeology Southwest, will give a presentation on the archaeology of a Mexican family. His talk begins at 9:30 a.m. and will focus on the Leon family home site, dating between the 1840s and 1910s. Then at 10:30 a.m., attendees will enjoy a live musical performance by Gabriela Ayala, presented by the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance."  The event is from 11AM- 2 PM. (Source: Oro Valley Press release)
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Bits and Pieces

Amphi School District Sells More Bonds

The Amphi School District is selling $41 Million in bonds, the fourth of a bond series voters authorized in 2007. The Bonds are rated Aa2 by Moody’s & A+ by S&P. The Bonds are secured by voter-authorized unlimited ad valorem (property) taxes on properties in the school district. By law, the Pima County Treasurer must levy annual tax sufficient to pay debt service. Tax revenues does not follow through school district’s general fund. The bonds have a 5% coupon rate and the longest term, 14 years, is selling at a 4.5% yield (Source: Amphi Bond Offering)
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Tomorrow At Steam Pump Ranch

Tomorrow is the "Second Saturday" event at Steam Pump Ranch.  Here's what's happening:

"9 - 10 a.m.
Visitors will enjoy tours of the restored 1870'sPusch Family Ranch House and information on its history in Oro Valley.

10 - 11 a.m.
Guest speaker Joyce Rychener will give a demonstration on traditional desert gardening. Participants will learn what it takes to be a successful gardener in the Sonoran Desert, including the planting and harvesting of crops.  Children will make a basic weaving craft out of natural materials." (Source: Oro Valley press release)
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Library Eliminates Late Fees For Kids

"The Pima County Library says late fees have kept 50,000 kids from returning to the book shelves. In the interest of literacy the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to eliminate late fees for kids and teens." (Source)
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Michigan Left

By now, you may have experience the "Michigan Left" from eastbound Ina onto Oracle, headed north. Read more here.
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Did You Know

...that half the population of the US lives in 146 counties and that Pima County is one of them? (Source)
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Your County Tax Dollars At Work

"The family of a young Arizona boy who was fatally struck by Pima County Sheriff’s Department vehicle has filed a claim seeking $50 million in damages." (Source)  According to the police report, the officer was on a routine call and swerved to avoid the boy.  Unfortunately, accidents happen.

We wonder: Why do some people try to turn a tragedy like this into a windfall?
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Bits and Pieces

Board Of Adjustment Says "Yes" To Hillside Grading

The Board of Adjustment granted, by a 3-1 vote, a variance to allow grading of a hillside by Meritage homes. We posted about this request Monday.
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County Seeks Your Input On Oro Valley's Requested Projects

In our June 18 posting, we wrote that "Oro Valley Seeks $38 Million in 2014 County Bond Funds"  This includes 7 projects.

Other communities have made requests such the to total requested is now $1.3 billion.

The county is asking for your help. "The County has developed an online survey that will be available through Friday, August 2, and will allow us to gather more information as we begin the process of winnowing down the community’s requests."  Here's the link to the survey. It is rather painless for you to do. It took me 5 minutes.

Why should you take survey?  Take it because the county is going to sell bonds that you will pay for and it would be best that some of this money come back to Oro Valley to improve our community.  Its best for the county not to "winnow down" Oro Valley's requests.  It's that simple.

This is something we should all get behind.

The survey lists specific projects for you to consider, including the Oro Valley requested or related projects we discussed in our previous posting. These include:

• Historical preservation projects: Steam Pump Ranch and Honey Bee Interpretive Site
• Job growth: The Oro Valley Business Accelerator
• Parks and Recs: Kreigh Park Update, CDO River Park Corridor, Oro Valley and Linda Vista Trailheads

There is also a satirical poll online.  You might want to take this one too. 

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Oro Valley Police Explorers Win In Competition

"The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) is proud to announce the results of the Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisors Association Competition. The event was held in Denver, Colarado, where twenty-two different Explorer Posts from throughout the United States competed in a variety of law enforcement scenarios over the course of three days." (Source: The Oro Valley Police Department)  Oro Valley's explorers place 1st in two of the six competitions.
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Oro Valley Soliciting Bids To Complete CDO Wash Path

Oro Valley has issued a request for proposal for a project to complete the CDO shared use path, connecting the completed portion at 1st and Oracle with the portion that runs from Steam Pump Ranch to the Oro Valley Marketplace.  Once done, the path will be continuous along the CDO Wash from the Marketplace to LaCanada.   When last we asked we were told that the trail would be completed by late fall.
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Bits and Pieces

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Will the Amphi School District convert its schools to charter schools?  Vail is.  Here's why: More money in the short run from the State. (Source)  Generally, one is always best to "follow the money" when trying to figure out why something is being promoted.
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Congratulations to Greg Caton, Stacey Lemos and the entire Oro Valley team:  "The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce that it has received the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award is for the Town's first-ever Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for FY 2011-12." (Oro Valley press release)
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Pima County is updating its 2001 Comprehensive Plan.  The county has prepared a public participation plan.  The plan is going to be called: Pima Prospers.

"The Comprehensive Plan Initiative will include typical physical infrastructure elements like roads, water resources, wastewater and newly required elements like energy. In addition, it will integrate economic development elements like employer retention and attraction. The Plan will also address human infrastructure components like health care, parks and recreation, libraries, and public safety." (Source)
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Fry's (Oracle and First) is at it again.

Another Massive Fry's Display

More clutter in front of their store, creating a safety hazard. This is a picture from July 1, courtesy of Oro Valley resident Don Bristow.

Council Member Lou Waters, several months back, had visited this store. After his visit, things cleared up a bit.  Is it time for him to visit again?

Thing is:  Fry's is probably paid a placement fee to display this stuff by the vendor.  So, the more stuff they can cram in the ramada area, the more bucks they get.

What does Oro Valley get?
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The tennis courts in Rancho Vistoso have been redone and will open soon. They willl have a key card, thus eliminating kids skate boarding on the courts
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More on the graded lot on the northwest corner of Narana and LaCanada. This from Oro Valley Constituent Services Coordinator Chris Cornelison:

"Construction restoration and landscape assurances were required and provided for this project. As a result, a Grading Plan and Native Plant Preservation Plan were reviewed and approved by Town staff prior to construction activity occurring on the property. These plans require the property owner to stabilize the site in order to mitigate soil erosion, which entails hydro-seeding and the installation of vegetation. The Town will utilize Section 27.9 Grading of the Zoning Code, specifically subsection C. Protective Cover and Dust Control."

In other words, the lot will not be left "open."
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The Oro Valley Business Accelerator

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Yesterday, in our posting "Oro Valley Seeks $38 Million in 2014 County Bond Funds", we reported that the town in seeking $15 million in 2014 Pima County bond funds for a "business accelerator" to be located in innovation park.

There is an "accelerator" located in southeast Tucson, located at the former IBM site. It houses xx businesses, all in some stage of start-up. Its a "long haul" to get there, even from mid-town Tucson.  So, an "accelerator", located in Oro Valley, makes logistical sense. One located in Innovation Park, makers logical sense.

What Is "Business Acclerator"
An accelerator is a physical building where business that are "growing up" work in separate spaces but share common services and facilities.  These businesses are past the pure start-up phase of growth. They are entering the "scale-up" phase.

For example, the proposed Oro Valley accelerator would be located on town land in innovation park. This was land that was discussed as a municipal operations center a few years ago.

The accelerator would "...make the following services and shared facilities available to startup companies: office space, lab space, shared access to reception, IT, bio-specimens collection and repository, conference rooms, video and teleconference facility, training suites, video production for investigator training and/or human subject enrollment, research site monitors, administrative support (book-keeping, payroll, HR), and consultation on regulatory strategy, market analysis and business planning."(Source-P41)

The Goal Of An Oro Valley "Accelerator"
The goal of the Oro Valley accelerator is to bring "...small bioscience and high-tech companies, that have made it through the start-up phase" to the town."   (Source-P41)

What An Accelerator Can Bring To Oro Valley

• Businesses that are in the early stage of development:  Typically, these are technology or biotech companies, exploring the commercialization of concepts developed in a lab, perhaps as the University.
• Innovating Ideas. Accelerator businesses usually are focused on commercializing innovative ideas; not on simply creating another "me-too" product for the marketplace.  Innovative thinking generally brings excitement and creativity to a community.
• Innovative people:  Innovative ideas come from innovative people.  Their arrival in Oro Valley will add to Oro Valley's talent pool.
• "Angel" investment funds:  Angel Investors are the second stage of financing a business. They invest after "friends and family" money has been invested and, generally, after the concept that is being developed has demonstrated some viability.  Generally, these businesses still represent significant investment risk: 19 of 20 fail.  
• Valuable jobs:  Angel investment funds are used to create a feasible, prototype product or service. Feasible means that it has been tested and that there is some indication that it will be commercially viable.  Producing this product or service required people.  Thus, jobs for Oro Valley.
• A few very successful, growing companies: Who knows, if 1 in 20 do succeed then, over time, there will be a few growing businesses who will move out of the accelerator into their own facility.  These successful companies will likely be financed by venture capital companies (Stage 3 financing).  This could bring further growth to Oro Valley.

What It Costs Oro Valley
The accelerator concept is in it's early stages of development.  "The Town’s Budget for 2013/14 includes a feasibility study for this project, " noted Town Manager Greg Caton in an email to us. "At this time, we do not anticipate that the Town would need to contribute financially to facility on an ongoing basis," Caton further noted.  "Companies utilizing the facility pay rent. We need to conduct fiscal analysis to determine potential lease rates and other opportunities for revenue. Additionally, we will need a comprehensive analysis of the anticipated expenditures...this is a capital project and that the project, or the entities involved, with cover the ongoing operations and maintenance."

Our Analysis:

According to Fernando Martinez, Director of the University of Arizona Bio5 Institute: "The Town of Oro Valley is central to the most significant bioscience cluster in Arizona. It is here where scientific collaboration, technological innovation and business opportunity thrives. As home to almost a dozen leading bioscience and hi-­‐tech companies, Oro Valley enjoys a diverse business environment."

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Oro Valley Included In Pima County's Economic Development Plan

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Several weeks ago, Pima County unveiled an "Economic Development Plan: 2012-2014."  The plan will cost you $197 million, $30 million of which would be directed toward 4 communities, including Oro Valley.  The plan is detailed in a report.

The plan calls for regional job growth centers in Oro Valley (Innovation Park), Marana, Sahuarita and South Tucson. The plan says the county should invite these communities to submit detailed economic development plans, assessments and investment needs regarding how to make these regional job centers economically attractive for the relocation of jobs from outside Pima County." (Page 11)

The funding requested by the towns "...must be site-specific with a detailed scope of work and implementation timeframe to meet the County’s accountability and transparency requirements of bond programs."

An attachment to the report lists 13 economic development comments that are "sourced" as being jointly requested by the Town of Oro Valley and the Oro Valley Chamber Of Commerce.  Three of these are specific to Oro Valley:

• Work with Oro Valley government toward Oro Valley annexation of the Arroyo Grande parcel;
• Ensure affordable water and wastewater connection fees; and 
• Accelerate road infrastructure improvements (Tangerine Road) 

One request asks for "Continue[d] strong funding for ...  MTCVB".

The other 9 requests refer the region:

• Encourage Tucson International Airport expansion; buffer Raytheon and improve its transportation access; create an aerospace and defense research park. 
• Work toward an intermodal logistics center. Work with Union Pacific on their plan for a container export rail facility. 
• Continue property tax incentives for job creating businesses. 
• Create property tax incentives for redevelopment. 
• Encourage soccer activities, both professional and amateur, at Kino Stadium. 
• Help keep the Accenture Match Play Tournament in the Tucson area. 
• Minimize development, building and planning fees   
• Place greater emphasis on geotourism. 
• Clean up our community -- medians, roadsides and entryways to downtown and the airport.

When would this plan be enacted?  Not soon.  The funding of the plan will require voters to approve a bond offering.  

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Guest View-Mark Napier: Being Your Sheriff Matters

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Oro Valley resident and former council candidate is seeking the Republican candidacy for Pima County Sheriff.  We think its great when one of our own, an Oro Valley resident, seeks to serve in a broader role.  With that in mind, please read the following Guest View from Mark. 
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Hello Friends,

As you may know, I am running for Pima County Sheriff.  I have 28 years of law enforcement experience, 21 of those years being with the Tucson Police Department.  I rose through the ranks and retired as a Police Captain in 2008.  During my time with the Tucson Police Department I went back to college and got my B.S. in Social Psychology and then went on to get my Master’s Degree from Boston University in Criminal Justice.  After retired from TPD, I accepted the position of Assistant Director with the Glendale Police Department.  I am currently the Associate Director of Parking and Transportation Services at the University of Arizona.

I am running for Sheriff because it is crystal clear that it is time for a new Sheriff.  We are not receiving leadership from the current Sheriff on important issues.  Among these are border safety, attacking crime and maintaining a fiscally responsible department.  Clarence Dupnik embarrassed the entire State with his outrageous comments after the tragic shooting of Gabriel Giffords.  He embarrassed us again when he declared that SB1070 was a racist unconstitutional law that he would not enforce.  We need real leadership not embarrassing rhetoric.  We need our Sheriff to provide the County with visible dynamic leadership.  When was the last time you saw our Sheriff?

I am asking for your support in the [republican] primary.  Early ballots will be sent out on August 2, the polls will open on August 28.  With your support through the primary, we can go forward and then win in November.  It’s time for a new Sheriff.  More information about me can be found on my website.  There is an e-mail link there and I would be happy to answer any questions you send to me.

Thank you,

Mark
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Your Pima County Supervisor Matters To Oro Valley

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Electing a Pima County District 1 Supervisor is your only shot at impacting what happens in the county in relation to Oro Valley.

District 1 includes Oro Valley, Marana and the foothills.  Ann Day is your current supervisor. She is retiring.  There is one Democrat, Nancy Young-Wright, who is running for the seat.  She will be on the November ballot. There are four republican candidates:  Mike Hellon, Stuart McDaniel, Ally Miller,  and Vic Williams.  These four "debated" last week are our library.  It would be good for all of us to watch this debate (click here).  Those who requested the Republican ballot will get you chance to pick one of these four in the primary.

What happens in the county matters a lot to you.  The county's budget is about $1.3 billion.  Think about all the money that the county takes from you in the form of taxes. Then, think about how little those of us in wealthier communities actually get back. 

It would be good to elect someone who will reduce our tax burden and bring more back to our town.
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