Meet Council Hopeful Jake Herrington

LOVE has been are presenting information about the individuals who plan to seek one of the three open Town Council seats in the upcoming primary election. Each candidate is currently gathering the more than 500 signatures by mid March. Today, we feature Jake Herrington. 

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Council Hopeful Jake Herrington Emphasizes Service, Financial Planning, and Smart Growth
Jake Herrington is one of several council hopefuls who have filed to seek a seat on the Oro Valley Town Council and are currently gathering signatures to qualify for the ballot. In a February interview with LOVE, Herrington discussed his background, town service, and why he believes now is the right time to serve.

Longtime resident with business and nonprofit leadership experience
Originally from Baltimore, Herrington has lived in Pima County for more than 35 years and in Oro Valley for 15 years. He and his wife live in Copper Creek. His daughter attended Copper Creek Elementary, Wilson, and Ironwood Ridge High School. His son is a Marine Corps veteran, and his daughter is a registered nurse. His father served in the Army, and he has additional family members in military and law enforcement.

Herrington built his career in real estate and property management, working his way from entry-level roles to management over more than three decades. He currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer for PPEP inc (Portable Practical Educational Preparation), a Tucson-based nonprofit that operates workforce development programs, charter schools, housing, and medical equipment distribution programs. He oversees property, transportation, insurance, and budgeting. He and his wife also own a commercial real estate company.

Former Planning and Zoning chair with record of town service
Herrington served two terms as Vice Chair of the Conceptual Design Review Board before it was eliminated and later served two terms on Oro Valley’s Planning and Zoning Commission, where he was elected chair. He has also served on the Copper Creek HOA board for more than a decade, attended the Town’s Citizen Academy, and spoke at sessions in his role as Planning and Zoning chair. He believes that his experience on the town’s commissions has given him a practical understanding of town processes and how decisions affect residents and businesses.

“A Voice Of The People”

Herrington said he decided to seek a council seat after discussing the commitment with his family and determining he could give the role his full effort. He emphasized that he does not view himself as a politician and has no ambitions beyond serving the community. He described himself as wanting to be “a voice for the people,” including residents and business owners who may not have time to attend meetings.

Focuses on financial planning, growth strategy, and economic opportunity
Herrington said Oro Valley faces long-term financial pressures and must plan carefully for future revenue needs. He believes the town must determine whether it will remain primarily a bedroom community or pursue smart growth that broadens the tax base. In his view, “expanding the pie” allows more participants to share the tax burden rather than a smaller group absorbing rising costs.

He expressed support for strategic commercial annexation and views Oro Valley’s public safety services as a key asset in attracting annexation targets. He also said the town should more actively recruit educational institutions, regional partners, sports leagues, and events that could utilize parks, aquatics, golf, and resort facilities to generate revenue.

Describes himself as a hands-on, “big tent” leader
Herrington said he prefers to understand a task before supervising others in it, having worked his way up from entry-level roles throughout his career. He characterized himself as a “big tent” leader who seeks broad input, listens before forming conclusions, and considers issues from multiple perspectives before voting.

If elected, he said he hopes to be remembered as someone who gave his full effort, asked thoughtful questions, and listened carefully to residents before making decisions.

Learn more about Jake Herrington here.

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What you can do next...

We are providing these profiles so that, if you are approached for a signature, you will have some context about the person seeking your support. You are also free sign a petition for a candidate here. All those signing either in person or on line must be a registered voter and a resident of Oro Valley.

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Council Explores Changes That Might Attract Big-Box Retail

Council initiates discussion on attracting "Big-Box" Retail
For some time now, Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett and Councilmember Josh Nicolson have discussed the need for Oro Valley to attract at least a medium-sized, if not a large, big-box retailer. At their request, Town staff presented an update at last week’s Council meeting outlining current recruitment efforts. 

The discussion made clear that there are several challenges

Oro Valley could face in attracting these retailers, including assembling sufficiently large parcels, addressing potential infrastructure and grading costs, pursuing General Plan amendments or rezoning if required, and possibly negotiating incentives. None of these issues were described as insurmountable, and to a large extent they fall within the policy authority of the Town Council. However, each raises questions about timing, process, and ensuring that public involvement remains central to any decision.

Unknown if there are any Big-Box Retailers in the pipeline
Staff did not identify any specific medium or large big-box retailer as currently engaged or under review. Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher emphasized that the Town maintains confidentiality regarding potential projects and explained that staff’s goal is to keep approximately three “qualified leads” active at any given time. He stated that four qualified retail leads are currently in the pipeline. However, no specific large big-box retailer was named during the discussion, and no project in that category is presently before the Council for consideration.

Staff claims of a direct outreach strategy seem contrary to prior council discussion
Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher explained that the Town conducts “cold-call outreach,” meaning staff contacts targeted retailers directly and provides site information, recruitment materials, and pre-application assistance. He did not specify which retailers have been contacted. At a prior Council meeting, in response to a question from Councilmember Nicolson, Melcher said staff has not contacted Costco directly. No specific retailer was identified as currently engaged.

Staff foresees land size constraints and entitlement uncertainty
Staff outlined several structural challenges. Medium to large retailers typically require 18 to 22 acres or more, high traffic volumes, and locations at major intersections — conditions that are increasingly difficult to meet in Oro Valley, where most readily developable commercial land has already been built. Remaining parcels may involve costly grading, drainage or wash constraints, infrastructure extensions, multiple property owners, or the need for General Plan amendments and rezoning. Staff noted that timing is often critical in site selection, meaning uncertainty in the entitlement process can put Oro Valley at a competitive disadvantage when retailers compare locations.

Sales tax rebate incentive discussed... lessons from the Oro Valley Marketplace experience
The discussion also acknowledged that incentives can be part of large retail recruitment, including infrastructure reimbursements, permit fee reimbursements, expedited review, and potentially sales tax–based incentives through an Economic Development Agreement. Any agreement must comply with Arizona’s Gift Clause and demonstrate a clear public benefit. Oro Valley has prior experience with retail tax incentives, most notably with the Oro Valley Marketplace project nearly two decades ago, which included a sales tax rebate component returning a portion of sales tax revenues to the developer over a defined period. Despite that arrangement, the Marketplace struggled financially for years, raising broader questions about the effectiveness and risks of retail tax incentive agreements.

Pre-Entitlements Proposed — Public Input Emphasized
The most significant policy concept discussed was whether the Town should consider “pre-entitling” certain commercial parcels for medium or large retail uses. This could involve initiating General Plan amendments or rezoning in advance of a specific retailer applying, and potentially negotiating Economic Development Agreements earlier in the process. Staff suggested that this approach could provide greater certainty and reduce timing risk for developers. Vice Mayor Barrett cautioned, however, that the Town must not short-circuit public input, emphasizing that community participation remains critically important in Oro Valley. Mayor Winfield indicated that any proposal involving pre-entitlements would need to return to Council as a separate agenda item for full discussion.

The last time staff recommended any pre‑entitlement action was a few years ago at Innovation Park. Council approved a measure to allow developers to grade sites early to attract “shovel ready” projects. To our knowledge, that effort produced no results.

No Action Taken; Further Discussion Likely
No formal action was taken. For now, staff will continue recruitment efforts. Any specific retailer proposal, incentive package, or change to the entitlement process would require future Council review and public input.

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Sea Change: Efficiency Will Be A Factor In Determining 2027 Budget

First step toward a program-level efficiency review
The Town of Oro Valley Council has taken a first step in ensuring that town operations are efficient. Last week, the council unanimously approved a measure directing staff to return with a defined scope of work and timeline to review town programs, including their costs, revenues, and participation levels, as part of the upcoming budget process.

Barrett, Nicholson, and Murphy: An efficiency review is needed
Vice Mayor Barrett said the item is“a follow-along on our recent tax conversation” and that she wanted to discuss “what are some methods or ways that we could kind of look for some of those efficiency opportunities as we go through some of this budget process.” She said the goal was not “to necessarily reduce the service levels that our community experiences, but there may be more efficient opportunities to provide that same level of service.” Council Member

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Nicholson described efficiency as “like miles per gallon on your truck… like miles per dollar,” and added, “We don’t have an infinite money supply… It’s the taxpayer’s money.” Council Member Murphy tied the issue to her earlier vote on taxes, stating, “That’s why I didn’t vote for the taxes is because we had not had an independent operational efficiency audit, to my knowledge, ever.”

Third-party audit discussed, but staff outlined an internal approach
The council initially discussed whether a third party should be hired to review operations. Town Manager Jeff Wilkins said an outside effort could cost “over $100,000… It could be 150, even,” depending on scope. He said staff could instead compile key information internally, including “a list of the programs, the cost of the program, the revenue that that program may bring, the users that might be overall users as well as unique users.” 

Staff push back: They are already "cutting costs"

This assignment will be challenging for staff for four reasons. First, it comes at a time when departments are building their budgets under an existing process and timeline. That process that does not include a challenge to town programs and activities.  Second, According to Wilkins, pulling this together requires coordination across departments during the budget process. Apparently, this coordination is not part of the normal budget process. Third, staff thinks that town operations are already efficient, so they likely view this request as a waste of time. Fourth, there is a difference between town staff and council members of what the term “efficiency" means.  Staff defines efficiency as cutting costs…

But "cost cutting" is not "efficiency".. It is the result of "efficiency"

Efficiency comes from reexamining what needs to be done and eliminating what does not. It means thinking differently than town staff's approach of incremental spending cuts and staged hiring freezes (see panel above right). It means reassessing priorities, identifying the activities that deliver the greatest public value, and concentrating resources there. It means streamlining processes. It means questioning all activities to insure that they serve a necessary purpose. It means challenging organization structure and layers of management. It means using tools, including artificial intelligence, to replace routine, lower-level work such as basic coding, data entry, basic document review, financial reconciliations, permit intake screening, and draft communications.

What this could lead to in the 2027 budget cycle
Last week's council conversation suggests that the coming 2026-27 budget discussions may focus on program value in addition to program cost. Council members said they want clearer information about what the town does, what it costs, and who it serves. If that information is developed in a usable way, it could shape broader discussions about program priorities, including whether some programs should be modified, expanded, reduced, or discontinued.

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Bits and Pieces

Tucson Bicycle Classic finale returns to Naranja Park Sunday
The Town of Oro Valley will host the final day of the Tucson Bicycle Classic this Sunday, February 22, at Naranja Park, with professional racing from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free spectator viewing  . More than 600 cyclists are expected to compete on the 2.8-mile circuit course that features a rolling loop and uphill finish on Musette Drive. Food trucks and a finish-line beer garden will be available, and the day begins with a 5K on the same course at 7:15 a.m. Residents should plan ahead for road closures around Naranja Drive, Musette Road and Monterra Vista Drive, and note that there will be no vehicle parking inside the park. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Tommorrow...Off the Vine Wine Festival At Kriegh Park

The Town of Oro Valley will host the Off the Vine Wine Festival 2026 on Saturday, February 21, beginning at 12 p.m. at James D. Kriegh Par.  Founded to celebrate Arizona’s growing wine industry, the event brings together vineyard owners and winemakers from across the state, along with food vendors curated in partnership with Tucson Foodie, live music, artisan market vendors and family-friendly activities. The festival is a 21+ event, although children under 12 may attend with a legal guardian. The event will be held rain or shine, and tickets are required.

Bayless honored for sustained contributions to public safety and community events

Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to resident and real estate professional Lisa Bayless in appreciation of her long-standing financial and personal support of the community. Over the past eight years, Bayless and her husband, Jeff, have contributed more than $665,000 to public safety initiatives and local events, including sponsorship of the Fourth of July fireworks, the Town’s 50th anniversary celebration, National Night Out, police ballistic vests and K-9 units, SnowV, Project Graduation, the Amphi Foundation and the Arizona Heroes Memorial. Councilmembers noted that her involvement goes beyond writing checks, highlighting her consistent presence at events and active partnership with Town staff. The plaque, signed by Mayor Winfield on February 18, 2026, recognized her impact on the quality of life in Oro Valley and her ongoing commitment to the community. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Council Meeting, 2-18-16, 24:59)

Some question OVPD use of license plate reader network

Two speakers raised concerns about the Town’s participation in the Flock Safety license plate reader network, a system that uses fixed cameras to capture vehicle license plate images and compare them against law enforcement databases. The technology is intended to help police locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles connected to crimes, and share information with other agencies. However, the speakers questioned whether automated data collection creates broader surveillance risks, including tracking residents’ movements and sharing data across numerous outside agencies. One speaker cited constitutional privacy concerns and urged stronger safeguards such as warrant-based access, while the other asked whether alternative grant-funded tools might better balance safety and privacy. At the conclusion of Call to Audience, the Vice Mayor asked that police follow up with the individuals who spoke, and the Mayor acknowledged the referral to the Police Department. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Council Meeting, 2-18-16, 10:11)

Primary moved to July 21 under newly signed state law

Arizona’s 2026 primary election will now be held on July 21 following passage of House Bill 2022, which was signed into law by Governor Hobbs on February 6, 2026. The legislation permanently shifts the state primary to the second-to-last Tuesday in July and adjusts related election deadlines. For Oro Valley, this means the mayoral and town council primary will also take place on July 21. As a result of the new schedule, the candidate signature filing window has moved to February 21 through March 23. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Traffic advisory: Wicked Fast Marathon may slow Oracle Road tomorrow morning

Drivers should expect minor delays on N. Oracle Road (SR 77) tomorrow between approximately 6:30 a.m. and noon due to the Wicked Fast Marathon & Half Marathon. The race begins on Biosphere Road, proceeds south along Oracle through Catalina into Oro Valley, and then turns west onto the Chuck Huckleberry Loop. (Mulit-Use Path) Participants will use the shoulder of northbound Oracle Road, and traffic control will be in place near Oracle and Innovation Market Drive by the Oro Valley Marketplace and Catalina State Park. Motorists are advised to use caution, avoid the shoulder, and follow posted signs and directions from police officers. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

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From One Concert to a Community Movement: Rockin’ 4 Heroes Marks Six Years

Rockin’ 4 Heroes’ Impact On Stage and Beyond
In the fall of 2021, several hundred enthusiastic music fans, lawn chairs in tow, gathered at James D. Kriegh Park to join Oro Valley residents Michael and Bonnie Quinn, who organized a free concert to thank and publicly honor the first responders at Golder Ranch Fire District and the Oro Valley Police Department. These first responders compassionately cared for their son, PJ, during his final year battling cancer. What unfolded was an unforgettable afternoon filled with tears, tributes, and electrifying music from a world-class touring cover band that brought attendees to their feet singing and dancing to iconic hits by Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, and other rock classics.

Fast forward a few short years to fall 2025, when thousands once again eagerly set up their lawn chairs at the same park for the same purpose; To honor all Heroes who serve and protect, including First Responders, Active Military, Veterans, and Gold Star families, while enjoying another high-energy afternoon of world-class classic rock music with family and friends.

As Rockin’ 4 Heroes enters its sixth year, its message of gratitude has resonated well beyond Oro Valley, drawing support from across Arizona and out of state and bringing throngs of concertgoers back to where it all began at James D. Kriegh Park.

The mission continues long after the music ends
While the annual free concert is Rockin’ 4 Heroes’ signature public celebration, its lasting impact lies in the scholarships and funding initiatives that directly support Heroes and their families. The Hero Fund and the Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert are made possible by the generosity of business sponsors, individual donors, and grants. As an all-volunteer nonprofit with minimal administrative expenses, Rockin’ 4 Heroes ensures that resources are directed toward initiatives that directly benefit Heroes.

Scholarships to inspire and encourage a new generation of heroes
In 2024, the Rockin’ 4 Heroes Jacob Dindinger Memorial EMT Scholarship at Pima Community College was established. This permanent endowment funds two full EMT scholarships each year. Oro Valley benefits directly, as one of the first scholarship recipients recently joined the Golder Ranch Fire District to serve the community.

Going beyond the GI Bill for student veterans
Last year, Rockin’ 4 Heroes launched a $50,000 Veteran Student Endowment through the University of Arizona Foundation to support student veterans and Gold Star family members. This endowment provides financial assistance for academic and non-academic expenses beyond what the GI Bill covers, including childcare, housing, and unexpected emergencies, allowing student veterans to remain focused on their education.

Law Enforcement Support Fund for continuing education
In another initiative to support those who protect and serve, six Oro Valley Police Department officers were awarded benefits last year from the Rockin’ 4 Heroes Fund to support their continuing education goals while serving the community. This fund is available to law enforcement officers throughout Southern Arizona.

Join the Rockin’ 4 Heroes mission
Beyond its financial support initiatives, Rockin’ 4 Heroes partners with numerous organizations that serve its four Hero groups at local events such as Strength & Shield’s Blessing Breakfast and the North Tucson Firefighters Annual Archery Shoot Out and BBQ. To honor the Gold Star community, Rockin’ 4 Heroes last year presented a local Oro Valley Gold Star mother with a commemorative Honor and Remember flag in memory of her son, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Taylor Galvin.

Rockin’ 4 Heroes welcomes community participation, support, and partnerships. Whether you would like to become a sponsor, get involved, or have a representative speak to your group, contact Info@Rockin4Heroes.org. Stay tuned here for ongoing news and updates about the 6th Annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert on November 8, 2026.

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Meet Council Candidate Hopeful Dan Karlsberg

This week, we are presenting information about the individuals who plan to seek one of the three open Town Council seats in the upcoming primary election. Each candidate is currently gathering the more than 500 signatures by mid March.  Today, we feature Dan Karlsberg

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Council Candidate Dan Karlsberg Shares Views on Growth, Finances, and Community Priorities 
Dan Karlsberg is one of five candidates seeking signatures to get on the ballot for a seat on the Oro Valley Town Council in 2026. In a wide-ranging December interview with LOVE, Karlsberg discussed why he is running, what he sees as the town’s key challenges, and how his professional background shapes his approach to public service.

Longtime resident, financial advisor, and commission chair
Karlsberg has lived in Oro Valley for more than a decade. He and his wife are raising three children, whose educational paths have included both Oro Valley public schools and local private schools. He said those experiences as a parent have shaped how he views quality-of-life issues in the community.

Professionally, Karlsberg is a financial advisor in his firm, Freedom Trail Wealth. In January, he was elected chair of the Oro Valley Budget and Finance Commission, where he reviews town finances and long-range forecasts. He is also active in church- and school-related financial committees, roles he said have reinforced the importance of careful budgeting, transparency, and long-term planning.

Says timing and family stage make service possible now
Karlsberg said his decision to run reflects timing as much as ambition. With his children older and his business more established, he said he now has the capacity to devote the time required to serve effectively. He described his candidacy as a way to give back to a town he considers an exceptional place to live and to model civic responsibility for his children.

Sees long-term financial planning, growth decisions, and water reliability as key issues
Karlsberg said Oro Valley does not face an immediate financial crisis, but he believes the town must plan now for longer-term challenges. He pointed to the expiration of one-time federal and state funding, the need to balance revenue generation with responsible spending, and concerns about relying too heavily on internal fund transfers. He also cited growth and annexation decisions, economic development, permitting efficiency, and long-term water reliability as issues that require deliberate, forward-looking policy choices rather than short-term fixes.

Committed to supporting public safety

In discussing public safety, Karlsberg said that maintaining strong police and emergency services is a core responsibility of the town: "We are very fortunate to have an incredible, committed police force." While he supports reviewing overall spending for efficiency, he does not view public safety as an area for reduction. He described reliable public safety services as foundational to resident confidence, property values, and economic vitality.

Describes himself as independent and focused on timely decisions
Karlsberg described himself as independent and not aligned with any current political faction. He said he sees value in listening to former and current leaders, weighing different perspectives, and avoiding a status quo approach. His stated goal is to make timely decisions that reflect resident priorities while keeping the town financially sound.

If you want to learn more about Dan follow his campaign on facebook: Dan Karlsberg for Oro Valley. If you wish, you can sign his petition here.

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What you can do next...
We are providing these profiles so that, if you are approached for a signature, you will have some context about the person seeking your support. You are also free sign a petition for a candidate here. All those signing either in person or on line must be a registered voter and a resident of Oro Valley.

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Meet Council Candidate Hopeful Rhonda Pina

This week, we are presenting information about the individuals who plan to seek one of the three open Town Council seats in the upcoming primary election. Each candidate is currently gathering the more than 500 signatures by mid March.  Today, we feature Rhonda Pena.

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Council hopeful Rhonda Pina emphasizes “Premium Core Services,” Fiscal Responsibility, and Strategic Economic Development
Rhonda Pina is one of five candidates seeking a seat on the Oro Valley Town Council in 2026. We asks her to provide us more information on her, her candidacy and what she wants to accomplish on council. We are sharing that with you.

Former councilmember with extensive public, private, and civic leadership experience
Pina is a second-generation Tucsonan who has lived in Oro Valley for nearly 15 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, a Certificate in Human Resources Management, and an Arizona Department of Education Substitute Certificate (PreK–12).

In the professional arena, Pina currently serves as Deputy Director for Workforce Development in Pima County’s Community and Workforce Development Department, which includes oversight of the Kino Veterans Workforce Center. Prior to that, she spent 29 years in the financial services industry as a Vice President in commercial and retail banking at Wells Fargo Bank and Bank of America.

Her previous service on the Oro Valley Town Council and her current role on the Board of Directors for the Tucson Airport Authority add to a broad record of civic involvement. Additional leadership and commissioner roles have included the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance), the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Oro Valley Rotary, the Amphi Foundation, the Pima County Employee Merit System Commission and Law Enforcement Council, the Pima County Small Business Commission (where she served as vice chair), the Pima Animal Care Center Advisory Committee, and Commerce Bank of Arizona (Southwest Heritage Bank).

Returning to council “…with a purpose”
Pina describes her candidacy as a return to council “with a purpose,” focused on delivering what she calls “premium core services.” Those services include public safety, water resources, road maintenance, park amenities, and support for the business community. In her view, each core service reinforces the others, and maintaining them at a high level is essential to the town’s long-term stability and attractiveness.

Governance approach centered on preparation and due diligence
Pina’s approach to town governance emphasizes preparation, prudent due diligence, respectful communication, and independent thought. Decisions, she indicates, should reflect both short- and long-term impacts and be guided by the best interests of residents and businesses.

Her background in fiscal management, employer engagement, and workforce development — combined with decades in private-sector banking — informs her focus on responsible financial oversight and strategic planning.

Top priorities: Public safety, fiscal responsibility, and strategic economic development
Pina identifies three primary priorities: strong public safety services, fiscal responsibility, and strategic economic development. Her prior council record, she notes, includes support for policies and ordinances intended to benefit the entire town. She links her combined public- and private-sector experience to effective council leadership.

Pina’s focus is on addressing fiscal challenges while preserving the environment and amenities that make Oro Valley a desirable place to live and work.

Learn more about Rhonda Pina by visiting her campaign website. You can also follow her on facebook.

What you can do next...

We are providing these profiles so that, if you are approached for a signature, you will have some context about the person seeking your support. You are also free sign a petition for a candidate here. All those signing either in person or on line must be a registered voter and a resident of Oro Valley.

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