Lockstep

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"Look at how often a council member will form alliances and refuse to even consider the viewpoints of their so-called opposition. Look at how often a council member will dismiss the complaint of a regular citizen purely based on who that citizen supports come election time." This is a quote from the editor of the Explorer.

Lockstep voting is the norm on the Oro Valley Town Council. It has been that way since the 2010 election of Mayor Hiremath and Council Members Snider, Waters and Hornat.  Rarely, do these four ever not vote as a block.  Rarely, do they ever disagree.  Even at a recent council meeting on the budget when Council Member Hornat stated that a $30,000 survey of employee compensation could result in negative consequences, he still noted that he would support it.

Contrast the behavior the these four with the behavior of Council Member Burns, Garner and Zinkin.  Yes. They agree on many things.  They do not, however, agree on all things.  At a recent council meeting, Council Member Burns voted to approve an item, while Council Member Zinkin abstained and Council Member Garner voted nay.

These three do not operate in lockstep.  They are not operate like the other four.  They do their homework. They learn from others.  They are prepared for every council meeting, having read every single item on which they vote.  We will not always agree with their vote but one we have the confidence that the vote is based on their individual decision, and not on some "lockstep" vote.

We would like to see the shackles undone.  We know, for example, that Council Member Hornat shares many fiscally conservative views with Council Member Zinkin.  We know that Council Member Waters shares cultural development views with Council Member Burns.

Perhaps, as the current council moves into its second year together, it is time for each to abandon their "alliances" and, instead, ally themselves for the good of the residents of Oro Valley.
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