Bits and Pieces

Majority-4 designated as friends to big government
According to a group Americans For Properity Arizona, Oro Valley "Mayor Satish Hiremath and Councilmembers Joe Hornat, Mary Snider, and Lou Waters earned the designation of 'Friend of Big Government' for what we believe was an excessive budget increase." The Majority-4 were also dinged for increasing the sales tax. The ratings did not include their doubling of the utility tax.

On the other hand "By casting dissenting votes on the large budget, Councilmembers Brendan Burns, William Garner, and Mike Zinkin earned the designation of 'Friend of the Taxpayer.' The Oro Valley Town Council voted to increase the town's budget by 14% last year."

Wait till AFP-Arizona see the large budget increase for 2015-16. View the scorecard.

Celebrate Arbor Day in Oro Valley
 "Join Oro Valley Parks and Recreation for an Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25, 8-10 a.m. at Naranja Park, 660 W. Naranja Drive. This free, family-friendly event includes demonstrations on the planting and care of trees, shrubs and cactus, information on planting for wildlife, and recommendations for native plant and tree selections for our region." (Source: Oro Valley Press Release)

Tucson ranked best city in Arizona to start a business
Some good news.  Tucson is ranked by WalletHub as the best city in Arizona to start a business.I achieved this ranking based on a excellent score in the ability to get resources. On the other hand, it lost in the rankings because it is rated as having one of the worst business climates in the nation. Nationally, Shreveport LA. is ranked as the best place to start a business. Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler and Glendale were ranks is the worst cities in the country to get business financing.(Source)

Tomorrow, celebrate the town's purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club

Join the Town of Oro Valley as we hold a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, May 2 for the new Community & Recreation Center and related amenities!

The celebration includes:

• Kick-off of Hack Golf Ribbon cuttings with the Mayor 
• 26 prize drawings for free golf and community center passes 
• Free tennis instruction - No equipment needed! 
• Free pool access, noon - 3 p.m. 
• Facility tours 
• Free use of the driving range and practice balls - No equipment needed! 
• BBQ meals for adults ($6-8) and children ($4) available for purchase. 

 Although the main celebration will be noon to 3 p.m. at the Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Drive, the day's festivities will begin with a Hack Golf Kickoff and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. with Mayor Hiremath at El Conquistador Golf & Tennis at Pusch Ridge, 10000 N. Oracle Road." (Oro Valley Press Release)

OVPD Apprehends Armed Robbery Suspect

On April 29, 2015 at 9:40 a.m., the Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) responded to an armed robbery at a residence in the area of Corbett and Lambert Way. It was reported that a male suspect pulled a gun on the victim, the victim was punched in the face and personal items were stolen.

OVPD patrol responded to the area and began searching for the suspect. OVPD motor units located a vehicle and suspect matching the description. Through investigations, probable cause was developed to arrest Daniel Gomez Adriel, a 26-year old Hispanic male. He will be charged with one count of armed robbery (F2), one count of aggravated assault (F3), one count of possession of narcotics (F4) & one count of fraud schemes (F6).(Source: Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)