Suffice to say that when a piece of land is in play in Oro Valley there is no shortage of opportunism. Despite a community commitment of more than $1.8 million, there were multiple delays and many disappointing tactics to navigate and endure, some caused by people who should know better and garner a higher moral compass in their capacity to serve.
Regardless of the obstacles, the leadership held. Mike Ford secured two of the three appraisals it took to work with the unreasonable property owner while respecting his fiduciary responsibility to the over 600 community donors who deserved a fair price in the purchase of the land.
Mayor Winfield and Vice Mayor Barrett authored a total of three unanimously supported council motions to keep the deal moving forward and provide the necessary Town backing. In doing so, they balanced their support for those of us who live in one of the 17 neighborhoods directly affected by the Vistoso property with their duty to do what is in the best interest of all citizens of Oro Valley. The ability to make the correct decision when honoring more than one obligation is a hallmark of effective leadership and the Vistoso deal proves this truth.
On July 8th you can take a walk in Oro Valley’s new nature preserve.
On August 2nd you can vote for the true proven leadership that made it happen and reelect Mayor Joe Winfield and Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett to the Oro Valley Town Council.
Rosa Dailey
Oro Valley Resident
- - -
Publisher Note: Rosa Dailey is a 15 year resident of Rancho Vistoso. She worked tirelessly for years to make the Vistoso Preserve a reality.
