Guest View-Tim Tarris: The OVCN Sports Facility Proposal is "A Bridge Too Far"

As voters consider their choices in the council election, it is important to reflect on the fact that the council will likely need to determine whether the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) sports facility expansion proposal within Oro Valley’s oldest and most historic section is right for our town.
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"Mayor Winfield, Vice-Mayor Barrett, Council members and staff. My name is Tim Tarris and I am a resident of Oro Valley. I use an analogy tonight to compare history with OVCN’s effort to aggressively expand within our community.

The phrase “A Bridge Too Far” originates from a military context. It was famously used as the title of a book, and later a movie, both depicting a historical event from World War 2 called Operation Market Garden.

This operation was an ambitious plan by the Allied forces to capture several bridges in the Netherlands. However, the plan failed when they could not capture the last bridge at Arnhem, which was a “bridge too far”. This historical context sets the foundation for its current metaphorical use.

In modern English, a “Bridge Too Far” is used metaphorically to describe an overambitious plan or an attempt that is doomed to failure because it is too much of a stretch. It is often used to caution against overreaching or to describe a situation where someone has gone beyond their abilities or resources.

There are several other expressions in English that convey a similar meaning. Phrases like “biting off more than you can chew” or “overextending oneself” also refer to taking on tasks or responsibilities that are too difficult or ambitious.

I submit to you, that the OVCN proposal for expansion in this location in Oro Valley is a 'Bridge Too Far'. "

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