Guest View-Bill Garner: Danny Sharp Is Oro Valley’s “One Trick Pony” (Part 2)

Danny Sharp rewrites Oro Valley history to support his story
In a recent Explorer article dated June 22, 2022, entitled “Former OV Police Chief Seeking Mayor’s Office,” Sharp is quoted as saying: 

“I wish that the council would make [public safety] the priority that it always has been. I mean, this town was founded on the premise of strong public safety. They are not attending to that strong public safety piece that the Founding Fathers of Oro Valley thought was important.”

Sharp has rewritten history. 

The reason Oro Valley was incorporated in 1974 was to avoid a property tax as the City of Tucson continued to look towards annexations to the North. 

There is no mention of public safety or police and fire in the original town documents when the Town incorporated in 1974. Therefore, while it may serve Sharp’s story to allege Oro Valley was founded on issues of safety, it is just patently false. 

(Oro Valley’s Founding Fathers could not afford their own police and fire department. They contracted these services through Rural Metro. That company provided private police and fire coverage until 1975.  That is when private police departments were banned by the State.)

Danny Sharp wants you to think that Oro Valley is unsafe so that he can ride in to save the day!

In that same article, Sharp is quoted multiple times claiming that the Oro Valley Police Department is understaffed, which he alleges is affecting the number of officers who are in the high schools and on traffic patrol: 

“Frankly the police department just does not have the staff, the personnel to be able to do these things.”

Sharp’s game plan is to tell you that Oro Valley is not a safe place since he retired a little over two years ago. 

Take a close look at all the interviews and statements made by Sharp to date and you will find a very common theme: Pictures of him in his Oro Valley police uniform, displaying the embroidered Oro Valley police logo—which he knows is a violation of Town code—while making statements about understaffed officers, increased speeding, red-light running, crashes, and graffiti.

Danny Sharp wants you to think that we are doomed without him in power 
"It concerns me that I drive up and down Oracle Road, Tangerine Road, La Cholla and I don’t see any police cars”.

This very subjective statement is meant to suggest that the policing numbers and leadership is so lacking that your safety is in jeopardy.  At various times during the June 28 Greater Oro Valley Candidate Forum, Sharp made statements about how bad public safety is in Oro Valley, However, he did not back up his observations with data. This is because there is no data to support his ramblings.

Sharp described crimes that he felt have increased, like a theft of a catalytic converter from cars or items stolen from cars. He is equating these incidences with a community that is unsafe, in spite of the fact that recent FBI statistics on crime have deemed Oro Valley one of the safest communities in Arizona.  

Danny Sharp will meddle in Oro Valley Police Department Operations
But the most disturbing comment from this forum came at the end when he made the following comment:

“We will see safety in this community if I am elected Mayor in four years because I am going to attend to that.” 

This is yet another interesting comment considering that during my tenure on Town Council, I got nothing but pushback—and later payback—from this very individual because I dared to question even one thing about the police department.  Now, as Mayor, he will use his position on council to “influence” the direction of the police department. 

Do we really want Danny Sharp to meddle with Chief Kara Riley’s leadership, a chief who won public acclaim for her sound managerial expertise two years in a row? 

Danny Sharp is Oro Valley’s “one trick pony”

All he knows is his style of policing and he wants to intimidate and instill a sense of fear that without him in power Oro Valley is doomed. He suggests that our current Mayor and our very able current Police Chief are incompetent. What he is really doing is projecting his own incompetence on two very capable, successful public servants.

I watched Sharp in action during my eight years on the Oro Valley Town Council.

I can emphatically state that we are better off without him. 

If you—like me—are happy with the current direction of our town and the police department, ignore  Sharp’s overblown rhetoric. 

We really do not need this “one trick pony” to perform any more stunts for the residents of Oro Valley

Bill Garner

Oro Valley Town Council Member, 2008-2016

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Guest View-Bill Garner: Danny Sharp Is Oro Valley’s “One Trick Pony” (Part 1)

Danny Sharp lies about his opponent

The Oro Valley citizens have been inundated by multiple postcards and ads paid for by the campaign of “Danny Sharp for Mayor,” telling you that we need a new mayor. 

Look closely at these political hit pieces and examine how easily Sharp is able to throw out lies without any regard for his opponent. Sharp may extoll his integrity, but this behavior is his character. 

His negative campaigning is no surprise coming from our former Police Chief Danny Sharp because I oversaw his smoke and mirrors management tactics from 2008 -2016 as an elected member of the Oro Valley Town Council. It was during that time, especially when I attempted to do my job as an elected official and provide oversight to then Chief Sharp, that I discovered the depth of his ineptitude and extent of his fondness for abuse of power.

Danny Sharp is financially inept

There is perhaps no better example of Mr. Sharp’s combination of incompetence and arrogance than his inability to make sound decisions during difficult times. During the fiscal 2009/2010 budget cycle, he was so ill equipped to cut costs during a budget crisis that he had to reach out to an Oro Valley resident for help with the police budget. That resident was John Musolf, a retired budget and finance guy with over 40 years of experience. 

You see, then Chief Sharp had gotten himself into some financial trouble. When asked, like every other department head, to come up with cuts to his budget, he would only offer the elimination of six Community Action Team police officers. He believed that doing this would be so objectionable that it would exempt him from the work of the budget cutting exercise. 

When the Town Council pushed back on his idea, then Chief Sharp found himself at a loss. Thankfully, John Musolf agreed to meet with Chief Sharp, the Deputy Chief, and his Administrative Services Manager to come up with an alternative budget. After  assistance, the total savings in the police budget exceeded $1.3M with no cuts to police staffing. 

In a vote that had the full support of the police, staff, and citizens, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the 2009/2010 police budget. Sharp came along for the ride, but by no means was he the architect of the solution.

When Danny Sharp was “acting town manager” he had to hire an Assistant Town Manager to do his job for him

Sharp speaks to his service as acting town manager as his qualification to be mayor. He served as acting town manager from June 2016 to September 2017, exactly one year and three months on the job. The Town operates on a July fiscal cycle, which means during his tenure Sharp only contributed to one Town budget (2017/2018 fiscal year). He made that contribution by hiring Town Finance Director Stacey Lemos to be his Assistant Town Manager. 

Sharp added that assistant town manager position to an existing budget where no such position was funded, something for which the Hiremath council should have admonished him but didn’t. This position had been removed by the former Town Manager Greg Caton as unnecessary. But Sharp reversed that decision because for him it was very necessary. 

As I have stated, Sharp needed Lemos because he has no financial background. He was no model of monetary efficiency as Police Chief. One could conclude that if Sharp needed to hire someone to do his job as Town Manager, he will need to seriously augment the office of mayor to provide even the appearance that he has any competence at all. What will that cost the taxpayers?

When it comes to spending, Danny Sharp loves his “pet projects”

This brings me to Danny Sharp’s claims that the current mayor and council are mismanaging your funds and are on a reckless spending spree to include pet projects. Sharp was the “King Of Pet Projects” when he served as Police Chief.

During the time the Hiremath council enjoyed a majority (2011 to 2018), Sharp’s overall police budget increased every single year. During this time, the number of police officers never increased. The staffing level of 133 police department positions remained the same. His spending increased but the number of officers serving the community didn’t. 

Where did the money go? 

Pet projects of the police variety.

Did you know we had a bicycle patrol during Sharp’s tenure as police chief? Under his watch in 2008, the program was restarted with the cost for bicycles and equipment at $19,000. The only overt sign that Oro Valley had a bicycle patrol were the bike racks mounted on the back of patrol cars. One might ask how this expenditure added to public safety. Or perhaps this program was just another item to tick off the list when he spoke of his innovative policing model on the lecture circuit? We should all wonder how much the Town recovered from their initial expenditure when the program was again abandoned.

This is but one example of Sharp’s lack of respect for taxpayer money. 

You see, Sharp isn’t so bothered by pet projects if they are beneficial to the mystique he weaves about his unsurpassed skills in devising perfection in the policing model. 

But wait. There’s even more…
The Daniel G. Sharp Police Department Substation and Evidence Facility is located at 500 W. Magee Road. It is another example of fiscal mismanagement under Mr. Sharp’s watch. 

During the 14 months of project construction, you, the taxpayer, were saddled with over $2 million in unnecessary cost overruns. The 22,000 square-foot facility had a final buildout cost of about $6.1 million. The original building and property was purchased by the town through foreclosure for $315,000.. Sharp spent 20 times the building purchase price for this substation!

Now, let’s look at the lack of regionalization of special units during the early days of Danny Sharp’s tenure as Police Chief. Beginning in 1991, the Town of Oro Valley Police Department had its own SWAT team. You read that right—and we even had an armored personnel vehicle, not to mention the training and equipment costs that go into a dedicated unit. The Oro Valley taxpayers funded SWAT for 14 years, until SWAT was regionalized with Pima County in 2005, because regionalization of this type of effort makes good fiscal sense. 

One might reasonably ask: Why did it take Danny Sharp five years as Police Chief to pursue regionalization of the SWAT team if, as he alleges, he is so superior to the current mayor, council, and police chief in fiscal management of police resources?  He was building his empire at the expense of taxpayers. 

Danny Sharp’s only negotiating skill is “retaliation”

During my tenure on the Town Council, as a councilmember with a background in public safety, I attempted to provide input and oversight into Mr. Sharp’s financial excesses. It was my job to do so as your council representative. Sharp retaliated against me for doing my job. When I ran again for council in 2020,  he called me anti-cop, authoring a smear narrative on a glossy mailer accusing me of being against your safety. Hence, the hateful mailers, ads, and lies he is propagating in this election cycle are no surprise to me. [Note: Read LOVE’s report on this of July 9, 2020)

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Read “Part 2” of Bill Garner’s Guest View tomorrow in LOVE.

The 2020 Election: A Tale Of Two Towns

The Oro Valley 2020 council election is official. Tim Bohen and Mo Greene are the new members of council. Steve Solomon is returning for his second full term. It is his third time on council. He was appointed to council in 2011.

The election result is an amalgamation of the total vote count
A peek behind the numbers reveals a town divided.

Greater Oro Valley 
Greater Oro Valley includes the entire town except for three precincts that are located around the community center. Greater Oro Valley has nine precincts that have 24,600 registered voters. Greater Oro Valley includes Sun City, the original incorporated section of Oro Valley, the Oracle Road Corridor, and most of the town west if La Cholla.  Greater Oro Valley is highlighted in yellow in the panel that follows.

Greater Oro Valley elected Bohen, Garner and Solomon. Solomon was a far last choice, barely gaining more votes than Rodman and Greene.

The Town of Oro Valley Municipal Golf
The other part of the town is comprised of those who live around the Oro Valley Golf and Community Center. There are 8,200 registered voters in these three precincts. They voted in overwhelming numbers for Greene, Bill Rodman and Steve Solomon. Bill Garner and Tom Bohen received few votes from these people.

Town of Oro Valley Golf supported special interest money
You would think that the municipal golf folks would have thought more broadly about who should be on council. You would think that they would consider the documented fact that the three they elected are heavily financially supported by the developer community.

These are the same developers who supported Hiremath and his majority for 8 years.

These are the same developers that the people tossed out in 2018

The rest of Oro Valley rejected this money in 2020.

But not the municipal golfers.

Apparently they want over development, more cluster homes, and more homes built in Big Wash so they can keep their "special status"
The municipal golfers got their way in 2019, by overwhelming every town council meeting. They intimidated a council that jumped through hoops to accommodate 36 holes of a golf when the obvious correct answer was 18 holes.

Not satisfied with that win, the municipal golfers tried, with Solomon's help, and failed, also with his help, to recall Mayor Winfield and Vice Mayor Barrett.

Now they went out their way to try to "pack council" with people who will pay for their lifestyle.

Perhaps we need a non binding referendum on the part of the community to settle, once and for all, what all of Oro Valley wants when it comes to municipal golf. None? 18 holes? 36 holes? We need to opine.

Five Things To Keep In Mind When You Vote Tomorrow

Our fact check sets the record straight

Three things happened since we posted our "Election Primer" on July 14.  First, things got nasty in the form of expensive post cards containing outrageous accusations that were mailed by Greene, Rodman and Solomon. Second, because things got nasty, Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and Council Member Jones-Ivey endorsed Bohen and Garner. Third, last week we finally got the truth on developer campaign financing of Greene, Rodman and Solomon.

So, as you vote, do think about these things and more...

All candidates support public safety

There are two issues that are always lightning rods in Oro Valley elections. One is support of public safety. 

In every election since 2010, one set of candidates accusing the other set of "not supporting public safety." This year  Candidates Greene, Rodman and Solomon did just that is an expensive (60 cents per) glossy 6x11 post card. 

We've fact checked the accusation. All candidates support public safety. In fact, Candidate Garner did the hard work in 2008 of saving police positions.

First responder and school support has nothing to do with the Oro Valley Town Council

That same flyer accused "the other guys" of not supporting first responders or education. Where did that come from? First responders are not part of Oro Valley operations. They are a separate taxing district. Schools are not part of Oro Valley operations. They are also a separate taxing district. These things have nothing to do with the Oro Valley Town Council.

No candidate is encouraging policies that will likely lead to a property tax

The other lightning rod is an Oro Valley property tax.  An Oro Valley property tax is antithetical to the founding of Oro Valley. Oro Valley was founded on the basis that it would not have a property tax. Not having an Oro Valley property tax is in our DNA.  It is simply in not an issue.  The council can not mandate a property tax. Only the voters can do so.

According to candidate Bill Garner, speaking on a Jim Horn Oro Valley Podcast: "We should never be at that point [of needing a property tax] providing that you elect candidates that are stewards of your money. I have always been a fiscal steward of taxpayer money."

The campaigns of Greene, Rodman and Solomon are financed by the special interest developer community

Last week, we confirmed our earlier observations based on the Rodman and Solomon campaign funding of their 2016 campaign. As they did then, developer money has flooded Oro Valley politics.  All the usual characters are back - HSL, Realtors of Southern Arizona, Town West Real Estate, The Kai Family, Beztak (Sam Beznos) and Heritage Homes- to the the tune of $35,000. Solomon and Rodman alone received 75% of their campaign funds from them.  See our posting last week to learn more.

Garner and Bohen are endorsed by Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett, and Council Member Jones-Ivey

Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and Council Member Jones-Ivey were silent at first regarding which candidates they would prefer to be on council. That changed once the expensive post cards containing outrageous accusations were mailed to homes. They have endorsed Garner and Bohen for council. That is an endorsement of the people with whom they will work for at least the next two years. See our posting of July 15 on the endorsement of Winfield and Barrett.  See our posting of July 22 with quotes from Barrett and Jones-Ivey.

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Guest View: Diane Peters ~ Rodman-Solomon-Greene campaign postcard is a pack of lies

Town Council candidates Rodman, Solomon, and Greene recently sent out a campaign postcard where they falsely attack “The Other Guys” (Tim Bohen and Bill Garner). They also posted a picture of the postcard on their Facebook pages.

They should have called it “The Other Lies” because everything they said about Bill Garner and Tim Bohen is a lie.

Below are some examples.


• Don’t support law enforcement, first responders, or education
Bill Garner spent 20 years in emergency services including as a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, an assistant squad chief, and an Emergency Management Director. Garner also has a Master’s degree in Public Safety. Does that sound like the resume’ of someone who doesn’t support law enforcement or first responders?

Additionally, when Garner was on council in 2009, it was he and former councilmember Salette Latas who collaborated on a proposal to save 6 police officer positions that were going to be cut from the 2009-2010 police budget. You can read about it HERE.

From Bill Garner’s Facebook page:

I support our police department, as well as the public safety and emergency responders that assist our community in time of need when the call goes out. I have the knowledge and education to know what it takes to serve in this line of work and the value brought by these men and women.

Regarding education, this is a school board issue, not a town council issue. Secondly, Garner has two school-aged children. It’s nonsensical to claim that he doesn’t support education.

• Encourage policies that will likely lead to a property tax
The property tax lie is a scare tactic that they pull every election. Garner was on council from 2008-2016 and never once discussed a desire for a property tax. He has publicly stated that he is opposed to one. The fact is that the Town Council could not institute a property tax even if they wanted to. It has to be placed on the ballot for the citizens to decide. If elected, Bill Garner and Tim Bohen would not even have the power to institute a property tax.

However, Steve Solomon did vote to increase your utility tax from 2% to 4%.

• Have no history of support for neighborhood preservation
When Garner was on council (2008-2016) he (along with Councilmembers Zinkin and Burns) worked with me and my citizens’ group for 9 months during 2014-2015 to “preserve our neighborhood.” Those three council members guided my citizens’ group throughout the process of fighting a Major General Plan Amendment that, if approved, would have completely changed the character of our neighborhood by turning 200 acres of pristine desert into a “Master Planned Community."

Multiple meetings and negotiations took place between my citizens’ group and the applicant. Whenever there was an impasse, Councilmembers Garner, Zinkin, or Burns would negotiate with the applicant on our behalf.

Through 9 months of negotiations, we succeeded in removing apartments, a senior care facility, and almost 300 homes from the plan. We also obtained larger buffer zones between the new development and the existing neighborhoods. The night of the council vote, I publicly thanked Burns-Garner-Zinkin for all of their help. It’s in the PUBLIC RECORD.

Were they too lazy to fact-check or are their lies deliberate?
Either Rodman-Solomon-Greene’s fact checking skills are lacking or they are deliberately lying in order to get votes from uninformed people. Which one is it? Either way, it doesn't speak well of them.  Are these the kind of people that you want on your Town Council?

Mo Greene hides the truth
I posted the above information on Mo Greene’s Facebook page.  Rather than admit to his error and apologize for it, he deleted my comment and blocked me from further posting. I assumed he would do that in order to hide the truth, which is why I took a screenshot immediately after posting it. You can view it below. 

If you want honesty and transparency in Oro Valley government, I suggest that you join me in voting for Bill Garner and Tim Bohen.

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Diane Peters has lived in Oro Valley since 2003, moving here to escape the humidity of the East Coast. She’s been involved in OV politics and development issues since 2006. In 2014, she organized a citizens group that successfully negotiated a controversial 200-acre development project. In her past life, she worked in medical research at various University Hospitals in New England. Her interests include reading, writing, nature photography, travel, art galleries, museums, and politics.

Winfield and Barrett To Vote '2 and Only 2': Garner and Bohen

Statement of Mayor Joe Winfield
Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield issued a statement that was published in the Explorer today.  Winfield is voting for '2 and only 2' in this election. The two are Bill Garner and Tim Bohen.

The following is the text of his statement:

"I had not intended to endorse candidates in the Council's primary election. However, I cannot reman silent while the two best candidates are maligned in costly attacks and mailers.

I will vote for Tim Bohen and Bill Garner in the Town Council primary election. I believe these gentlemen will always place residents first through fiscal responsibility, supporting public safety and defending the General Plan.

Please join me in voting for Bill Garner and Tim Bohen!"

Statement of Vice Mayor Barrett
In an email sent to the Explorer, Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett issued the following statement in support of Garner and Bohen.

"The non-partisan Town election is often decided in the Primary. This year the primary is on August 4th. I plan to vote for two individuals in the Primary election: Tim Bohen and Bill Garner."

Her message continues: "Both Bill Garner and Tim Bohen have committed not to accept large donations from special interests and developers, and will be focused on meeting the needs of our residents. They will seek citizen input, keep Oro Valley safe and financially secure, and honor our voter approved General Plan.

I would like to invite my fellow residents to join me in voting for Bill Garner and Tim Bohen on August 4th."
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The LOVE "Six Step" 2020 Election Primer

A "Six Step" Plan
You have your ballot. The future of Oro Valley is in your hands. How will you vote? If you are undecided, here's six steps to follow.

Step 1: Watch the two forum videos
There are two forum videos. Oro Valley resident Jim Horn hosted a candidate forum on June 29. Horn's forum is a "Meet and Greet" forum. Each candidate discussed their candidacy. There was no debate or cross discussion. You can watch that forum here.

The Sun City Oro Valley Government Affairs Committee hosted a forum on July 1. That forum included questions to which each candidate responded. The forum is worth watching.

Step 2: Read candidate question responses and check online sources
The Explorer sent questions to each candidate. The Explorer published their "Candidate Surveys" in their June 24th edition.

Visit online sources like Take Back Oro Valley and Oro Valley Thrives. Learn from social media. Search each candidate's name on Facebook and Nextdoor.

Step 3: Look at past behavior
"Past behavior predicts future behavior."

There is ample information in LOVE regarding the behavior and the actions of Council Members Rodman and Solomon. There is also information on the behavior and actions of former Council Member Bill Garner. Tim Bohen has posted on the pages of LOVE.

Harry Greene has never been active in Oro Valley. He is playing catchup. He play's mini-reporter in some videos on his facebook page, doing interviews to try to get up to speed on Oro Valley.  He's like a cub reporter. We published about him on LOVE so do read that.

Please do take a look at our article last Thursday regarding the "hit piece" put out by Greene, Rodman and Solomon. The mailer brings the bar of civility way down. We wonder what they would do if they were elected to council.

Step 4: Understand endorsements or "implied" endorsements
Greene, Solomon and Rodman have attached placards or stickers on their signs regarding endorsements. "Endorsed by police and fire" means that the police and fire unions have endorsed them; not the police department or the fire district. These two unions, together with the Realtors of Southern Arizona always support pro-growth candidates. They don't interview other candidates.

You will also want to be careful to not assume what appear to be endorsements on campaign signs. Solomon, for example, has a campaign sign on La Canada, north of Moore that has a “Preserve Vistoso” placard attached to it, inferring that he is supported by the organization "preservevistoso.org". Preservevistoso.org has not endorsed him. They are not allowed to endorse any candidate because of their 501c3 status.

A new endorsement this year is the golf community surrounding the Oro Valley municipal courses. This is the Canada Hills Community Association ("CHCA"). They also support the pro developer candidates. They believe that Greene "...will best represent the Canada Hills Community Association".  Which we believe is code for "protect golf at any cost." As a council member, however,  Greene is supposed to represent the best interests of the entire community and not just the place he lives.

Candidates Garner and Bohen have not sought the endorsement of any group. They have earned the endorsement of people who actually do the "heavy lifting" of Oro Valley Government. Read about that tomorrow.

Step 5: Look at their contributors
Contributors are the best indication of the leanings of a political candidate. Contributors make donations to candidates who support their views. As we wrote last week, "big" money buys access. This week, the candidates will file reports telling us who has contributed to their campaign as of June 30. There will be another report they will file before the primary that will add to that list.

• For Rodman and Solomon, LOVE looked at their 2016 campaign funding. Almost all of their money came from developers, HSL being the primary one. It's hard to imagine that they have no developer money in their 2020 campaign. We shall see.
• Greene is a first time candidate.  He stated at the Sun City forum that he has no control over who donates to his campaign. "Anyone can click the 'donate' button." What Greene did not say is that he is free to reject a donation from someone with whom he does not want has campaign associated.
• Bill Garner and Tim Bohen have told us that they have taken contributions only from local residents in small amounts.

Step 6: Vote only for candidate(s) you want to be on council
Yesterday, we wrote that you are not required to vote for anyone you don't want on council.  Casting a second or third vote for someone you really don't want on council reduces the chance that your chosen candidate(s) will win. These non votes are called undervotes. Undervotes have spelled the difference in past Oro Valley elections.

Do be judicious in your voting. No need to rush. The future of Oro Valley is in your hands.
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The county sent the ballots on July 8.  You can call (520) 724-4330) if you did not receive yours.

Councilmember Steve Solomon is disruptive during the Sun City Town Hall

During the June 30, 2020 Sun City Town Hall with all 5 town council candidates present, in typical Steve Solomon fashion, he was disrespectful to the moderator and the other candidates, disruptive of the process, and refused to follow the rules.

The moderator set the rules at the beginning of the town hall:
“I will ask each candidate a unique question and that candidate will have a minute and a half to answer. After that answer, in alphabetical order by last name, the other candidates will be provided up to 45 seconds for a quick response if they so desire.”

Therefore, whenever Bohen or Garner finished their answer, the order for giving a 45 second response would be: Greene – Rodman – Solomon.

But, as usual, Solomon refused to be respectful and follow the rules. In the attached video (just over one minute in length) you will witness the following:

Solomon interrupts Bohen
Tim Bohen discusses the fact that the people who made the largest donations to incumbents Rodman and Solomon’s 2016 town council campaigns were non-residents. (LOVE previously reported that these non-residents were developers, builders, and real estate PACs).

Solomon immediately interrupts. “There you go talking about 2016. If you want to accuse me of something, I suggest you (inaudible). Are we going to allow people to accuse other candidates…"

Throughout this interruption, the moderator can be heard repeatedly saying, “Mr. Solomon…Mr. Solomon…please.” But Solomon ignores him and continues talking over him. (This is the same behavior that Solomon exhibits during town council meetings.)

Solomon interrupts Garner
The moderator then calls on Bill Garner who says, “It’s pretty rich when he [Solomon] talks about his campaign finances because not one dime came from an Oro Valley resident in 2016…"

Solomon interrupts again. “That’s false, that is a lie, he cannot make a false statement a fact.” Garner attempted to finish his turn speaking but Solomon continued interrupting. “Do you live in Marana or do you live in Oro Valley? How about you address that question because you applied for the council in Marana.”

Garner: “Please cut Mr. Solomon off Mr. Moderator.” (Garner is polite and says “please.” He is asking, not demanding.)

Solomon barks orders to the moderator
Solomon: “No, cut Mr. Garner off if he’s going to lie.” (Solomon is abrupt and demanding. He is ordering, not asking.)

Moderator: “Please follow the outline.”

Solomon: “Well, how about we do this? How about we make a pledge not to make false accusations against the candidates because that’s an outright lie.”

(Now Solomon is telling the moderator how to run the meeting. He’s trying to take over the meeting just like he tries to take over Town Council meetings).

Moderator: “Mr. Solomon, you are free in your closing statement to say whatever you would like.”

Solomon’s Diversion Tactics
Solomon tried to make an issue out of a non-issue (Bill Garner’s place of residence) in order to create a diversion and take the focus off of his special-interest campaign contributors. So to clarify, Bill Garner and his family lived in Oro Valley from 2004-2017, then briefly lived in Marana for a little over a year, returning to Oro Valley in February 2019. So yes, Bill Garner is eligible to hold office in Oro Valley.

In 2018, after the sudden passing of Marana Councilmember Carol McGorray whom Garner had known personally for many years, he applied to fill the vacancy when there was a call for applicants to fill the remainder of her term. Garner never ran for the Marana Town Council and had no plans to do so.

Greene, Rodman, Solomon Launch Disgusting Attack on Garner

Candidates Greene, Solomon, and Rodman introduce a new low to Oro Valley elections
Today's mail included an 8.5 x 11 inch glossy mailer that was paid for by the campaigns of council candidates Harry Greene, Steve Solomon, and Bill Rodman. It features Ret. Oro Valley Police Chief  Daniel Sharp.

Sharp says Garner is a threat to public safety
Sharp asserts that "Bill Garner's candidacy... is a threat to a very successful approach" to Oro Valley public safety...when on council he practiced 'wedge politics', creating conflict.."

Sharp states that Garner has "...continued to work behind the scenes to undermine the Department."  He concludes that "A vote for Bill Garner is a vote against public safety."

Saying something does not make it so
Sharp makes these outrageous assertions without providing one example.

In addition, Sharp fails to mention that in 2009 while on council, Garner and Oro Valley resident John Musolf worked with Sharp to save 8 police officer positions in the budget. Garner worked for public safety. Not against it! Their work resulted in a 7-0 police budget approval by council. (source)

Sharp's image on mailer fraudulent
The picture of Sharp in the mailer conveys the impression that Sharp is still in charge of the department and that, therefore, he represents the views of the department. It's a picture that was posted on a website in October, while he was Chief of Police. He is wearing his Chief's uniform. The badge on the uniform includes the town logo.  Sharp's signature on the mailer puts the word "Ret" after OVPD Chief of Police. Most people won't even see that.

The Oro Valley Police Department does not support this attack
We asked Oro Valley Police Chief Kara Riley if the  Department was associated in any way with this document. Riley's reply is quoted in the panel at left. Clearly, any inference that the views of Sharp reflect the views of the Department are false.

Council candidate Bill Garner rebuts Sharp's accusation
"Frankly, I was stunned by the political mailer. My campaign has had nothing but positive messaging and support towards public safety. I did not oppose the community policing model nor was it cut or modified while I served on council. I actually advocated for retaining police officers when the former chief removed them from a recommended budget in 2009.

Oro Valley has turned a new chapter in our police department leadership. I’ve met with Chief Riley and have nothing but respect for the manner in which she is running the department. I look forward to working with her."

The repulsive three
We always thought Council Member Solomon capable of low behavior. After all, he led an attempt to recall Mayor Winfield and Vice Mayor Barrett. He's ranted and raved at council meetings. He told one person at a council meeting that they should leave Oro Valley if they don't like it here.

But we never thought that Rodman or Greene would allow their campaigns to participate in something so repulsive. Nor did we ever imagine that a former police chief would allow himself to be used.

Why would anyone want Harry Greene, Steve Solomon, or Bill Rodman on council? 
They have introduced Oro Valley to the depths of depravity with this behavior.

Imagine what they will do to council.
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The Race Is On: Council Candidates File Petitions

The race is on
At least four Oro Valley candidates for council have filed petitions to run for one of the three open town council seats. Each has established a PAC to fund their activities. We understand that the candidates filed petitions that contained signatures well in excess of the required 468.

The next step for them is to organize their campaign and win the hearts of voters before the August 4 primary election. You will be hearing much more from them in the months ahead.

Today, we want to share with your their reaction to the process of getting on the ballot.

Candidate Tim Bohen
"As a first time candidate, the process of getting on the August primary ballot has been a great learning experience. We have met many Oro Valley residents and they have shared their concerns with us.

The Town Staff we have interfaced with were knowledgeable and capable of clearly explaining what is required.

I want to share with LOVE readers that the process of running for Town Council is daunting but also viable with the support of a motivated campaign team."

Candidate Bill Garner
"For myself the process was fairly easy and very smooth. I was instructed to go into the council chambers room where table and chairs were set-up for me to sit at while reviewing my paperwork. There were two clerks present with Mike Standish handling the documents and Michele Stine taking care of counting and copying.

They counted the ballots on the council dais with table tents indicated with numbers one to ten simulating totals on each petition sheet. Mike placed the sheets in each pile according to numbers on each petition then added them up by starting at table tent number ten and working down to number one.

I knew my count going into the room and told Mike in advance and the count was correct after verification or a total of 676.

I had a couple of questions and they were answered and I was given my copies with time stamps and I was on my way."

Candidate Harry "Mo" Greene
"The Town Clerk Michael Standish and his assistant Michelle Stine made the signature procurement very clear and totally understandable. Michael had prepared briefing books for anyone contemplating running for Town Council. The manuals were clear and concise.

As someone new to the political scene Mr. Standish was a tremendous help.

Using his guidance and the manual we had no missteps. My campaign volunteers fanned out and obtained the near maximum signatures in an amazingly short period of time.

The bonus of the process is being able to talk with the voters and learn about their concerns. It was truly energizing.

I am looking forward to the campaign and the election."

Other candidates: Incumbents Bill Rodman and Steve Solomon
At least one of these incumbents filed their nomination petitions as of this past Friday. We are assuming that the other will file shortly.

The race is on!

Garner Seeks Council Seat

Former council member wants "back in"
Former Oro Valley town council member Bill Garner is seeking  one of the three open council positions in this August's election. Garner served as council member from 2008 to 2016. He and his wife Darlene have two children. They both attend local schools.

Wants to be the voice of the community again...
Garner plans to bring experience and sound decision-making to council. “Having served on council from 2008 to 2016, I have a broad spectrum of understanding to ensure that when decisions are made, they are a reflection of the entire community. I am also not afraid to speak my mind or ask the tough questions that will be needed at the council because I want to be the voice of the community. In the end, I am always thoughtful, transparent and honest in my decision-making processes ”. 

...As he was in the past:  The Oro Valley Aquatic Center
Garner's earlier service on council resulted in massive improvement to the town owned pool, which we now call the Oro Valley Aquatic Center.  The pool, a gift from Pima County when they county gave the town Kreigh Park (then known as Dennis Weaver Park), was a run down, outdated facility. It was not community friendly. It was not kid friendly. It was just a pool.

Garner paid attention to all the details. We recall his insistance that there be family changing rooms and kid friendly stuff. Including the splash pad in the plan was a must for Garner. He also made sure that the aquatic center met all regulations and health compliances.

Today the Aquatic Center is a working example of how council members can work together to build something of value  for all the residents of the community.

Seeking a balance
"I want to insure a balance on council between being environmentally sensitive and economically conservative on town issues. My approach is straight-forward: I look at the facts and make decisions that maintain the high quality community that is Oro Valley."

Sees three immediate opportunities
Garner sees three opportunities facing Oro Valley:

• Former Vistoso Golf Club
  This property continues to be looked at for preservation and the maintaining of the current recreational zoning designation. If elected, I would work with all parties concerned with this property to maintain the wishes of the residents and to continue to adhere to the General Plan guidance. 
• Employment and New Business Growth
  Provide additional opportunities for new business growth in the high tech and bio tech sector, in order to provide high quality employment. Promote signature events that bring out of town visitors and provide for economic opportunities and destination marketing.
• Parks and Recreation Future Directions
  Promote the needs of residents of the town to become active in the current parks and recreation survey the that is available on the town web site. In addition look at funding opportunities and other creative solutions to boost current park assets such as Steam Pump Ranch as well as providing additional amenities based on resident input.

Want to learn more about Bill Garner
You can listen to and learn more about Bill and his views on the challenges facing Oro Valley on Jim Horn's Oro Valley podcast. Jim interviewed Bill last week. Simply click on the picture in the right panel or subscribe wherever you listen to you podcasts.

Want to meet Garner?

468 signatures are required for someone to appear on the August ballot. The signatures have to be those of registered voters who live in Oro Valley. Bill Garner will be at the Oro Valley Public Library seeking signatures every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. He will announce other signing events on the Take Back Oro Valley Facebook page and here on LOVE.

Guest View-Frank Pitts: Observations Of A Commission Member,

On several occasions I observed Councilmembers Brendan Burns, Bill Garner, and Mike Zinkin (the three) go above and beyond to support our little Town. Some of their actions, almost exclusive to them, include questioning budget numbers, the golf courses purchase, and new developments. Councilmember Zinkin arranged additional meetings with neighbors and developers.  All three fully support and uphold the Town’s General Plan. During 2014 and 2015, I served on the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission ("P & Z").  I was the squeaky wheel on the Commission.  I would often vote against staff recommendations when they did not follow Oro Valley’s General Plan.

In March 2014, before my first P & Z meeting, I prepared diligently; walked the proposed rezoning property; read the entire General Plan; and contacted Town Staff with my questions and concerns with the proposed rezoning. I was informed by Town Staff that the Oro Valley General Plan is only a guideline and that Oro Valley ordinances and codes are the only rules to follow.  Yet, at my first P & Z meeting, staff only presented guidelines from the General Plan.  

After encountering several road blocks from Town Staff, P & Z Chairman Cox and Councilmember Hornat, I began to realize this was not an environment to question “authority”.  My 2 years as a Commissioner were filled with 6 – 1 votes with me being the sole “Nay” voter.  I wanted to voice my concerns about the “build til we bust” mentality.  I found only Councilmembers Burns, Garner, and Zinkin were willing to listen.  Through observation and discussion, I learned that these three were the only ones on council who always prepared for meetings by expending the time and effort to do their own research on the issues. They often question items brought before the Council, and vote according to what best suits Oro Valley.

During my time on P&Z, the Neighborhood Meeting Process needed revisions. Oro Valley Resident Bill Adler and I met and worked together to identify what would be a balanced process for the residents and developers. The Council changed part of the Neighborhood Meeting Process for the better, but not all. Councilmembers Burns, Garner, and Zinken fought for more transparency, but being in the minority their recommendations were nullified.

I did not achieve more compliance with the General Plan during my tenure on the P &Z Commission, but my voice was heard by the three councilmembers who care about using the General Plan in decision making. These three are the core reason Oro Valley hasn’t been pushed further with more rooftops and urbanization of our open spaces.  

Councilmembers Zinkin, Burns and Garner are fighting to keep the GOLD in Oro Valley.

Frank Pitts
Oro Valley

Hiremath Accuses Garner Of Lying About El Conquistador Country Club Purchase

On February 26, Mayor Hiremath called Council Member Bill Garner a "liar" several times during an interview with KNST host Garrett Lewis. The interview regarded the town's purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club. You can listen to the mayor's comments here.

The Mayor had requested the interview. Lewis had  interviewed Garner two days earlier.

Mayor Hiremath provided his view on why he feels that it was right of the council to approve the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club. However, rather than simply refuting what Garner had said in a respectful manner, Mayor Hiremath chose to call Garner a liar.

So, we investigated the Mayor's charges:

Garner Asserts: A Rushed Decision To Purchase The El Conquistador Country Club

Mayor Hiremath said the Council Member Bill Garner is "flat out lying. As a matter of fact I know that he is flat out" lying.  Garner had said that the council members had been rushed into the decision to purchase the El Conquistador Country Club.

You can watch the video of the December council meeting in which the decision to purchase the El Conquistador Country Club was made. The minority members of council felt that Mayor Hiremath had exceeded what he was authorized to do and that they were blindsided by the rush to make a decision give the lack of accurate, thorough information.

We can not confirm that their allegations because the minutes of the special council sessions in which this information would have been provided are not available to the public.

We can confirm the following:

• The numbers the town was presented in relation to the purchase were constantly changing. 
• In addition, during the December meeting, Council Member Burns says that it was he who authorized the Mayor to pursue discussions but that the Mayor was never authorized to make a deal to purchase the El Conquistador Country Club.

Garner Asserts Costs of Building a Community Center Are Far Less That Town Guesstimates

Later in the interview, Mayor Hiremath said that Garner lied about the cost of building a community center.

The Mayor said he has never seen "anything detailed that shows what the cost [of building a community center] are going to be."

Council Member Garner's estimates of what it would cost to build a center are based on looking at what he considers to be comparable facilities that have been recently built.  Town Manager Caton has also done an estimate.  The numbers differ substantially. That does not mean that either is lying. It simply means that no one, in this case the town, invested the time to get the kind of detailed estimate the Mayor has never seen. This is standard procedure in making a purchase versus build decision.

Mayor Hiremath Says Garner and Zinkin Want A Property Tax and Sun City Will Welcome It Gladly

Next, Mayor Hiremath stated during his interview that:

"I've heard Council Member Zinkin say that  for the sun city residents, he is sure that they won't mind paying a property tax."  (KNST Interview: 25 minutes).

When asked by LOVE, the Mayor said that he had not heard this directly. Rather: "I heard this comment second hand because I was not there. but it came from a very reliable source who wrote it down."

We checked with Debra Arrett of Sun City Oro Valley. Debra is Chair of the Government Affairs Committee who organized and  attended the meeting where Mike Zinkin spoke. She reported, "I never heard Mike Zinkin or Bill Garner say that they wanted a property tax or that they think the voters of Sun City would approve it."

Apparently on some sort of "roll" during the interview, the Mayor felt compelled to continue: "...Council Member Garner and Council Member Zinkin have repeatedly wanted that subject [of a property tax] put up.." for council discussion.

We asked the Mayor to clarify this: "Councilmembers Garner and Zinkin have advocated for other revenue sources to include discussions of commercial lease tax, renters tax and property tax because we need to diversify our revenue sources and all three of those would have to go to the voters."

Mayor Hiremath believes that asking that something be discussed is same as "advocating" for that something.  "I find it illogical to think that if they do not support something then why would they bring it up?"

We asked Council Member Garner why he even brought it up.

Garner told us that he has done so because he feels there needs to be a discussion as outlined in the strategic plan of 2014. He never has advocated for a property tax and never will as the Town of Oro Valley founding fathers wanted to keep the property tax out of our Town and continues to run on a fiscally responsible platform.

Garner has reminded us that the majority four would not even allow for a discussion of alternative revenue sources over the course of several attempts at various meetings throughout 2014. In Garner's mind, a discussion of alternative revenue sources to be potentially taxed is far different than voting to put one on the ballot for a vote.

Those are the facts.

So, was Council Member Garner lying? You tell us.
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Guest View-Council Member Bill Garner: Straney and Bristow Are The Only Choice For Oro Valley

Thanks to the Citizens of Oro Valley, I am serving my second term on the Oro Valley Council. I have, up to now, tried to stay out of the pettiness that we have all witnessed. I have thought it inappropriate to openly campaign or endorse any candidate running for any Oro Valley office.

Town of Oro Valley Web Site

Although I truly believe that people who know me can probably quickly figure out where I stand on this year's race for Council and Mayor. I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight, in case there is any doubt. It is very important that Pat Straney be elected Mayor and that Don Bristow be elected to council.

Our current Mayor has done nothing to bring this Council together. He has had many opportunities to show unity on the Council. Instead he has chosen to flex his muscle and be divisive. He does not share what he does when he is out representing the Oro Valley as a member of the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) or the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).

Our current Mayor was at the forefront in the failed recall attempt. I have never seen a sitting member of an elected body actively participate in, let alone lead the recall of another sitting member of that body. He has divided our community. He should be replaced so that we can take this town forward.

Pat Straney is a man with a corporate background. He has supervised large numbers of people and been responsible for large budgets. He has shown his leadership skills as the President of the Rancho Vistoso Community HOA. He is a man of integrity, with all the leadership qualities, and is deserving of your support.

Don Bristow has also been active in his neighborhood HOA. He has been a fixture at Council meetings and many Planning and Zoning meetings. He has shown an active interest in our Community and deserves to be on Council. Don studies the agenda and has, on many occasions, contacted the Council prior to the meeting with his insight. Don is well versed in the Town's Codes and Council Procedures. He will "hit the road running".  He will be an outstanding council member.

This is an important election. We need to change the complexion of the Council. It is time I stepped out and publicly stated my support...and do so for Pat Straney and Don Bristow.
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Guest View-Diane Peters: Prima Donnas and Thugs... Oh My!

This Guest View will review the history behind Council Member Garner’s recent comments about the Oro Valley Police Department ("OVPD") and the Oro Valley Police Officers Association  ("OVPOA").

Let’s begin with Stan Winetrobe’s speech during the Call to Audience at the council meeting of May 21. The half dozen speakers who went before him each received applause at the end of their presentation. This caused Mr. Winetrobe to begin his presentation by stating, “Now I’m going to feel depressed if they don’t clap for me.”

And here’s where it got interesting…and very revealing. The Mayor and Council responded as follows:

Mayor Hiremath: “Yeah! Ha, ha, ha!!! I knew that was going to happen, Stan.”
Council Member Joe Hornat: (Also laughing) “Stan, we’re not here to deal with your personal issues!”
Council Member Mary Snider: “We knew you could take it!”

It was clear from their comments that they all knew Mr. Winetrobe personally. Rather than wearing a “poker face” while Winetrobe spoke, so as not to give the impression that perhaps they had orchestrated his speech, they couldn’t contain their desire to let everyone know that they were good friends with him. They reminded me of a bunch of insecure teenagers so desperate to be considered popular.

Cards on the table. Stan Winetrobe is a friend of Mary Snider’s. He volunteered to collect signatures for last winter's failed Zinkin Recall effort. It’s clear that they all know him personally. Additionally, just four weeks prior to his Call to Audience speech, Winetrobe received the ‘Citizen of the Year Award’ at the Oro Valley Police Department Awards Banquet. Could his opinions be a tad biased?

If Councilmember Garner’s comments were so horrible, they would have instigated a spontaneous citizen backlash and negated the need of the Majority-4 to encourage their friends to speak during the Call to Audience. (Winetrobe isn’t the only friend of theirs who has spoken on this topic.) An orchestrated backlash reveals that the actual backlash was minimal at best.

Now let’s look at what Councilmember Garner actually said:

 ”Unfortunately, this department is a prima donna department. It tries to put candidates forward sympathetic to it so its interests can go unchecked. It’s union politics and thuggery that goes on.”

Was Garner wrong?

During his speech, Winetrobe asked Garner, “Where is your proof that the Oro Valley Police Department tries to put forth its own candidates or is that just hearsay?"

It’s not hearsay, Mr. Winetrobe, and here’s the proof you requested.

Here is some of the history behind Council Member Garner’s assertion.

(1) In May 2004, The Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriff’s ("AZCOPS") posted the following statement on their website under the heading, “Clean Sweep in Oro Valley.”

“Realizing that we could be litigating against the Town for years, AZCOPS and the Oro Valley POA decided to replace the city council in the next election. This is a fundamental AZCOPS principle, we first try to work with you, if you refuse, we will take you out. Now that we have cleaned house in the Oro Valley town council, the next victims of the AZCOPS ‘broom’ will be the Town Manager and City Attorney.”

Cards on the table. AZCOPS is the parent organization of the OVPOA. The carefully chosen words and phrases of their statement reek of union politics and thug-speak.

Was Garner wrong?

(2) Additionally, we’ve all repeatedly seen how the OVPD endorses certain candidates for council and that those candidates, if elected, consistently vote for everything that the OVPD wants. Wouldn’t this indicate that the motive of the OVPD in endorsing certain candidates is to make certain that its interests go unchecked?  In fact, that is exactly what this blog posted March 3 regarding the OVPD playbook.

Was Garner wrong?

(3) There was a brief time when the OVPD reported to the Town Manager rather than to the Town Council. David Andrews was the Town Manager during that time. As such, he was the only Town Manager to oversee the police budget and, big surprise, he was targeted by the police union. In September 2009, the police union began a smear campaign against Andrews who was forced to resign on September 23, 2009. You can read all about it here: URGENT! Oro Valley Council May Bow to Police Union Demands to Fire Our Town Manager, David Andrews…and here: Why and How Loomis wanted David Andrews Removed as Oro Valley Town Manager, Part 2.

Was Garner wrong?

I don't think so.

What do you think?
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Diane Peters has lived in Oro Valley since 2003, moving here to escape the humidity of the East Coast.  Combining her love of animals and writing, she wrote her first protest letter at the age of 12 to the Canadian Prime Minister in support of ending the annual baby harp seal hunt.  Years later, she flew by helicopter to the ice floes off the coast of Newfoundland where she was able to pet baby harp seals recently born on the frozen tundra.  Her other interests include reading, nature photography, traveling to National Parks, Native American history, art galleries, museums, and following politics.  In her past life, she worked in medical research at various University Hospitals in New England, including coordinating Oncology Clinical Trials and preparing manuscripts for publication in medical journals.  Her husband is an Army veteran who served in Germany and South Korea.  A former hippie, he attended the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Upstate New York.

Council Members Burns and Garner Give Oro Valley Mayor Hiremath An Oro Valley Lesson In Leadership

On June 4, The Oro Valley Town Council voted 7-0 to hold a study session before the end  of this year on what to do with Steam Pump Ranch.  Demonstrating leadership, Council Member Bill Garner made the motion to relieve what had become a needlessly contentious discussion about investing in rehabilitatating the Procter-Leiber House at the Ranch.

A Good Idea... Odd Responses

Council Member Mike Zinkin had put forth a motion to allocate $500,000 in reserves to restore the house.  This house is, as we reported last week, a centerpiece of the Ranch and could be the beginning of creating something unique for Oro Valley.  Zinkin noted:

"Lots of towns have ball fields. Lots of towns have aquatic centers. No place in Arizona, no place in the county has anything that is as unique and defining as Steam Pump Ranch."

The early remarks of Council Members Burns and Ganrer supported the motion.

Council Member Waters, on the other hand,  did not support the idea of refurbishing the home because he claims there is no plan for the entire property.  Council Member Snider agreed. Council Member Hornat did not like the idea because he saw no necessity: "The house is not falling down."

There is a plan for Steam Pump Ranch. It is called the Master Plan.  It was created in 2007-08 and revised in 2011. You can view it here. In addition  this council voted $2 Million for ball fields at Naranja Park before there is a plan on what to do with the park.  The plan is currently being created.  In addition, other structures and roads have been built at the Ranch and there has been no plan in place for that. Thus, the arguments of Snider and Waters that having no plan for Steam Pump Ranch means that nothing should be done until a plan is created and agreed upon simply smacks of political rhetoric and delay.  

Lessons In Leadership

The most telling discussion of the evening, however, was the exchange between Mayor Hiremath and Council Member Burns.  We have provided a video for you.  It is a "must see."

Mayor Hiremath had chosen to not address Zinkin's concept.  Rather, he used the moment as an opportunity to attack and rebuke the minority for not voting for the 2014-15 budget.  In doing so, he mischaracterized their positions, which, as we previously reported, was specific to each council member.

Council Member Burns responded to Hiremath's attack. Burns noted that he had not supported the budget because of its lack of spending for the most needy in our community.  At one point Burns noted: "I don't take kindly when you misrepresent what I said or you imply that there is some nefarious reason for not supporting the budget."

During the conversation, Mayor Hiremath had asserted that he supported the historic restoration of Steam Pump Ranch.  Burns noted that the council had been talking about this for 4 years. He ad advised Hiremath that, if, indeed this were true:  "Put some leadership on this. Say 'I believe in this. I'm not just going to say it. I'm going to deliver on it."

Council Member Zinkin tried move the conversation back to the subject: "This is not about the budget. It is an entirely different conversation."

While Mayor Hiremath seemed to be looking for an argument, Council Member Garner was looking to move the discussion forward.  Garner's motion for a study demonstrated leadership.  Mayor Hiremath seeking an argument with 3 sitting council members did not.

Can Mayor Hiremath Lead? What Do You Think?

About 4 months ago we spoke at a council meeting. The Zinkin recall attempt, which Mayor Hiremath had led and supported, had failed.  At that time, we asked Mayor Hiremath to bring our community together. We asked Mayor Hiremath to be the Mayor of all of us.  Rather, he has chosen to continue to divide our community.

We have concluded that  Mayor Hiremath is unable to provide leadership that unifies our community.  He simply can not put on his "big boy" pants and lead all of us.

What do you think?
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Your Help Needed Wednesday To Move Oro Valley Historic Preservation Forward

The Oro Valley Historic Preservation Commission has prepared an update to the Oro Valley's Cultural Heritage Preservation Plan. It was discussed at the May 5, 2014 Commission Meeting.

"Among the most important aspects of historic preservation today is ensuring that it is relevant to a community and will attract visitors—to learn about special places of the past, and to contribute to the overall economic sustainability of a community." (Report, Page 1).

We think that historic Steam Pump Ranch is just such a "place of the past."  In fact, the preservation plan identifies 3 historic significant places in Oro Valley:  Steam Pump Ranch, historic neighborhoods and Honey Bee Village. (Report, Page 2)

Oro Valley has spent little money on historic preservation during the past 4 years.  Funds have been available. However, historic preservation has suffered in terms of priority. It has been last. For example, during the past 4 years, increased funding for the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce has taken priority over historic preservation.  Building ball fields at a cost of $2 million has taken precedence over historic preservation.  Building an aquatic center at a cost of $5 million has taken precedence over historic preservation.

Funds for the ball fields and the aquatic center have come from the bed tax fund.  The justification for doing this is that these facilities will attract visitors to Oro Valley.  They well may.  The same logic applies to historic facilities.  A refurbished Steam Pump Ranch would be a major attraction in Oro Valley.

Resident Bill Adler agrees that historic preservation has been ignored by the town. Addressing the Commission at the May 5 meeting Adler noted: "Last year, I reported that there was no money in the town budget for historic preservation... This year the town has budgeted $125,000 [our of almost $104 million] for a metal roof over the ruin of what use to be the pump house.  I don't think that that is historic preservation because the pump house is no longer even identifiable as a pump house."

Adler continued: "There's money in the budget to do more."

Apparently, Council Members Garner and Zinkin agree.

Wednesday, based on their urging, The Oro Valley Town Council will discuss refurbishing one piece of Steam Pump Ranch: The Procter-Leiber House.  As we reported last week, both Garner and Zinkin believe that Steam Pump Ranch can be a major Oro Valley asset.  Their idea is to use about $500,000 of contingency reserves to preserve the house before it, like the steam pump house, deteriorates beyond repair.

"If we could get the Lieber house back to where it can be used, then it would become an economic driver, because we can have, as the master plan calls for, classes and presentations"and much more. (Resident Bill Adler at the Commission Meeting 4:30).  It would be major draw and historic site for Oro Valley.

This Wednesday the council will have the opportunity to get it right; to make a significant investment in historic preservation.  But, this council, often divided and often opposed to ideas presented by Council Members Burns, Garner or Zinkin, may not move forward without encouragement from you, the citizens of Oro Valley.

As the preservation plan notes: "Successful development of the Ranch is dependent on the citizens of Oro Valley becoming aware of and supporting the vital role the site can play in the community with an emphasis on local involvement and public access."  (Report, Page 3).  So, if you believe that historic preservation matters, you should consider attending this meeting and voicing your opinion.
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Guest View-Diane Peters: The Other Side of The Equation (Part 1)

During the Call to Audience at the May 7th council meeting, five citizens gave their opinions regarding comments made by Councilmembers Garner and Zinkin who dared to criticize the Oro Valley Police Department ("OVPD") in the April 17th edition of the Arizona Daily Star.  Three of the five speakers were law enforcement officers.

Terry Parish (Pima County Sheriff’s Deputy and former Oro Valley Town Council member) said that Zinkin and Garner have forgotten why they became council members. He said they’re supposed to “serve the community” and “raise the community up” rather than “drag the community through the mud in the newspaper.”

If he truly believes this, then why didn’t he speak out when Mayor Hiremath wrote a Christmas Day rant in the local newspaper that was filled with nothing but contempt and mudslinging? Mudslinging on Christmas Day! Parish was silent despite his claims of being a devout Christian. Why didn’t he speak out about the malevolent signs that were posted all over town for weeks asserting that Councilmember Zinkin “degrades women?” That’s also mudslinging, is it not? How did those malicious signs “raise the community up?”

He also claimed that because Oro Valley was named one of the top 8 safest suburbs in the nation, that Garner’s derogatory comments about the OVPD have “zero credibility.” I fail to see the connection. You can have a police department filled with prima donna’s and thugs and still have a safe community. Our community is safe partly because of the diligence of the police department and partly because of our demographics, a factor that the OVPD worshippers always overlook. They insist that it’s solely because of the police department. The only way to prove that theory is to transfer every OVPD police officer to South Tucson and see if South Tucson suddenly becomes one of the safest communities in the nation.

Parish closed his speech by admitting that it is the job of the council to ask questions about the budget.

Marshall Morris (President of the Oro Valley Police Officers Association)claimed that the Arizona Daily Star article showed that Zinkin and Garner have a complete lack of respect and understanding of what the OVPD do. If that’s true, could it be because when they ask questions of the OVPD, they often do not get answers, only deflections and attacks on their character and abilities? If Morris truly believes that these councilmembers do not respect the OVPD or understand the demands of a police officer’s job, then isn’t this a compelling reason to turn police oversight over to the Town Manager? Officer Morris seems to want to have it both ways. He wants police oversight to be handled by the council while claiming that some members of the council are ill-equipped to handle that oversight.

He also stated that Council Members Garner and Zinkin don’t attend a lot of town events. That’s because, despite Terry Parish’s assertions, Zinkin and Garner have not forgotten why they became council members. It’s not to attend ribbon cuttings and tree lightings. They are paid to represent the interests of the citizens…the taxpayers.

Councilmembers who attend countless “town events” do so only for their own self-serving interests. They like to hob-nob. They like to make connections that they can use in the future. They’re looking for photo ops. People who shine from within don’t have an incessant need to be in the spotlight. While others are attending frivolous town events, Councilmembers Garner and Zinkin are reading and researching documents in preparation for council meetings. As a result, they show up at those meetings well-prepared.

Morris also stated that Zinkin and Garner miss more council meetings than the others. FACT: With the exception of missing one study session, Council Member Zinkin has not missed one council meeting since he was elected. And on the occasion when Council Member Garner is unable to be there in person, he attends the meetings via conference call.

Perhaps it’s time for these law enforcement officers to take their own advice and stop slinging mud and false accusations at two of the hardest working members of the Town Council.
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Diane Peters has lived in Oro Valley since 2003, moving here to escape the humidity of the East Coast.  Combining her love of animals and writing, she wrote her first protest letter at the age of 12 to the Canadian Prime Minister in support of ending the annual baby harp seal hunt.  Years later, she flew by helicopter to the ice floes off the coast of Newfoundland where she was able to pet baby harp seals recently born on the frozen tundra.  Her other interests include reading, nature photography, traveling to National Parks, Native American history, art galleries, museums, and following politics.  In her past life, she worked in medical research at various University Hospitals in New England, including coordinating Oncology Clinical Trials and preparing manuscripts for publication in medical journals.  Her husband is an Army veteran who served in Germany and South Korea.  A former hippie, he attended the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Upstate New York.
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