Oro Valley Council Election: Voters Rejected “Big Money Politics”

David clobbered Goliath
Oro Valley voters rejected the politics of “big money from special interests” in the 2022 council election. Just like they did in 2018. Incumbent Barrett, Jones-Ivey, and Nicolson earned 56% of the 45,750 council candidate votes cast in this election. This is comparable to the 58% they earned in 2018. They earned a majority of the votes in nine of the eleven Oro Valley voting precincts [See panel below right]. They got two of every three votes from Rancho Vistoso residents. The only place they earned less than a majority were in the two precincts that comprise the 36-holes of municipal golf. Even there, they earned almost 48% of the vote. 

Challengers got the same vote count result in 2018 when residents voted out “Special Interests”
The campaigns of challengers Joe Erceg, Charlie Hurt and Bill Rodman were financed by developer and real estate special interests, most of whom do not live in Oro Valley. You can read more on their financing in our report of July 25. They earned the same voting results as Joe Hornat, Mary Snider and Lou Waters got in 2018. These three had their campaigns financed by the same sources.

Sharp had no “coattails”
Erceg, Hurt and Rodman were running as an informal slate with mayoral candidate Danny Sharp. Unlike Sharp, whose mayor race with Joe Winfield, was tight, their race for council wasn’t close.

Sharp did well at the polls because he is Danny Sharp: A former Chief of Police who earned the respect of the community after 20 years of building the State’s top police force. That’s a reason for people to vote for Danny. It is not a reason to vote for his running mates.

Coattails are created by what the lead candidate says. It is what Danny Sharp said that caused problems for his candidacy and for that of the three challenging council members.

Sharp advocated for a “Rooftops Strategy” that was rejected by the voters in 2018
Sharp doomed his candidacy when, at the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum, he announced that he was for Hiremath’s “Rooftops Strategy.” This is a strategy to build business in the community by increasing housing substantially. Hiremath tried it for eight years. It did not bring business. It brought congestion and the need to substantially increase town services. Hiremath lost the 2018 election because of this.

Whether they subscribed to this strategy or not, the candidacies of Erceg and Hurt were damaged by it. They were painted as “rooftop guys”, willing to do anything to make home growth happen. Add to this the fact that they were running with Bill Rodman, a former council member during the Hiremath days. Rodman approved all but one of the many General Plan and zoning plan amendments that he saw. Voters know this. Rodman was never going to win. Erceg and Hurt had no way to separate from him or the rooftops strategy even if they wanted to do so.

Labeling the work of the town’s police chief as severely lacking was never going to be a winning strategy in this election

Sharp did not attack Chief Riley directly. Rather, he attacked what he perceived to be the result of her three years of effort. It cost him votes. It cost the council challengers votes. He said that the Oro Valley Police Department is no longer good enough: That Chief Riley and her team, people Sharp groomed to take over, have let the department fall apart. Sharp’s claim was not believable. He had no evidence to back it up. He only had his opinion based on his observations.

Erceg did not follow suit on this in any material way; but Hurt did. From Hurt’s website: “Oro Valley is presently 14 full-time officers below the level it should be in order to maintain and ensure it continues to be the safest place to live in Arizona.” Hurt provided no basis for this statement nor does he have the skill in the area of public safety regarding what should be the staffing level. Rodman also echoed the same thoughts in his first glossy postcard to the community.

They never proved that Oro Valley is in financial trouble
Sharp and the three challenging council candidates alleged that the town is in financial trouble because it has debt and an alleged deficit. You can say it. But you have to prove it. Proving it in this instance was going to be difficult because it’s the first time residents would’ve ever heard that the town is in financial trouble. One would think that the press would’ve covered this, including LOVE. We haven’t seen it. In fact, the town has been flush with cash from the federal government. It has been pressed to spend it all.

They alleged a lack if “transparency” but they couldn’t prove it
Transparency in government is far too vague an issue. Most people don’t even know what it means. Most people don’t know how to measure it. Sharp and the challengers tried to make their case that the Winfield Council has not been transparent. Yet, they couldn’t provide any data to demonstrate that’s the case. They had one case of an alleged open meeting law violation that wasn’t an open meeting law violation.

The fact that the town has had to conduct executive sessions over the years is merely because of the nature of what is being discussed in those sessions, not because anything is being hidden. Indeed, the biggest “hiding of all” was former Mayor Hiremath’s purchase of the El Conquistador courses and the clubhouse. Nothing that any councilmember has done since that date has ever been so duplicitous.

They gave no vision of a better future under their leadership

None of the candidates presented a clear concise vision of the future under their leadership. Rather, they chose to focus on the inadequacies of the current administration and how they would not do “those bad things.” That is not really a winning strategy. Danny Sharp, the three town council challengers, and the PAC created to support them proved that in this election.

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Four More Years? Yes or No? It’s Up To You

Oro Valley votes for mayor and council tomorrow  
Tomorrow, Oro Valley votes on who will be their Mayor and town council. 

It is a “winner take all scenario for Mayor

The mayor will either be former Police Chief Danny Sharp or Current Mayor Joe Winfield. Four years ago, Winfield won a landslide victory over then Mayor Satish Hiremath. Winfield received more than 58% of the 15,817 votes cast. Four years earlier, Hiremath won a landslide victory over his opponent, receiving more than 62% of the 11,027 votes cast. This earned him a second term as Mayor. 

We’ve covered the mayoral candidates and their views during the past four weeks. Still, we think it important to hear a bit from their supporters on why they support their candidate.

Sharp supporters say Danny is the best candidate

Mary Murphy is a six year resident of Oro Valley. She is also a member or the town’s Board of Adjustment. One of the reasons she chose to live in Oro Valley was the town’s outstanding public safety record. Here’s why Mary believes that Danny Sharp would be an excellent Mayor:

• With a forty-year career in law enforcement, he has a documented record of community and service orientation, and as the spouse of a retired first responder, I fully understand the commitments they make on a daily basis.
• While serving as police chief, he was asked to step in as Acting Town Manager for over a year. He took on this additional challenge without hesitation. That the Town looked for him to take on this task, and his willingness to do it indicate both a high level of competence and a commitment to our community. While filling this role, Danny gained valuable knowledge and insight into all aspects of town operations and funding. This experience is something few mayors have and is critically important here in Oro Valley, considering the current financial climate both locally and nationally.
• Danny was one of the founders of Project Graduation in Oro Valley, a program designed to keep our young people safe on graduation night, and he continues to volunteer his time to this important program. As a mom, this commitment really resonates with me. 
• Danny and his family demonstrate their love of Oro Valley by participating in the “Adopt a Road” program. For years the Sharp family has been clearing trash and debris from a large section of Naranja Drive, helping to keep Oro Valley beautiful. 
• Additionally, Danny is also a member of the Oro Valley Hospital Board, and as someone with a background in the medical field, I find this to be quite admirable. Viewed with his other activities, this shows Danny’s commitment to the town as a whole, one that serves all its residents.

Winfield supporters say that Joe is the best candidate

Jack Stinnett is a long-time resident and former Chairman of the town’s Parks and Recreation Commission. He is passionate about our community and passionate in his support of Joe Winfield. Here are his thoughts:

• The Winfield council has moved Oro Valley forward in every area, and Oro Valley today is the best place to live in Arizona. 
• They have invested in our police officer’s pay and pensions to retain the men and women who keep Oro Valley the safest town in the state. 
• They have improved the town’s financial rating to AA+, and paid off police pension debt that will avoid millions in future pension liabilities. They have used golf savings to improve and expand recreation amenities without any new taxes. Topping it off is our new 202 acre Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve that Joe refused to rezone for high density development. 
• Mayor Winfield’s vision is to grow Oro Valley responsibly. He has self funded his campaign and will decide what is best for residents, NOT Tucson apartment developers, and real estate PACs who have funded his challenger. 
• Finally, Mayor Winfield is the most honest man I know, and we need leaders who tell us the truth even when it is not what we want to hear.

Don’t forget to vote for three open council seats

The Mayor does not make decisions alone. It is the town council of which he is a member, that has the final say. There are six candidates vying for the three open council seats. Here’s who they are:

• Melanie Barrett is the town’s Vice Mayor. One of her focus areas is representing the needs of families with school age children
• Joe Erceg is a business development candidate. Joe wants to bring more sports activities into the community 
• Charlie Hurt has lived in Oro Valley for 16 years. He is a former member and chair of the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission and a former member and chair of the town’s Water Utility Commission 
• Joyce Jones-Ivey is a current council member. She takes pride in being an independent thinker. Joyce does not “go along to just get along.” 
• Josh Nicolson brings a financial perspective to the council. His insight into finance was one of the driving forces in the town fully funding the public safety pension plan 
• Bill Rodman served as council member from 2016 to 2020. Rodman is a proponent of growing the town to support business and to support the town’s finances. He voted for all approved general plan and zoning amendments during his prior tour on council. 

These six have affiliated themselves with one of the two mayoral candidates. But you don’t have to vote for one or all of them simply because they have done that. You can “mix and match.” 

We will be back Wednesday to report preliminary results

These results will likely include about 98% of the total votes cast. However, there will still be “provisional” and possibly late mail in ballots not yet counted. It could take a few more days for those.

So, Oro Valley, it’s election time.

Do your job!

Guest View-Bill Rodman: Melanie Barrett’s Campaign Violation Accusations Are Baseless

The following Guest View is from council candidate and former council member Bill Rodman. Rodman is referring to last week’s Guest View of Melanie Barrett.

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I am more than disappointed in Oro Valley’s Vice Mayor Barrett who never misses an opportunity to tout her Law degree and yet has now accused me and my campaign three times with no basis for those accusations. It would seem that the ethical thing to do would have been to wait for the Town Clerk’s decision on whether the complaints were valid before putting them out to Take Back OV and the Love Blog as though they are valiBill d and have a base . It is very clear to me that her purpose in doing this and filing the complaints was only to try to get our residents to believe them with no evidence this close to the election. Please reread her words and you will see what I mean.

She has stated that my campaign has colluded with the Keep Oro Valley Strong PAC with absolutely no basis for that allegation. She says things like “If there is illegal collusion going on, then a serious campaign finance violation against state law has occurred.” Of course if that were true, it would be a violation, but there is no evidence that collusion took place nor could there be because it never occurred.

She makes a baseless statement that a one person marketing firm cannot have an effective firewall between my campaign and the PAC. There is no basis for that statement. I have never had any conversation or other contact with the PAC or its agent regarding any action or strategy to be taken by the PAC or my campaign. We have been more than careful to be sure to keep that firewall impenetrable.

She makes the statement that the amount of the donations makes any difference as to whether a violation has occurred. As a person with legal training, she should know better. It is either a violation or it is not regardless of the amount.

I would have expected better from our Vice Mayor.

Bill Rodman 

Council Candidate

FormerOro Valley Council Member

Glossy Mailers and Flashy Ads Misstate the Facts… Add Nothing To The Conversation

Glitter ain’t gold

Glossy mailers and ads in a local advertising circular are making assertions against the incumbents running for Mayor and council. These mailers are being paid for by the “Keep OV Strong Pac”. 

A week ago Friday, resident Jack Stinnett wrote a Guest View disclosing some of those behind this PAC. They include current Council Members Mo Greene and Steve Solomon and current council candidate Bill Rodman.

One marketing company working for all

It is rather unseemly that a current Council Member and one who wants to be a Council Member would condone these ads and mailers. According to a campaign violation complaint filed by current Oro Valley Vice Mayor and Candidate Melanie Barrett, the PAC is allegedly using a third party (Campaign Associates of Southern Arizona) to collude with the campaigns of the challengers. That organization is operated by MattMann Creative, a Tucson based individual (aka Mattmannportfolio).  That entity, under the various companies, has received ten’s of thousands of dollars from the PAC and from the candidates, according to their filed campaign finance reports.

The assertions that are being made add no value to what should be a serious conversation about the future of our community.
Let’s take a look at three of them:

“You put us $52 million in debt past year”
It is true that the town issued bonds in the amount of $52 million last. year. However, $27 million was used to eliminate a liability the town owed to the State of Arizona Public Service Pension Retirment Fund. So, the net added debt incurred was $25 million. 

“You lied about the Naranja Park Bond” 

We know of no lie that any of the incumbent candidates made regarding the $25 million parks bond. They never hid its purpose. What is true is that the incumbents abandoned the town’s forever “pay as you go only” philosophy for building parks by supplementing funding for parks with these bonds. These same incumbents had previously publicly supported “pay as you go only.” Not exactly a lie….but a definitely change in position.  The bond is paid from an existing sales tax revenue source. There are no new taxes. This is Winfield’s justification for supporting the bonds.

You violated Arizona open meeting laws on several occasions

The “violation” to which the mailers refer was filed with the Pima County Attorney Office. They looked into one complaint. The county attorney made a preliminary finding of a violation without investigating the matter with the town. Town outside council Rothschild provided the facts. After reviewing these facts, the county attorney concluded that “further investigation would not be productive and further action on the complaint is not warranted.” That letter further states that “…the additional materials [provided by Rothschild] demonstrate that the Council’s use of executive session was arguably justified… and that the OVTC made good faith efforts to comply with the OML in conducting town business.” (Source: Letter From Pima  County Attorney, March 31, 2021)

We suggest that you throw the glossy mailers away and focus on what the candidates are saying

None of these assertions form the basis for an informed decision for whom to vote. We suggest that you focus on what’s real… The candidates… What they have done for the community… What they would like the future to be.

Because it is the future that matters.

The real issues need to be debated by serious candidates, not by a PAC of wolves.

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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-Marvin Whitfield: Rodman the Rezoner

Rodman Rezoning and General Plan Amendment Votes
Council member Bill Rodman, who is running for re-election, has a history of siding with developers. His voting record as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner was detailed in a previous letter. Below is an excerpt of his Town Council voting record.

November 16, 2016
The same night that Rodman was sworn into office, he voted to approve a Major General Plan Amendment to change the land use on 17 acres at Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and Vistoso Highlands Drive from Neighborhood Commercial/ Office to Medium Density Residential.

Rodman's vote came just 8 days after our new 2016 General Plan had been approved by Oro Valley voters, a plan that was 3 years in the making and was designed to last 10 years. That same night Rodman voted to ignore town grading codes and allow the rolling hills east of First avenue to be graded down 12-15 feet for development of the Sanctuary at Silverhawke.

December 6, 2017
Despite a huge resident turnout and strong opposition, Rodman approved a General Plan Amendment and Rezoning on 76 acres on the east side of Shannon Road from rural low density (144,000 sf lots) down to 36,000 sf lots, a change that was incompatible with existing custom homes on lot sizes of 3.3 acres and larger.

That same night Rodman voted to approve a General Plan Amendment to change land use and zoning designations for 108 acres of undeveloped land along Honeybee Wash and Big Wash to allow over 400 homes on lot sizes of 7,200 sf lots and 5,400 sf lots on mass-graded sites.

April 4, 2018
Despite the Saguaros Viejos parcel (85 acres) already being rezoned from R1-144 (144,000 sf) down to R1-20 (20,000 sf) in 2016, Rodman voted to approve another rezoning to even smaller lots of R1-7 (7,000 sf) with mass-grading.

Mr. Rodman’s council votes have repeatedly supported developers.

Place residents first by voting for Tim Bohen and Bill Garner.

Marvin Whitfield
Oro Valley

HSL Dominates Contributions to Rodman, Solomon and Greene

HSL leads the pack
HSL properties, the owner of the El Conquistador Resort, partner in the future of the Oro Valley Marketplace, owner of a large apartment complex on Oracle Road, dominated the funding of pro developer Oro Valley candidates Rodman, Solomon and Greene. This continued what they had done in financing the 2016 campaign of Rodman and Solomon. (source)

Two sources contributed 71% of funds
The three amassed $34,450 in contributions from special interest developers and realtors as revealed in the 2020 Pre-Primary campaign finance report. HSL contributed $15,000 of that. The other big contributor in the amount of $9,000 were the Realtors of Southern Arizona PAC.

In addition, the Kai family, currently seeking a general plan amendment for a Silverhawke related property, donated $2,500. Missing from this list was Venture West. Generally, they contribute $1,000 to each pro developer candidate.

More and 80% of Rodman funding.... 72% of Solomon funding
Candidates Rodman and Solomon were particular dependent on special interest funding. 81% of Rodman and 72% of Solomon campaign funds have come from the special interest developer community.

The charts that follow tell the story


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Guest View-Jack Stinnett: Who Benefits from the "Golf Ticket"

The golfers and golf residents benefit...
Let’s ask who benefits from the golf ticket of incumbents Solomon, and Rodman plus golfer Mo Greene? The obvious answer is the EL Conquistador Men’s Golf Association, and the adjacent property owners whose views we are subsidizing by paying the golf sales tax of $2 ½ million each year.

...HSL Properties also benefits
If we look deeper and follow the money, another picture emerges When HSL Properties purchased the Hilton resort out of bankruptcy they dumped the El Conquistador Country Club and 45 holes of golf (losing ~ $1.5 million a year) on our former Hiremath led council. A brilliant move by HSL: Stick the naive town council with the losses and still promote the El Conquistador as a destination golf resort.

HSL needs the town to keep courses in top condition to support their "golf resort vacation" narrative
Big spender golfers from flyover country are rubes, but not stupid. One look at the dated 1980 clubhouse, the tired Overlook, and they start complaining about paying for a golf resort vacation and getting a bad deal. So for the past several years HSL has been bankrolling the Hiremath council while lobbying them to fix the courses and update the clubhouse. Since 2015 ,HSL has invested tens of thousands to support friendly council members. In the 2016 council election Pina, Rodman and Soloman each received over $12,000 from HSL .

Solomon and Rodman voted to do that
So how did they vote? Incumbents Solomon, and Rodman have voted the party line, twice voting for the town to borrow $6 million to immediately fix the courses and rebuild the clubhouse. They voted against mayor Winfield’s pay as you go approach to pay for course irrigation repairs, and again voted for a $3 million bond for clubhouse repairs.

So I am voting for self funded candidates Tim Bohen and Bill Garner who will not support HSL over resident families who want playgrounds and trails and not a new clubhouse.

Jack Stinnett
Oro Valley
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Jack Stinnett is an Oro Valley resident. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served on Minesweepers and Destroyers. After his military service, Jack was employed as an engineer and plant manager in the Nuclear Power industry, a factory manager in the automotive industry, and Vice-President of a worldwide engine components business. Jack finished his career as President and CEO of Morris Material Handling in Milwaukee. He and his wife, Connie, moved to Oro Valley in 2011. Jack was a member of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Commission from 2012-2014, serving as Chairman in 2013-2014. He enjoys woodworking, biking, and visiting his grandchildren.

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.

Bits and Pieces

Efforts to convert Vistoso Golf to public open space continue
According to an email from Preservevistoso.org, efforts continue by the Conservation Fund to acquire and convert the Vistoso Golf property to public use.

"Since May of 2020, The Conservation Fund (TCF) has been engaged in a partner-driven endeavor with the community, the Town of Oro Valley and other key individuals regarding the community’s desire to protect the beautiful features of the former +/- 208 acre Vistoso Golf Course (“Property”) including its nature preserve with wildlife and a 6-mile community trail that could be used for public benefit. Following the Town Council’s approval to begin these discussions at their public meeting in June, TCF began the process to begin negotiations with the property owner to purchase this property. TCF is also partnering with Preserve Vistoso, a local non-profit organization, regarding this endeavor to seek out the property’s potential of being preserved and added to the Town of Oro Valley’s public open space system where anyone can enjoy its breathtaking views along the winding pedestrian pathway which traverses the area. Of course, this effort is in the early stages and will continue to evolve especially given many moving parts. However, with the strong support received from the local community and the Town’s elected officials, TCF is poised to lead this endeavor and create long-term solutions that work for our partners."(source)

Rodman and Solomon Approved This

Rodman and Solomon never funded Community Center ADA needs...but now they support it
For the last four years while on council, Oro Valley Council Candidates Rodman and Solomon have voted in favor of every budget. No budget included funds need to make the Community Center ADA compliant. Neither ever brought this up as an issue.

Now Candidate Rodman talks about being a "good friend" to those with ADA needs; and Solomon talks about making the Community Center ADA compliant.

For three years, they didn't care. Now, during an election, it becomes important to them.

PPP Loans Saved 2,908 jobs for Oro Valley headquartered businesses
246 Oro Valley headquartered businesses saved 2,908 jobs by receiving $17.3 million in funding from the SBA Payroll Protection Program. The program was implemented to cope with the business closing impact on employees of the pandemic. The companies do not need to repay these funds as long as the funds were used to pay staff.

Many other businesses that have Oro Valley operations also received loans from the PPP program. For example, HSL's El Conquistador received a loan for up to $5million.
(source)

Town hires consultant to help local businesses
Town Manager Mary Jacobs has retained a consultant to help Community and Economic Development Manager, J.J. Johnson develop a plan to assist local businesses in the Covid-19 Pandemic (Source).
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Guest View-Kim Krostue: “Methinks Rodman doth protest”

On incumbent candidate Rodman’s website is an impassioned article defending taking money from construction industry businesses, individuals, and association PACs. Readers are told It’s legal, and the American way for deep pocket donors to back their preferred candidates.

However, rather than defending himself, Mr Rodman relies on James Prunty, a former construction trade association executive, to lecture us on why candidates taking builder and developer money is critical to Oro Valley’s future. This approach is a political tactic to have a surrogate try to diffuse Rodman's big problem with his 2016 special interest contributors.

Unfortunately, we are judged by the company we keep. Prunty, part of the green shirt and recall team, has run an extended smear campaign against Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett, and council members Jones Ivey and Nicolson. Identifying himself as a volunteer policeman, he posted a picture of the four on social media calling them inferior which in today’s climate can be viewed as both racist and sexist. Here are the words he has used in his many Explorer published letters to attack them: inferior, serpents, stupid, evil, deceptive, dishonest, the four horsemen, no integrity, not credible, dangerous, untrustworthy, whited sepulcher, disingenuous, and unethical.

It says a great deal about incumbent Rodman that he chose Prunty as his spokesperson defending him for accepting over $20,000 in special interest contributions during his successful 2016 campaign. Assuming we buy Prunty’s thesis that Rodman taking money from developer Fasseas, Diamond Ventures, Venture West, Realtors of Arizona PAC, and the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association is good for business in Oro Valley, how does Rodman explain the $12,900 in contributions he and Solomon each accepted from HSL? 

Kim Krostue
Oro Valley Resident
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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.

"Cease and Desist" Letter Sent To Greene, Rodman and Solomon

Cease and desist use of town seal
Last week we reported of a political mailer sent by the campaigns of Greene, Rodman and Solomon. The mailer included the photo in the panel below. It is a picture of now ex-police chief Dan Sharp in uniform with a badge that includes the town's logo.

Class One Misdemeanor
Town Legal Services Director, Tobin Sidles wrote the a "Cease and Desist-Use of Town Logo" letter to Harry Greene on July 9.

"On or around July 8, either you or one fo your agents acting on your behalf created and published a political mailer advertisement, which included a picture of the Town Seal/Logo located in it on the badge of retired Police Chief Danny Sharp...  You are hereby put on notice that the Town of Oro Valley Seal/Logo is copyrighted within the State of Arizona.

Logo included in last week's political mailer

Further, under Town Code Section 10-1-26, it is a crime... to use the Town Seal/Logo without the prior consent of the Oro Valley Town Council. This specifically includes use for election purposes. You are hereby on notice that any pictures within your control containing the Town seal/logo within them must be "fuzzed out." (Source: July 9 letter from Tobin Sidles to Harry Greene)

Not in compliance in other areas
Add this to the list of other violations regarding political signage from which Greene, Rodman and Solomon suffer. These include placards that make their signs bigger than allowed and identification labels on signs that are smaller than required.
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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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Guest View-Jack Stinnett: Bill Rodman Is Proven Leader of "Over-development"

Rodman's voting record fostered Oro Valley Over-Development
During the early Hiremath years, Council Member Bill Rodman sat on the Planning and Zoning Commission. These are years in which Oro Valley moved toward over-development. Rodman was at the epicenter of it all.

Rodman's record shows that he is a proven leader in over-development. From 2012-2016, while on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Rodman demonstrated his bias by approving wealthy land owner and developer requests.

Want proof? Just look at his voting record while on the Planning and Zoning Commission
During these years, Rodman rarely saw a General Plan amendment or rezoning he did not like. Rodman approved the following while he was on the Planning and Zoning Commission:

• Increased building heights for El Corredor apartments; 
• Approved a General Plan Amendment, ESL Amendment, and Rezoning for a 5-story retirement community (the abandoned Nakoma Sky project) on 79.5 acres;
• Voted to approve rezoning 45 acres from R1-144 to R1-7 (144,000 sqft to 7,000 sqft lots) on Naranja near La Cholla; 
• Approved rezoning 149 acres at Tangerine and First Ave ["Kai" property] from 3 acre lots to Medium Density Residential and commercial; 
• Supported a Major General Plan Amendment of the Olsen property from Low Density Residential and open space to Medium Density Residential.

This is  just a sample. 

Rodman has continued his over-development stance while on council
Rodman brought his over-development bias with him when he was elected to Town Council in 2016. From 2016 to 2018, while Hiremath was in control of council, Rodman approved thirteen General Plan amendments and/or rezoning requests. Indeed, he voted for one of these General Plan Amendments while he was a council member for less than three hours!

The only reason Rodman has not shown his over-development bias in the past two years is that you, the voters, replaced the Hiremath council with a council that was far more resident friendly, and far less developer friendly.

We need leaders who put the people first
Yes. Incumbent Bill Rodman has demonstrated “proven leadership” but unfortunately it’s been directed at steering developer projects through and around Oro Valley’s General Plan process, Environmentally Sensitive Lands rules, and town zoning codes.

This might be a good thing for developers.

But it is a bad thing for the residents of Oro Valley.

Let’s be sure to elect council members that place residents, not developers first.
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Jack Stinnett is an Oro Valley resident. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served on Minesweepers and Destroyers. After his military service, Jack was employed as an engineer and plant manager in the Nuclear Power industry, a factory manager in the automotive industry, and Vice-President of a worldwide engine components business. Jack finished his career as President and CEO of Morris Material Handling in Milwaukee. He and his wife, Connie, moved to Oro Valley in 2011. Jack was a member of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Commission from 2012-2014, serving as Chairman in 2013-2014. He enjoys woodworking, biking, and visiting his grandchildren.

LOVE Exclusive: HSL Money Poured Into Rodman and Solomon 2016 Campaign

This is the third of a three part series on the influence of developer and contractor donations on Oro Valley politics. Our first article covered the special funding of the 2014 campaign.  Our second article discussed the special interest donations in the recall election of 2015 and in the primary election of 2018. This final article focuses on the special interest money that poured into the Rodman and Solomon candidacies in 2016. 
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The 2016 election of Bill Rodman and Steve Solomon
2016 was the only year between 2014 and 2018 in which Mayor Hiremath and his council majority were not on the ballot. There were six candidates that year. Three were incumbents. The incumbents raised a total of a few thousand dollars for that election.  Bill Rodman and Steve Solomon raised $47,600.

91% of Rodman and Solomon contributions came from special interest developers and contractors
In 2016, then candidates Bill Rodman and Steve Solomon were introduced to the big money special interests that Mayor Hiremath and his majority had solicited for the 2014 and 2015 elections.  Rodman and Solomon drank from this well of money. They took a huge gulp.

76% of Rodman and Solomon contributions were from HSL Properties
HSL Properties is the company that had so generously donated to the campaigns of Mayor Hiremath and his majority council members.

Somehow, current council members Rodman and Solomon had found the same "pot of gold" that Hiremath had uncovered in 2013; a source so rich that it literally financed all Oro Valley council majority campaigns from 2014 to 2018.

Two building related PACS further emphasized their funding financial dependence on the developer community. Rodman and Solomon each received $1,000 from the Southern Arizona Realtors PAC and $250 from the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association (SAHBA).

Rodman and Solomon virtually had no public financial support
What is also striking is the lack of general public financial support of either candidate. Solomon received $33.38 while Rodman raised $925 from the public. Seven donors were listed on his report. Only three had residences listed as Oro Valley.

Does the past behavior predict future behavior?
Is it likely that Candidates Rodman and Solomon will raise funds from the special interest community for this election? It is, if past behavior predicts future behavior. We won't know who are their contributors until they file their campaign finance reports. One report is due at the end of this month. The other is due before the August election. Even then, we're not sure that information is accurate. Our review of the election reports revealed that information is sometimes left off of these reports, information that is reported later as amended campaign election reports.

So do stay tuned on this.

We will review and report what we learn when we learn it.
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Source: The campaign financing information in these three articles was from the campaign finance reports filed by the candidates. There were about a hundred of these. A few of them were clear and concise. Many reports, especially those of Mayor Hiremath, were difficult to follow. Sometimes, the information on current contributions was in the wrong column; or the contributions called "campaign to date" were wrong. In some instances the "occupation" of the contributor was incorrect or their affiliated employer was wrong. We don't know nor did we ask if these reports are reviewed and audited by the town. But they should be audited and verified before being accepted.

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!

Guest View: Diane Peters ~ Vice-Mayor selection reveals the hypocrisy of Councilmembers Pina and Solomon

During the December 4, 2019 Town Council meeting, the annual discussion took place regarding who would serve as vice-mayor for 2020. Melanie Barrett served as vice-mayor in 2019. Just one year. Prior to that, Lou Waters served as vice-mayor from 2012-2018. Seven years. Keep that in mind as you continue reading.

Councilmember Jones-Ivey nominated Melanie Barrett to serve for another year, seconded by Mayor Winfield. Councilmember Solomon nominated Bill Rodman, seconded by Councilmember Pina.

Discussions began and the hypocrisy ensued.

Councilmember Solomon’s argument:

“…it’s appropriate that since Councilmember Barrett has already served a year as Vice-Mayor, that it’s time to let another council member step in and serve in that capacity.”

Councilmember Pina’s argument:

“I think that Councilmember Rodman would bring a different perspective to work with the mayor so I’m in favor of Councilmember Rodman being the Vice-Mayor for the following year…Why not give someone else the opportunity?...Why not do something different and have someone that would give a different perspective?”

Mayor Winfield pointed out that regardless of title, they all have the opportunity to share their perspectives and they each have one vote.

A tangled web
According to Pina and Solomon, the necessary criteria for the vice-mayor is:
• they should not serve more than one year
• it should be someone who has different views than the mayor

Interestingly, they felt much differently about this “criteria” when they were in the majority on council.

Lou Waters was the vice-mayor when Pina-Rodman-Solomon were sworn in on 11/16/16 and he had served as vice-mayor for five years at that point (2012-2013-2014-2015-2016).

Yet when Waters was nominated for vice-mayor again for 2017 and 2018, Pina and Solomon never argued that someone else should be given the opportunity or that it should be given to someone with a different perspective than the mayor. They elected Waters with a 7-0 vote to serve as vice-mayor in 2017 and 2018.

In fact, on December 6, 2017 it was none other than Councilmember Steve Solomon who nominated Waters to serve as vice-mayor for 2018…despite Waters already having served as vice-mayor for 6 years at that time. Solomon was just fine with Waters serving as vice-mayor for a 7th year.  (See referenced minutes from 12/6/17 meeting below):

Now that Pina and Solomon are in the minority, they’ve suddenly decided that it’s imperative to give someone else a chance. Waters can serve as vice-mayor for 7 straight years but Barrett can serve for only one year.

Voting Results
Mayor Winfield held a roll-call vote. The vote was 5-2 for Barrett as Vice-Mayor for 2020.

• YES votes: Winfield, Barrett, Jones-Ivey, Nicolson, and Rodman (yes, Rodman)
• NO votes: Pina and Solomon
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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, who over a 9-month period, 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.

Guest View: Diane Peters ~ Oro Valley Thrives members make false assertions and accusations. Part 1.

My purpose in writing this article is to point out how ill-informed some members of the Green Shirts are about town issues. This is concerning because these people are disseminating false information to others in an effort to get them to sign the recall petitions.

Some members of Oro Valley Thrives (aka The Green Shirts) have posted false information on social media. Another “Green Shirt” wrote a scathing email to the mayor and council where she made numerous false accusations against Mayor Winfield and Vice-Mayor Barrett. While speaking at the podium at a recent council meeting, she admitted to (and apologized for) sending the email containing her “little tantrum.” I then submitted a public records request to view the email for myself.

I won’t publish the names of the offenders so as not to embarrass them. What’s important is what they have falsely asserted and the fact that they are representatives of Oro Valley Thrives.

Are the leaders of OV Thrives disseminating this false information to their members or are these members just making it up as they go along? Either way, it doesn’t reflect well on them.

The “little tantrum” email
Below are some of the false accusations in the email that was sent to the mayor and council regarding council discussions that took place at the October 16th meeting.

1. She accused Mayor Winfield of removing Councilmember Rodman from his role as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. She was furious about this. She referred to Rodman as "one of the most brilliant leaders on the commission."

Fact: Rodman is not a P&Z Commissioner. He is the council liaison to the P&Z. She didn't understand the difference. Second, the mayor cannot make the liaison appointments. He can only make his suggestions for these appointments. It is then decided by a majority vote of the council.

2. After falsely accusing Mayor Winfield of removing Councilmember Rodman from P&Z, she claimed that he did this so that Winfield could stack the commission with people who would vote to close the golf courses.

Fact: P&Z Commissioners have no power to close the golf courses. P&Z is an advisory board only and the most they can do with any planning or zoning issue is to make a recommendation to the town council, but it is the town council who has the final say and they are not required to follow the recommendation of P&Z.

3. She accused Vice-Mayor Barrett of lying about Town Council Attorney Cohen’s advice to not discuss the proposed council liaison appointments in advance in order to avoid the possibility of an open meeting law violation. She tore into Barrett asserting that Barrett’s claim of Cohen giving her that advice “was outrageous” and she accused Barrett of throwing Attorney Cohen “under the bus.”

Fact: It was Mayor Winfield, not Barrett, who stated that Cohen advised him to not discuss the liaison appointments in advance of the council meeting. Additionally, Attorney Cohen confirmed that he did give that legal advice to Mayor Winfield “out of an abundance of caution.”

4. She also claimed that Mayor Winfield was “boldly calculated and disrespectful” in deciding the liaison appointments on his own. She claimed that she attended the Town Academy and that Town Manager, Mary Jacobs “precisely outlined the protocol for council and issues” and she came away from this class believing that the council liaison appointments should have been “put before the Town Manager for ultimate decision.”

Fact: Again, the mayor proposes the liaison appointments and the town council ratifies them. I doubt that Jacobs ever said that this was the Town Manager’s role. It’s more likely, given this woman’s difficulty in understanding town protocols, that she once again misunderstood the information that was presented to her.

I am seeing a pattern here of a very ill-informed person who thinks that she’s well-informed. Why is this a problem? If she is out collecting signatures for the recall or posting comments about town issues on social media, she will be disseminating false information to Oro Valley residents who might sign the recall petition based on that false information.

Councilmember Bill Rodman showed some integrity
Despite all the false claims and accusations that she made in her "tantrum" email to the council, Councilmember Rodman was the only one of the Hiremath Holdovers who wrote back to correct her errors, stating that he wanted “to be sure that the facts are portrayed accurately.”

Councilmembers Solomon and Pina remain silent
Although Solomon responded to her, he did not correct any of her false claims.  He simply said, "I share your concerns."   Pina did not respond at all.  By not correcting her, Solomon and Pina were allowing her to believe that all of her wild assertions were true. I guess when you don’t have any valid reasons for a recall, you have to allow people to believe in falsehoods and delusions in order to drum up enough signatures to get the recall on the ballot. Shame on Solomon and Pina for being accomplices in the propagation of this nonsense.

Part 2 will be published next Wednesday.
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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, who over a 9-month period, 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.