Big Dollar Contributions Have Power Because Money Buys Access and Special Consideration

Rodman and Solomon votes "follow the money"
In the two years they served with Hiremath and his majority, Council Member Solomon voted lockstep to approve every developer request. Rodman voted to approve all but one request, a request to rezone a property that we believe is near his home.

Instances in which they voted in favor of contributors.
November 16, 2016
At their first council meeting in office voted to approve blading of the Silverhawke property. This property was owned by the Kai Family, one of their contributors.

March 15, 2017
In March of 2017, Solomon and Rodman approved the PAD rezoning that allowed major campaign contributor Diamond Venture' Self Storage facility at Steam Pump Village.

May 16, 2018
Rodman and Solomon voted to approve rezoning of land owned by the Kai Family. This involved approximately 199-acres located west of La Cholla, between Lambert Lane and Naranja Drive; and 8.2-acres located on the northwest corner of LaCholla and Naranja Drive.  Their vote in favor of this rezoning is particularly noteworthy because Solomon and Rodman allowed multiple concept plans for each of the parcels within the PAD. The owner only needs to have further town review if they want to switch to a different concept that was approved in this bundle of plans.

On November 20, 2014, while on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Rodman approved the general plan amendment that allowed this master planned community.

Rodman and Solomon supported the construction of high density residential homes on top of Big Wash
December 6, 2017
Solomon and Rodman voted to approve General plan Amendments to allow residential housing to be built in in Rancho Vistoso Neighborhood 5. This land is on top of Big Wash. While on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Rodman had voted to amend the general plan to approve this land use change.

The "Big Wash" Project

Will the "beat go on"?
June of 2020
As a lasting thank you, we notice that Rodman and Solomon 2020 Campaign signs are posted in front of the Silverhawke Sanctuary property at the intersection of First Avenue and Lambert Lane.  This, at a time, when council is to consider a general plan amendment to add more residential land to Silverhawke, a Kai sponsored General Plan Amendment.  

Unseemly but not illegal
There is nothing illegal about taking a campaign contribution from a contributor and then voting in favor of their requests. It just feels unseemly.

Apparently, the voters agreed in 2018.

Tired of seeing all those yellow signs announcing possible land use changes and knowing the likely outcome if Hiremath remained in power, they decided it was time for a change. They replaced Mayor Hiremath and his majority with four resident centric council members: Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and council Members Jones-Ivey and Nicolson.

Perhaps they will consider the same when it comes to the reelection of Rodman and Solomon.
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Oro Valley Town Council Approves Municipal Course 36 Hole Option

The Oro Valley Town Council approved retaining 36 holes of golf
The Oro Valley Town Council voted 6-1 to retain 36 holes of golf on the town owned El Conquistador and Canada courses. The resolution included a number of stipulations. These were discussed by council well into the night.

The courses will be run as a municipal course with public access to all courses. The courses will require approximately $750,000 in tax subsidy within 3 years, according to projections provided by Town Manager Mary Jacobs.

LOVE will post the resolution and its key supporting financial projection supporting schedule on October 10 and 11.

In the meantime, please enjoy our series: "Get To Know Golder Ranch Fire District".
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Town Owned Golf Course Community Threatens Council

Scare Tactic...Intimidation?
The flyer below was posted on mailboxes within the Canada Hills Community Association. It doesn't say who or what is behind this. It does, however, note that "the event" is NOT organized or sponsored by any HOA".

No decision made
The Council has not made a decision regarding the future of Oro Valley's 47 holes of town owned golf.

For what are they being held accountable?

They are not like the Hiremath Council who pushed the sale through without any due diligence; and with public input that they completely ignored.

Council considering all options
This Council is taking its time, verifying the information.They will make a decision based on what they learn, not from threats.

By the way, the picture of the lush green golf course is not a hole on the Town owned courses. The only holes with a lake are #16 Canada (viewed from La Canada) and #5 Conquistador.
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Guest View-Edward Cooke: "Get The Facts On The Golf Course"

We received the following email from an individual who lives on Carmel Pointe Drive along the golf course, though he does not state such in his email. 

LOVE is based on full-disclosure and honesty. 

To us this means that people who have a self interest in the result of an event should disclose such in their communications to us.  Submitting emails to us that pretend to  be altruistic, when they are indeed self-serving is, indeed, wrong.

We're publishing this as an illustration of what is being "tossed around" out there.
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"LOVE needs to be more fair with their articles regarding the Oro Valley golf courses.

I really believe that all the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation financials need to be included in your articles, not just the lambasting of the golf courses. You would be surprised how many people I have spoken to that have no idea how much money Oro Valley is losing on the Aquatic Center.

Why is the Oro Valley Council spending money ($1.350M) on Naranja Park when the residents of Oro Valley have voted the park down on numerous occasions? How many dollars does Naranja Park generate for the town? How much are we spending to maintain this park annually?

[Comments derogatory to the writer of a previous LOVE guest view were removed. We do not publish personal attacks].  I ask that all Oro Valley residents ... get the true facts and to decide for themselves what the actual numbers are. You will be very surprised.

Lastly, remember if the golf courses are shutdown the town of Oro Valley will suffer substantial tax revenue losses. Winter visitors who rent the golf villas or private homes will no longer come to Oro Valley for their golf. Restaurants, hotels, the Oro Valley Marketplace will suffer greatly. People will lose their jobs. Is this what we want to happen?

Winter visitors are not going to come to Oro Valley to walk on linear parks, bicycle trails left to grow as natural vegetation, surrounded by houses. We have sufficient walking trails all through Oro Valley including Catalina State Park.

The golf courses are now producing revenue. Let them continue. Instead of denigrating golf, work to keep the junior golf, First Tee viable for our young people and keep Oro Valley Green.

I sincerely hope the new mayor and council consider the ramifications closure of the golf courses will cause the community.

Respectfully submitted,

Edward Cooke
Former president Canada Hills Master Association"

Guest View-Mike Zinkin: Proper Golf Course Utilization

One does not need to be an expert in golf course management to understand that a tee time that goes unfulfilled is lost revenue. So let's look at the golf course utilization at the Oro Valley Town-owned golf courses. For the purpose of illustration, we will not count the 9-hole course at Pusch Ridge.

Golf courses schedule a foursome to begin every eight minutes. This equates to 7 foursomes, or 28 golfers an hour. During the winter, it is not unreasonable to start your first tee time at 7:30 AM and continue for 7 hours until 2:30 PM. During those 7 hours, a golf course can provide play for 196 golfers (28 golfers an hour x 7 hours). With Oro Valley having two 18-hole courses, the Town can accommodate 56 golfers an hour or 392 golfers a day (392 rounds of golf).

The winter of our discontent

Taking the month of November with 30 days, if the courses were 100% utilized, the Town would have provided golf for 11,760 rounds. In actuality, in November 2016 Oro Valley golf courses had 4,013 rounds of golf played, of which 467 rounds were complimentary. This means that two Oro Valley 18-hole golf courses were utilized only 34% of the available time (this includes member, non-member, and complimentary play). This is during the high season.

There ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
During the summer months, golf is available from 5:30 AM - 4:30 PM. During these eleven hours of play, there are 616 rounds of available play (56 golfers an hour x 11 available hours). With 31 days in July, there are 19,096 rounds of golf available in July. However, in July 2016, Oro Valley’s two courses provided for only 2,093 rounds, including 102 complimentary rounds. This means that the Town's golf courses were utilized just 10.97% of the time.

It’s Elementary
One does not need to hire a consultant to understand that if your courses are not utilized anywhere from 66% - 89% of the time, they are not going to make money. No sales tax revenue, membership revenue, or any other existing revenue is going to make up for this deficiency. Golf is not working in Oro Valley and it’s time to cut our losses and move on. The council recently requested a Feasibility Study. It appears that they have finally given up on their 5-year plan and are now looking for a way to save face.

Here’s an idea
Besides the four options that the town enumerated in their Request for Proposal, the options below should also be considered:

1. The Town can close or lease the Overlook Restaurant.
2. The Town can GIVE UP GOLF entirely and close the 9-hole Pusch Ridge course and the 18-hole Conquistador course.
3. The Town can also taking advantage of a clause in the purchase agreement which allows the Town to lease the Canada course (18 holes on east side of LaCanada) back to the El Conquistador Resort for $10,000 per year for 50 years.

The Resort can choose not to lease it, in which case they would lose their Resort status. In that instance, the Town would return the five holes south of Lambert Lane to The Villages of Canada Hills HOA and ask the People what they desire to do with the remaining 18 holes on the Conquistador course, the 9 holes on the Pusch Ridge course, and the remaining 13 holes on the Canada course.
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Mike Zinkin is a long-time Oro Valley resident. Mike is also a golfer. Mike was in an Valley Council member from 2012 through 2016. He has been following the community center/golf situation closely from its inception. He has consistently argued  for ways to rationalize Oro Valley's operations of these golf courses. His pleas  for action were ignored by the Council majority until after Mike left office in November. Then, suddenly, the Council decided that they needed to study what is, now they admit, a very serious problem.
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Reliable Sources Tell Us...

Employees at the El Con Hotel have been instructed never to charge Mr. Lopez (Humberto Lopez/HSL Properties) for his meals (after all he owns the hotel). The problem is that Mr. Lopez has been seen on more than one occasion dining and drinking with Mayor Hiremath and no bill has been presented to the mayor for his portion of the check. We wonder if the mayor is aware of the State Law prohibiting receiving gifts in excess of $25.00? Has the mayor broken the Law?
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Recently there was a meeting with senior staff personnel and a businessman who has expressed an interest in leasing the entire Food & Beverage portion of the Community Center. This would include the Overlook Restaurant and the golf course beverage carts. This businessman initially contacted Mayor Hiremath with his proposal but the mayor (Mr. Civility) never even gave him the courtesy of a response. Town “insiders” suggested that he circumvent the mayor and contact the town manager, the finance director, and the head of Parks and Recreation. Initial reports are that the meeting was very productive with the senior staff showing an interest in the proposal.

Guest View-Mike Zinkin: El Conquistador Golf Course Still Losing Money

Golf Memberships Update
The table that follows details the number of golf memberships for the current fiscal year which began on July 1, 2016.

As you can see, they lost 5 members in August, another 13 members in September, and 6 members in October. November is the only month showing an increase in memberships, but is still 20 members short of the memberships in July despite the fact that November temperatures are much more favorable for playing golf

In reality. there are only 216 dues-paying members out of the 230 total members since members over age 90 pay no dues.

Troon stated that they needed 318 members by December 31, 2016. There are actually only 216 dues-paying members since members over age 90 pay no dues. In other words, Troon needed a membership increase from 216 to 318 in the month of December. It’s not likely that they added 100 new memberships in one month but I will provide an update when the figures become available.

Revenue Update
In addition, golf revenue from July through September 2015 was $135,723. Golf revenue for the same time period in 2016 is $109,380. This is $26,343 less revenue than the prior year. As of September 2016, the Community and Recreation Fund (the fund set aside to pay for all this) is $201,294 in the red. This fund includes the increased sales tax revenue. ly through September 2016 total golf revenue was $109,380. This is $26,343, about 19% less than the revenues of $135,723 for the same time frame in 2015.

The food and beverage numbers are somewhat better. Through September 2015, the losses were $88,178, while through September 2016 the losses are $48,902. The bottom line remains that the food and beverage portion (primarily the Overlook Restaurant) is still losing a lot of money…your money.

Golf Losses Update

In the first three months of the fiscal year (July 1 through September 30) the golf losses are still quite high at $760,069.  They are predicting year end losses of $1,538,678.  In order for that to happen, golf can lose only $778,609 in the remaining 9 months of the fiscal year.  It seems improbable that golf will lose $778,000 in the next nine months when it lost $760,000 in just the first three months.  Remember that last year we ended over $2.4 million in the red. 

The financials for October and November 2016 are supposed to be on the January 17^th Council agenda.  I will provide an update as soon as those figures become available.

The Dots Connect Between Mayor Hiremath and HSL Properties

On May 2, 2014...
Mayor Hiremath receives a $5,000 political campaign donation from Humberto S. Lopez. Lopez is not an Oro Valley resident. Lopez owns and operates Tucson-based, HSL Properties. The amount of the contribution is so large that Mayor Hiremath amends his campaign filing report to split the donation between Mr. Lopez and his wife.

From June through December 2014
Mayor Hiremath leads a negotiation between Town Of Oro Valley and Lopez' HSL Properties to purchase and operate the El Conquistador Country Club. Oro Valley will make this purchase once HSL buys the Hilton El Conquistador Hotel and Resort out of bankruptcy.

Though other council members could have been appointed to lead this effort, Mayor Hiremath takes the lead in these negotiations. He does not recuse himself. That would have alleviated concerns by the public of a conflict of interest.

The deal is rushed to council because, according the Hiremath, HSL must have an answer on whether Oro Valley will buy the property because "...there are 2 other buyers in line." He does not identify the other buyers. None materialize after a 6 month delay in the actual purchase. As a result, people believe that there were no other buyers.

The deal negotiated by Hiremath is of great benefit to HSL Properties (See panel on right).

December 17...
The deal goes before council for final approval. There is a "faux" public hearing.

Many respected Oro Valley residents speak on the matter. They include residents you may not know like Marv Snyder, George Kates, Bill Ayers and Wally Vetty. They include some you should know like Helen and Alan Denkwerth.

The vast majority of the 39 speakers are either against the purchase or urge greater caution before making the purchase decision. They raise issues such as inadequate plans, financial forecasts that are far too optimistic, the negative impact on property taxes because the town, and not a private enterprise, will own the golf course, the downturn in the game of golf, and Oro Valley going into competition with private enterprise.

One Oro Valley resident, Lori Pettijohn, reminds the council that not all people who live in Oro Valley can afford the sales tax increase to pay for this transaction. Her family is a military family. She reminds the Mayor: "Not everyone has a dentist's income."

The deal is so confusing, so rushed and so poorly studied that the minority says that they will vote "no."

The Mayor brooks no motion to delay the decision. "I promised HSL that they would have an 'up or down' decision tonight."

A vote ensues. It is 4-3.

Mayor Hiremath and council members Hornat, Snider and Waters approve the purchase of  45 holes of golf, tennis courts, 2 small swimming pools, a snack bar, a full service restaurant, and a clubhouse. They state that the town will convert the clubhouse into a community and recreation center.

Next, the four approve a sales tax increase from 2.0% to 2.5%, a 25% increase in the rate, to cover some of the losses from the golf course and community center.

The result...
This deal splits Oro Valley residents apart such that residents become active. Some form a PAC to put the purchase to a vote. This effort fails because of the use of the wrong reference number on the petition form. Others turn to their next avenue: A recall vote on the four incumbents. They spend enormous effort (See Monday's post) to make this happen.

Their assertion is that Mayor Hiremath and council members Hornat, Snider and Waters disregarded substantial resident input against the deal or the caution that further study and public vetting be done. They assert that the four ignored the fact that a 25% increase in the sales tax rate has a significant impact on families who are struggling to make ends meet. They assert that the Town Of Oro Valley should not be in competition with private enterprise. They assert that the purchase commits Oro Valley to multi-million dollar deficit spending on the golf course. They assert that the purchase commits Oro Valley to decades of a contract with Troon Golf to manage and operate the course and the restaurant even if these facilities lose money (Town forecasts show millions is losses).

As LOVE reported Monday, Mayor Hiremath and council members Hornat, Snider and Waters, the four being recalled, have yet to directly address these assertions. Instead, they focus on anything but what they did since last August.

November 3...
 The trail of "quid pro quo" between Mayor Hiremath and Lopez is documented by fact. Lopez donated $5,000 to Hiremath's reelection in May. In December, Oro Valley facilitated Lopez' purchase of the El Conquistador Resort. Oro Valley did so by purchasing and then agreeing to operate, virtually in perpetuity, 45 holes of money losing golf. It is Hiremath who led the negotiations and who pushed the purchase through with the help of council members Hornat, Snider and Waters.

It is possible that these events are non connected. It could be a coincidence.

What do you think?

This is what actually happened. It's documented. However, the story is not complete.

You will write the rest of the story on November 3.

Guest View-Jack Stinnett: Majority-4 Try To Re-write History... Again

Oro Valley resident Jack Stinnett was Chariman of the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Board when the town purchased the El Conquistador Country Club. He resigned his position on the Board in response to what he felt as an ill advised, poorly studied purchase. In the following, Jack presents the facts regarding public input into this purchase decision; and the concurrent council decision to raise the sales tax to pay for financial loss from golf course operations.
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On his campaign web site, Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath presents a "carefully crafted" lie regarding public participation in the process of purchasing the El Conquistador Country Club.

The Mayor's implies in his statement [insert right] that there was meaningful public input into the town's purchase the facilities and the increase in the sales tax.

The facts, however, do not support his position. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Yes. There were three meetings in which the public had an opportunity to opine on the purchase. However, at no time did residents have the opportunity to influence the decision to purchase the El Conquistador golf courses and the decision to raise the local sales tax to support the golf course.

Let's take a look at the public hearings to which, I believe, Mayor Hiremath refers in his statement.

Meeting 1: December 3, 2014
The purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club was revealed for the first time to the public at the Oro Valley Town Council's December 3, 2014 regular meeting.

At this meeting, the Town presented its proposal in support of the purchase in 30 minutes. Mayor Hiremath, Councilmembers Hornat, Snider and Waters asked no questions of substance.

Immediately after this presentation, five  attendees submitted "blue card"s and spoke against the purchase. This, I think is what Mayor Hiremath refers to as a "public meeting." If so, then this is the first such meeting.  I attended this meeting.

Meeting 2:  December 9, 2014
The purchase proposal was  presented to the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ("PRAB") on December 9, 2014. The Town had abruptly cancelled the PRAB regularly scheduled November 17 meeting and rescheduled it December 9 so that PRAB could approve the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club prior to the December 17 Council vote.

As I listened to the presentation, it appeared to me that Town Manager Greg Caton had expected a PRAB "rubber stamp" of approval. However, after 90 minutes of questions to Mr Caton, and Town staff presenters, PRAB members did not pass the Town's motion to approve the purchase. Instead, PRAB passed a motion 5-1 supporting the acquisition of the EL Conquistador recreational facilities but not the three golf courses. This, I think, is what Mayor Hiremath refers to as a "public meeting." If so, then this is the second such meeting.  I participated in this meeting.

Meeting 3: December 17, 2014
The Town El Conquistador purchase proposal was then presented at the regularly scheduled December 17 meeting. It was approved on a 4-3 vote. Those in favor: Mayor Hiremath, and concilmembers  Hornat, Snider and Waters. The approval came after many residents spoke against the rushed purchase stating their opposition to the deal, inadequate due diligence, lack of public review meetings and the lack of transparency of the process. This, I think, is what Mayor Hiremath refers to as a "public meeting." If so, then this is the third such meeting.

No true public hearings were held on this purchase and tax increase
The "hearings" conducted at these three public meetings were perfunctory. The first meeting doesn't really count. No one knew about the purchase until that very meeting. The PRAB meeting, "meeting 2", was scheduled to approve the purchase. It was not scheduled as a public forum. At the start of this meeting, three residents addressed the board. Two residents expressed concerns about the purchase. One spoke in support. Residents only observed the meeting after that.  At "hearing 3",  residents had only 3 minutes to opine at the December 17 meeting. What they said had no impact on the decision. The Majority-4 had already decided to make the purchase.

The public said "No." The council majority ignored their input
At all of these meetings, the "public input" that was given was overwhelmingly "No." That input was ignored. It seems to me that the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club was agreed upon by the Majority-4 long before town residents could hear the facts, voice their opinion or suggest alternatives.

Later in 2015 the Town held "outreach" meetings to explain the purchase after the fact and test soft areas of the story. Over the next months the purchase narrative was routinely updated to "fine tune" the story and discredit facts that did not support the Mayor's statements.

Mayor Hiremath: The truth does not support your assertion
There were no public meetings that allowed residents to learn, evaluate and provide input on the purchase and the sales tax increase. The deal to purchase the El Conquistador properties and to raise the Town's sales tax was decided before any public awareness, scrutiny or involvement. It was, in my opinion a "backroom deal."

Mayor Hiremath: Your statement misleads residents
The Mayor attempts to hide what really transpired.

Why does he not stand behind his decision? Why hide behind a "facade" of public participation?
It was his negotiation. It was his decision. It was the decision of fellow councilmembers Hornat, Snider and Waters to support it. They did so without regard to the sentiment of the majority who spoke against this purchase.

Jack Stinnett
Former Chairman
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 2013 and 2014

We're Back: Our July Review

LOVE is back. Ready to roll. Here's a quick look at what happened while we were offline.
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Hirmath recall election approved... to happen in November
In June, the Oro Valley Citizens for Open Government submitted petitions containing more than 3,400 signatures seeking the recall of Oro Valley Mayor Hiremath. The petitions were reviewed by the Oro Valley town clerk and then by the Pima County Clerk. The results is that far more than sufficient signatures were obtained. Hiremath's name will be on the November recall election ballot.

Straney To Seek Mayor Position
Oro Valley resident Pat Straney has announced that he will seek election for the position of Oro Valley Mayor this November.  Straney, who lost to Hiremath in the partisan, low turnout August election last year.

Straney believes that results will be different this time. "Everyone will receive a ballot for this election, not just partisans. In addition, last summer, there was no golf course purchase, no aura of a backroom deal and no half cent sales tax increase. Believe me, this time around I will be not be timid about drawing a stark contrast between me and my opponent or my vision for Oro Valley going forward.”

Learn more about Pat on his website.

Challengers Seeking Signaures
All of the candidates are seeking signatures so that they can get on the ballot. Their petitions must be submitted by September 4.

The 3 council candidates are looking to add to their signature list, even though they have signatures above the threshhold level of 526. Pat Straney is looking for signatures as he has just started. If you are interested in signing there petitioners, you can do so at the Oro Valley Library tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, from  9 – noon each day.

The incumbents do not need to go through this process since they already hold office and they are the ones being recalled.

If you are interested in getting a election sign for Dr. Hartung you can reach him at ryanhartung1953@gmail.com.

November Election Line-up Is Set
The November election is a "head to head" competition. The lineup is:

• Satish Hiremath incumbent v and Patrick Straney, challenger
• Lou Waters incumbent v and Steve Didio challenger
• Joe Hornatm incumbent v Ryan Hartung, challenger
• Mary Snider, incumbent and Shirl Lamonna Challenger

There is a world of difference between these choices. Our only question: Will Oro Valley's voters do their homework to learn what these differences are?


"Lie, Intimidate and Bully?" Not so, according to council candidate Dr. Ryan Hartung
Mayor Hiremath  resorted to "name calling" and "labeling" his opponents. He was quoted in the Explorer as saying that the petition group, OVCOG would "lie, intimidate and bully." These strong words, not supported by fact, were refuted by OVCOG head and now council candidate Dr. Ryan Hartung. Dr. Hartung addressed council in late June:

"I am not a liar. I am not a bully. I don't intimidate people. I am a father of two who wants to be left alone and hang out in his house. I saw wrong in Oro Valley and I'm trying to fix what I see as a wrong. I have never come out and called names to anyone else and I would appreciate it if that is not the same for me."

Name calling and unfounded accusations on the part of a sitting Mayor of any community is child like.

Majority-4 Supporters Print Identical Letters In Explorer
The Explorer printed two letters from Majority-4 supporters in July. The articles contained virtually identical wording. As one of our readers pointed out: "Apparently, both they and their supporters are incapable of independent thought." Many believe that the printing of these letters and negative comments about opposing candidates will be the hallmark of the Majority-4 campaign. The opposing candidates, however, plan to take the opposite tack. They are sticking to the facts and have stated to LOVE that they will run "clean" campaigns.

For the past 5 years, the Explorer's preference has been to print, unedited, anything that is submitted to them by the town or any member of Majority-4. This was the operating model of the prior editor's reign. Thus, we referred to the Explorer as the "local advertising circular" since it was not, in any way, a journalistic piece. We understand that new editor Rupkalvis will not print letters from candidates. We hope, however, that he will teach his staff  to provide critical think to that which they do print. Printing relatively identical letters letter from two different people shows a complete lack of thinking.

Civility Lost
The council majority has yet another web page. This one is about how they claim to stand for "civility."

As one reader wrote us:

"With Hiremath's constant rants and character assassination, Snider's husband accosting Brendan [Burns] at the Community Center Grand Opening, and Waters' wife accosting an Oro Valley resident when he was delivering campaign flyers for Mike Zinkin, the have a lot of nerve carrying the civility banner!"

Are they "Civil?" You tell us.

We will publish more on "civility" next Wednesday.

Majority-4 initiated a money transfer from their PAC to a private PAC... One that has no bank account
In January, Oro Valley resident Don Cox established a PAC. The PAC is named: "Triple E - Effective, Efficient, and Effortless Growth Management." The type of committee listed on the organization is a "committee organized for the purpose of making independent expenditures." Its seed money contributors are Council Members Waters and Hornat.

Council members Lou Waters and Joe Hornat  transferred $500 each to this PAC to this PAC on February 9 and February 12, respectively. The money came from their "Vote Lou Waters" and "Vote Joe Hornat" PACs.

The PAC did not list a bank to which funds are to be deposited in its filing. This is contrary to law. We wonder where the money went?

Want to learn more?

Really? Does Oro Valley really need a press release to explain the color of golf course grass?
Early in July, the town issued a press release explaining why the grass on the golf course turned brown. The explanation said the color change was due to aeration of the golf course. Aerification is performed in the hot, summer months, when fewer people are using the golf courses."

The process of aerification lifts cores from the soil, leaving them on the grass. So, that causes the brown appearance. However, the grass itself does not turn color from this process.

Our opinion: It really is a waste of town resources to create and then issue a press release on something of so little interest and consequence to most town residents. Would the town issue a press release if, for example, a water fountain breaks at the community center? At best, these types of notices belong on a bulletin board in the clubhouse and not as an official press release of the town of Oro Valley.

Bits and Pieces

Will Troon Golf Bail?
Is it possible that Oro Valley's minimal 2016 spending on the improvements to the golf courses will cause Troon Golf to bail on the town? We ask because the golf courses are in sad shape, well below any standard that Troon Golf may have for their courses. Certainly, they don't want to soil their reputation. Also, they have an incentive clause in their contract that activates only when golf fees are significant. It is unlikely that 2016 will be a "significant" year.

Don't Forget: Comment on the draft of the general plan 
This is a "gentle" reminder to please invest a bit of your time in reading the 60% complete draft of the 2015 general plan. You can access it here. And, when you are done, be sure to submit comments on it.

Zinkin continues active involvement in League of Cities and Towns
Council Member Mike Zinkin is Oro Valley's representative to the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. He is the town's representative on the Budget, Finance and Economic Development (BFED) Policy Committee. In addition, he or Oro Valley's representative on the Steering Committee of the National League of Cities and Towns Community and Economic Development Committee

Cheap golf round rates at Golf Club at Vistoso
The Golf Club at Vistoso is offering summer rates:

• Mornings: $32
• Twilight: $23
• Sundown: $18

Oro Valley housing market shows continued improvement in May
According to Long Realty: "In the Oro Valley area, May 2015 active inventory was 313, a 9% decrease from May 2014. There were 73 closings in May 2015, a 3% increase from May 2014. Year-to-date 2015 there were 318 closings, a 4% increase from year-to-date 2014. Months of Inventory was 4.3, down from 4.9 in May 2014. Median price of sold homes was $283,000 for the month of May 2015, up 14% from May 2014. The Oro Valley area had 66 new properties under contract in May 2015, up 3% from May 2014." (Source: Long Realty Monthly Report)

November recall election to cost $25,000-$30,000
The town estimates that the November recall election of Council Members Hornat, Snider and Waters will cost up to $30,000. This is far less than the $75,000 estimate that those who opposed the election were estimating. This is because this election will be on the same ballot as the Pima County Bond Election. The town will take the funds from the contingency reserves since the election was not planned in the budget.

November Recall election particulars
If you plan to vote in the recall election, and we hope that you do, you must register to vote by October 5. Those wishing to run for these positions have from August 5 to September 5 to file nomination papers. The minimum number of signatures for eligibility is 526 registered Oro Valley voters.

Meet the Community Center Architect Open House
"The Town of Oro Valley invites you to an open house for a "Meet the Architect" event on Monday, June 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Sunset Room at the new Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Drive. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the architect chosen to assist the Town with remodeling this facility (Breckenridge Group) as well as view the three main focus areas of the initial renovation: ADA access and compliance, remodeling the fitness lobby and remodeling the restaurant dining area." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Questions: Who is Breckenridge Group? They have no web site. They are not approved by the Better Business Bureau. How did the town go about selecting them to do this job?

"Despicable Me 2" at OV's FREE Drive-In Movie at the Driving Range this Saturday Oro Valley,
"Join your friends and neighbors for a FREE Drive-in Movie on the Driving Range this Saturday, June 20 at sunset (approximately 7:30 p.m.). The Town of Oro Valley will show the PG-rated movie "Despicable Me 2" on a giant, inflatable screen right on the driving range at the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center, 11555 N. La Cañada Drive. You are welcome to drive in your golf cart or bring blankets and chairs to sit on the lawn. Food and beverages will be available for purchase." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Oro Valley earns fourth "Playful City USA" designation
"The Town of Oro Valley has earned the "Playful City USA" designation from national non-profit KaBOOM! Presented by The Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program advocating for local policies that increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the play deficit. This is Oro Valley's fourth year receiving this designation (2011, 2012, 2013)."(Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Petitions To Recall Oro Valley Council Member Hornat, Snider and Waters Turned in Today

Oro Valley Resident Ryan Hartung, leader of the group Oro Valley Citizens for Open Government ("OVCOG") turned in petitions t\that had more than 3,000 registered voter signatures to recall three Oro Valley council majority members:

Joe Hornat:                  3,032   Mary Snider:                3,081   Lou Waters:                 3,052

Approximately 2,200 signatures are required for a recall election to occur.  The 800+ overage is to cover any  non-Oro Valley registered voter signatures.

"We have been very careful to make sure that every signature on these petitions is valid." Hartung observed prior to submitting the signatures. "They ran as a block. They voted s block. They should be recalled as a block.”

Ryan Hartung (OVCOG) and Oro Valley Clerk Bower

OVCOG has gathered sufficient signatures for a recall election for the mayoral position, according to Hartung. The threshold number of signatures required is 2,800.

OVCOG wants to be sure that it has a larger cushion of overage signatures to ensure that any invalid signatures are covered.  The group has until late June to turn in this petition.

The fact that the petitions to have a vote on the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club were rejected by Town Clerk Bower has made it necessary for this recall effort, according to Hartung: “We had no other recourse."

The turn-activity was covered by local press and KOLD TV. So, be sure to look for their coverage today and tonight.

In the room during the submission to town clerk Bower was a representative of the Oro Valley Police Department. As we have previously reported, the police have been actively working against the recall by originating and spreading false information that the recall is about the police.

According to Hargung: "This recall is about the unwise purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club. Nothing else."

Recall Petitions Filed Today as Town Of Oro Valley Announces Purchase of El Conquistador Country Club

Oro Valley Citizens For Open Government ("OVCOG") announced Friday "...that it has amassed sufficient petition signatures for (a recall election of) Council members Hornat, Waters, and Snider." OVCOG will submit the petitions to town clerk Bower today.

Also Friday, the Town Of Oro Valley announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the El Conquistador Country Club. "On April 23, 2015, [Town Of Oro Valley and HSL Properties] signed the tentative contract for the purchase, which is currently at the title company for finalization. The Town anticipates a transfer of ownership to take place by May 1, 2015." (Town Of Oro Valley Press Release)

A recall election is far from a sure thing
In order for the recall election to occur, Oro Valley Town Clerk Bower must review the submitted petitions. She will determine if they are in substantial compliance with legal requirements. Any error of any magnitude will result in the rejection of the petitions. If the petitions past her inspection, the petitions will go to the county. They will seek out invalid signatures. These processes will take at least 5 weeks.

The right of recall is in the Arizona state constitution. The legislature has written requirements for petitions that are so stringent as to prevent the right of recall. Even the most insignificant mistake will result in rejecting the petitions. For example, in January Oro Valley Town Clerk Bower rejected the petitions that would have allowed a vote on the town's purchase of El Conquistador Country Club. She rejected the petitions because the petitions did not include the correct filing number on each page of each petition. The rejection was upheld in both the lower court and the appellate court. The Supreme Court has been asked to hear the case on constitutional grounds. The court will not decide until late May if it will consider the case. 

If, after the scrutinization of both the town and county clerk, the petitions are approved and if there are sufficient valid Oro Valley registered voter signatures, then a recall election will occur. This would be on November 3. This is at the same day voters will be asked to approve property taxes to pay for a massive $800million Pima County Bond Issue.

OVCOG contines to seek signatures for Hiremath recall
"Signature gathering continues for Mayor Hiremath - accounting for the required higher threshold [in the number of Oro Valley registered voter signatures] for the mayor's position and the desire for a sufficient cushion to ensure a successful recall process." The group did not release a date on which they plan to turn in these signatures.

Oro Valley purchases El Conquistador Country Club
While all this has taken place, the Town Of Oro Valley has moved forward with its purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club from HSL properties. HSL is known in Pima County for is unusual dealings with the City of Tucson regarding its "begging" for help with a downtown hotel. They are know in Oro Valley because they built the large apartment complex, La Encantada at Steam Pump on Oracle Road. This required rezoning that was approved by the council majority.  HSL was a significant contributors to the 2014 election campaigns of Mayor Hiremath and council members Hornat, Snider and Waters.

The transfer of ownership of the El Conquistador Country Club will occur on May 1.

The purchase may have "strings" that benefit HSL and preclude future property sale
We have previously reported that the sale of the property to Oro Valley by HSL may have conditions that guarantee great benefits of golf course and club use to the Hilton El Conquistador, which HSL owns, over many years. At one point, we understand that HSL was requesting the right to approve any Oro Valley sale of the property. This kind of condition would diminish the market value of the property and make it more difficult for a third party to purchase it. As we reported, there is a bone fide offer by Oro Valley resident Rick Chandler to purchase the property.

LOVE will provide a detailed analysis of the purchase agreement once it becomes available.

Mayor Hiremath: "An exciting time for our community"
"This is a very exciting time for our community," said Mayor Satish I. Hiremath. "Since the 1990s, our residents have expressed a desire for a community center-for a central gathering place. We now have the amenities to meet that need as well as provide increased parks and recreation programming for all ages." (Oro Valley press release)

Many do not share the mayor's enthusiasm. 
This is because the purchase is far more than for a community center.  "The purchase includes 324 acres of land, a 31,475 square-foot building, restaurant, 31 tennis courts, 45 holes of golf and two swimming pools." (Oro Valley Press Release)

To many, this is a massive, costly, and risky undertaking for Oro Valley
The purchase is a massive undertaking by Oro Valley. The $1million purchase price is small in comparison to the amount of investment required to rebuild the property. Oro Valley Town Manager Caton has recommended 2015-16 funding for the facility at almost $8.2million. $6.3million of this is to pay for a management contract with Troon Golf. The town's investment, according to information provided to us by the town, is well over $8million over 5 years. There are others, however, who believe that the investment will be more than $13million.

The council majority increased the sales tax one half percent to pay for some of the cost of operating this facility.

The purchase is also significant risk. The sport of golf is in decline. Green fees are dropping as competition for fewer golf rounds heatsup. In addition, the town is using public money to compete with the private enterprise golf clubs in our community. Every one of these courses is struggling to survive.