The Avilla Story: Residents Can Make a Huge Difference When They Get Involved

Tiny rental homes could not be a worse fit for Oro Valley
Last week’s council denial of the Avilla tiny rental homes rezoning project was a victory not only for those who live in the area but also for all residents of Oro Valley. It was a victory because if there ever was a residential housing project that didn't belong in Oro Valley, then this was the project. Residents felt that two hundred and seven tiny rental homes stuffed around the Safeway plaza in Rancho Vistoso was just a bad idea—such a bad idea that it is astounding that town staff supported it.

Residents hated the project
Residents made it known that they were against the project in big numbers when they packed Council meeting chambers [see panel below-right]. They presented a number of objections… from traffic concerns… to a tainted Planning and Zoning Commission approval… to the simple objective of cramming ultra high density rental housing around the Safeway Plaza.

Fearing a worse traffic nightmare than already exists
This project, residents felt, would make it worse, despite the assurance of the applicant that they were going to make things better by creating a shiny new intersection. After all, a little skepticism is a good thing. 

The shiny new intersection was presented by a traffic engineer hired by the applicant and not by town engineer, Paul Keesler. Keesler only spoke when pressed by Council Member Solomon to guesstimate what it would cost the town to build the intersection. He was very hesitant to answer, dropping a number in the $2-$3million range. He did not opine on whether the proposed intersection design was a good solution or even the best solution.

Residents were involved
They made a difference
We think the most telling thing was the gathering of 23 pages of 1,045 signatures—all against the project. This represents more than 700 households. Resident Shirl Lamonna and others gathered the signatures. The time and effort devoted to doing this was a significant commitment over many months. The result was Lamonna’s three-minute clip [panel left] in front of the council to tell them that the people didn't want the project. That’s a lot of work for a moment in front of the council, but it made a huge difference

Thus, the land remains zoned for commercial use
At the meeting, Town Planner Michael Spaeth painted a doomsday scenario if the project were not approved. He told the residents that the property, as it is currently zoned, could one day have very large buildings on it—buildings that could obstruct views and bring "gobs" of traffic. His inference, of course, is that the residents should want the Avilla project because it will be less of a monster; and, as a bonus, they will get a shiny new intersection. The residents and the town council didn't buy his argument.

One day the property could have commercial buildings on it. On the other hand, it may stay vacant for another 50 years, which would be just fine with everyone who lives in the area—everyone except the property owner, who doesn't live in the area.

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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.

Meet Candidate Shirl Lamonna

Oro Valley resident Shirl Lamonna will be a candidate for Oro Valley council in the November election.  Lamonna is a 10 year resident and a friend of LOVE.

Lamonna is very knowledgeable of what is happening in Oro Valley She has been following Oro Valley events and participating in the "call the audience" portion of the Oro Valley council meetings. In addition, she is a frequent commenter on LOVE.

Shirl is also very knowledgeable of what is happening in Pima County. She is currently working as research assistant to Pima County Supervisor Ally Miller. "I have the experience and knowledge of government dealings. This will allow for a fast learning curve as I have already researched every type of agenda item for the supervisors meetings am already familiar with many of issues that will impact the residents of Oro Valley."

Lamonna is not new to Oro Valley politics. Together with Oro Valley resident Debra Arrett, she led an effort to seek a public vote on the towns purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club. Were it not for a clerical error that vote would have occurred.

She led the successful effort in 2011-12 to block a rezoning of a parcel known as "7-I". That parcel, located on the northwest corner of Tangerine and Rancho Vistoso Blvd, was scheduled to have been rezoned for apartments. Lamonna mobilized the neighbors and kept our community informed. Read her incisive analysis of the 7-I situation to get an insight into the exceptional fact-based quality of her work.

We asked Lamonna why she has decided to run for council.

"I moved to Oro Valley, like so many, because it was a suburban, small town. It didn't just have the feel of one. It was one. Instead, Councilmembers Hornat, Snider and Waters with the Mayor have given us almost 800 apartments, a doubling of our utility tax, an increase in our sales tax, a $31 million dollar plan for Naranja Park (including an amphitheater and event center) and numerous higher density rezonings. They have changed the entire “dynamic” of life in Oro Valley."

Lamonna continued: "I’ve attempted to change the direction of this Council by using the tools available to citizens – heading opposition to the apartments as previously mentioned, attending Planning and Zoning sessions, speaking at Council meetings, and finally heading up the T.O.O.T.H. Referendum Committee. Nothing has worked. So now it’s time for me to step up to help shift us towards fiscal responsibility, transparency and sensible development."

We asked Shirl what she will bring to council that the current incumbents don't.

"I am an independent thinker who will research and analyze every issue before making a decision. I am running for YOU – to ensure your voice is heard."

Bits and Pieces

Meet the new candidates tomorrow
"Just a friendly reminder that you can meet three Town Council candidates this Saturday, June 27th and sign the petitions to help get them on the November ballot. The event is from 9am - 3pm at the Town Council Courtyard and at the Oro Valley Public Library. Refreshments will be served. Please see the attached flyer." (Source: Steve Didio email)

In light of the "insanity" that occurred at town hall Wednesday when Hiremath recall papers were filed, lets hope that only those interested in meeting the new candidates attend this event.

Petitions submitted to recall Mayor Hiremath

Oro Valley, Arizona (June 25, 2015) - At approximately 10 a.m. yesterday, June 24, 2015, signatures for a recall petition for Oro Valley Mayor Satish I. Hiremath were delivered to the Town of Oro Valley Clerk's Office. The petitions were submitted by the Oro Valley Citizens for Open Government Committee.

The Oro Valley Clerk's Office has 10 days in which to process the petitions and verify that the total number of signatures eligible for verification is equal to or exceeds the minimum 2,765 required signatures.

Pima County will then have 60 days in which to verify the signatures before the petition process moves forward. Once the county verifies the signatures, they will come back to the Oro Valley Town Clerk for a final check before they are legally filed. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release) 

Group forms to oppose Pima County Bond
Taxpayers Against Pima County Bonds has formed. According to a group press release: 

"The real myth is “new bonding will not affect your property taxes.” The fact is, last year on my tax bill, I paid almost $170.00 under the category "county bonds secondary." This represents almost 5% of my total tax bill! It does NOT include the roughly $1,385 I pay in other secondary property taxes, many of which are also bonds for other things. And secondary property taxes are in addition to the primary property taxes we pay. Bonds DO affect your taxes! Pima County now wants to borrow close to $816 Million. This is a 57% increase over what Pima County currently owes. If my taxes on the existing Pima County Bonds are $170 a year, what can I expect them to go up to after they borrow another $816 Million? It's basic economics, the more you borrow, the more you need to pay back! " (Source: Taxpayers Against Pima County Bonds Press Release)

Their webside is pimabondfact.com

 Hecker Leads Pima County Bond Support
"A group in support of the Pima County bond proposal has formed and begun to lobby the public to vote for the $815 million bond plan. The group, called "Yes on Pima County Bonds", held a news conference Monday to announce the effort.

Tucson attorney and chairman of the Pima County Bond Advisory Committee Lawrence Hecker is listed as the group’s chairman.

Business consultant and former Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities chairman Steve Eggen is treasurer of the group." (Source: Arizona Daily Star

Do you think that Hecker has a conflict of interest being chairing the Pima County Bond Advisory Board and now leading the cheerleading effort?

"Waters: From CNN To Council"
Rose Law Group published an exclusive interview with Council Member Lou Waters.

Entitled: "From CNN anchor desk to Oro Valley Town Council", the article asked why he ran for office. "Service always has been in my DNA, so I ran and won . . . twice." Later in the article he notes: "Far too many of our “politicians” will say or do anything to remain in office. And far too many things they say are just not in the best interests of the constituents they serve."

Rock Ridge Apartments Needs Tenants
Rock Ridge Apartments are located on the west side of Oracle Road, just south of Lambert Lane. The've been in town a long time. They need tenants. And the prices actually look pretty interesting. Want to learn more?

We imagine that apartment pricing in Oro Valley is going to get even better for the consumer as Russ Rulney's apartments, located just south of Rock Ridge on the east side of Oracle near completion. It is a monster development.

Oro Valley Releases Latest Crime Statistics

Oro Valley Police Department has issued their latest crime statistics.  Almost have of Oro Valley's accident intersections are at 3 major intersections. Oracle and Magee are, once again, at the top of the most frequent collision intersections.  Next are LaCanada and Tangerine and Tangerine and First Avenue.

The report includes information on how quickly police reach the scene of an incident, traffic or otherwise.  90% of the time or more officer response is at or under the allotted time for a particular incident priority. For example, our police responded to 97% of top priority incidents within one minute. There were 14. (Source)


Coffee with a Cop This Morning 
 "The Oro Valley Police Department is excited to announce its June Coffee with a Cop event located at Jerry Bob's, 10550 N. La Cañada Drive, Suite 140 . It will be on Friday, June 26, 2015 from 7 to 9 a.m. This marks the one year anniversary of its inception." (Oro Valley Police Department Press Release)

November Sees The Q and Brew 10K
"On Your Left Fitness is excited to partner with the North Tucson Firefighter’s Association (NTFFA) in hosting the Q and Brew 10K Run/Walk in conjunction with NTFFA’s BBQ Cook Off. Over 30 firefighter teams will be cooking up mouth-watering BBQ for you to enjoy after your run." The race is Saturday, November 21 in Oro Valley. (Source) On Your Left also sponsors a Test N Tune events at Steam Pump Ranch.

Chamber President Perry Plays Politics.. Impunes Motives... Gets it Wrong.

It is always a shame when people assume what motivates others. It is especially unfortunate when it implies nefarious motives that never existed. The assumption is often wrong. It is especially troublesome when the president of the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Dave Perry, does it.

Speaking in favor of the town's raising sales tax to support the operation of the El Conquistador Country Club, Perry stated that Resident Shirl Lamonna, leader of the effort to put the purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club on the ballot, spoke to council 3 years ago opposing the rezoning of a property on Rancho Vistoso and Tangerine Road (Parcel 7i).

Perry stated that "Certainly Shirl was motivated [to oppose the rezoning] by the belief that apartments on that property would have negatively impacted her property value." He then projected this "mind set" onto the residents living along the El Conquistador Country Club as a reason people should support the purchase.

Perry was wrong regarding Lamonna's motivation.

In a sharply worded email to Perry, Lamonna responded: "The reasons for opposition were ... mirrored by the entire community: Increased traffic and safety issues, increased class size in schools, the unproven market demand for apartments, the need to retain commercial zoning for future services to the community and (last but not least) the inconsistency with Oro Valley’s General Plan Vision, Goals & Policies."

Lamonna continued: "I can only surmise your motive to personally attack me by mentioning my name three times during your 'Call to the Audience' comments and for falsely painting me with selfish motivations."

Her email rebukes Perry for overreaching his role as president of the chamber.

"In your role as President and CEO of the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, it is not your role to call out a member of the public in a Town Council meeting particularly due to opposition of the risky and contentious Hilton County Club and Golf Course acquisition. Your role is...to support the mission of the Chamber, which is the following: 'To serve, protect and promote the businesses of the members of the Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce and the business community in general.'" (Chamber Charter Article IIb).

Perry stated at the council meeting that the Chamber receives $30,000 annually from the town. In return, the chamber is not allowed to become involved in any political activity.

"Lastly," noted Lamonna, "since you speculated on my motives, I therefore shall speculate on yours: The Mayor generously funds your organization; accordingly, you loyally take public political positions and freely misrepresent private citizens. It’s a shame that the Town deems it necessary to fund your organization given your partisan nature."

Council President Perry responded to Lamonna: "Thanks for your comments. Take good care,"