Bits and Pieces

Follow Up: Finance Director Gephart reinforces “lean but balanced” five year financial forecast

Wednesday, we reported that the town’s latest five-year financial forecast maintains balanced operations and reflects a more cautious, scaled-back approach to capital spending, while also highlighting longer-term uncertainties. Wednesday night, at the Town Council meeting, Finance Director David Gephart reinforced that view, describing the forecast as intentionally lean on capital projects to keep the town on a sustainable path. He said the plan is balanced and keeps spending within current means, while cautioning against drawing down fund balances, particularly in the capital fund, which will be needed for future priorities such as the full build-out of the police headquarters. He added that the forecast is a starting point, and any new spending will require adjustments during the upcoming budget process. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, March 18, 2026)

“ARK Project” promotes acts of kindness among local youth

Also at Wednesday's council meeting, Rabbi Baruch Zimmerman introduced a new community initiative during remarks tied to Education and Sharing Day, announcing the launch of the “ARK Project,” which stands for Acts of Random, or Routine, Kindness. The program centers on small charity boxes that individuals, particularly students, can fill with spare change and later donate to a person or organization of their choice. He said the effort is intended to encourage a mindset of giving, especially among young people, by working with local schools to distribute the boxes in classrooms and homes. Rabbi Baruch emphasized that the initiative is not a fundraiser for any organization, but rather a way to help instill habits of generosity and community contribution. Residents interested in participating or helping distribute the boxes are encouraged to reach out through local schools or community connections involved in the effort. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, March 18, 2026)

The Roadrunners are the AHL affiliate
of the NHL Utah Mammoth

Town Center GPA proposal returns to public discussion next week
We have had another resident ask about the yellow signs posted at the intersection of Oracle Road and Pusch View Lane. The sign announces a meeting that will take place next Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Town Council Chambers. The meeting concerns a general plan amendment and the rezoning of property donated to the town by the Rooney family. The property is currently zoned for somewhat unusual uses, and no development occurred under that zoning. As a result, the family donated the land to the town. Under the leadership of Melanie Barrett, the town has developed a concept that places commercial uses along Oracle Road, with some housing behind, while preserving much of the property as open space. Here is a link to the town’s information on the rezoning. Here is a link to LOVE’s previous reporting. Wednesday is an opportunity to learn more if you are interested in this property.

Town Easter celebration on April 5

Kriegh Park will again be busy, this time for the town’s annual Easter celebration on Saturday, April 4. This free event features age-based egg hunts scheduled throughout the morning: ages 0–2 at 9:30 a.m., ages 3–5 at 9:50 a.m., ages 6–8 at 10:10 a.m., and ages 9–10 at 10:30 a.m. Families can expect another well-attended community event at one of the town’s most frequently used parks. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, March 18, 2026)

Resident raises concerns about bright night signage near Vistoso Highlands

Resident Susanna Cameron Crichton raised concerns about lighting from the Centerpoint development near Vistoso Highlands Drive. Speaking at Wednesday's council meeting, she shared that two large illuminated signs along Pebble Creek Drive are affecting nearby homes and the adjacent nature reserve. She described the signs as unusually large and brightly lit, noting that they turn on at dusk and remain visible through surrounding vegetation. According to Crichton, the lighting disrupts sleep for nearby residents despite window coverings and may also impact wildlife in the preserve. She said she previously contacted a town ordinance officer, who reviewed applicable lighting regulations, but still questioned why this level of illumination is permitted when other neighborhoods in Oro Valley use more subdued signage. We don't know what will happen with this, but the mayor did not ask staff to look into it.  (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, March 18, 2026)

Former council member questions legitimacy of new traffic signal approved by council at Naranja Park north entrance

Also speaking at Wednesday's council meeting, Bill Garner, an Oro Valley resident of more than 20 years and a former council member, raised concerns about the proposed traffic signal at Tangerine Road and Musette Drive, stating that it does not currently meet established warrant standards. He noted that this would be the second signal pursued without meeting those criteria, referencing the signal installed near the Community Center. Garner emphasized that the town has adopted standards and previously funded studies to guide such decisions, and cautioned against proceeding based on expectations that warrants may be met in the future. He also said nearby residents and the HOA were not notified of the proposal. Garner suggested that future projects include formal confirmation that warrants are met before construction begins and that advance public notice, such as posted signage, be required for major roadway changes. He also applauded Vice Mayor Barrett for abstaining from approving this traffic signal.  (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, March 18, 2026)

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Bits and Pieces

Stay away from Kreigh Park Saturday morning, another big event
Residents planning to use James D. Kreigh Park Saturday morning may want to make other plans. The Oro Valley Triathlon and Duathlon Festival returns from 7 to 11 a.m., bringing nearly 500 competitors from 27 states and Canada to the Oro Valley Aquatic Center and the park area. The USA Triathlon-sanctioned event includes sprint-distance triathlon races and duathlon events, with participants ranging in age from 10 to 85. Traffic control will be in place from 4 a.m. through late morning, and town officials expect delays and heavy activity around the park while the races are underway.  (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Water rate increase process moves forward
In January, LOVE reported that the Town of Oro Valley was considering a modest water rate adjustment. Last week, the town council formally approved a resolution giving public notice that a rate increase is being considered and starting the required public review process. The proposal currently under discussion would increase the monthly base rate for most residential customers by about $1.86, while leaving the per-gallon commodity charge unchanged. A public hearing is scheduled for June 3, when the council will decide whether to adopt the increase. If approved, the new rates would take effect about 30 days later, likely in early July.  

Traffic signal coming to Tangerine at Musette
The Oro Valley Town Council voted last week to proceed with installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Musette Drive and Tangerine Road. Town traffic engineer Paul Kiesler told council the intersection narrowly missed meeting the formal traffic “warrant” by about seven vehicles during peak periods, but he recommended moving forward because of limited sight distance caused by the vertical curve on Tangerine and increasing traffic generated by Naranja Park. Two council members expressed concern about installing a signal before the warrant is fully met, citing the town’s past practice of waiting for objective thresholds. Ultimately, the council approved the project on a 6-0 vote with Vice Mayor Barrett abstaining. The project is already included in the town’s capital improvement plan with approximately $750,000 budgeted for construction. 

Town restores original alignment for Naranja multi-use path
The town council last week approved shifting $400,000 in previously budgeted capital funds to restore the original alignment of the Naranja Drive multi-use path. When the project was first designed, rising construction estimates forced the town to trim costs through “value engineering,” including a plan that would have diverted path users through Naranja Park rather than keeping the route directly along Naranja Drive. With $300,000 no longer needed for an Oro Valley Drive drainage project and $100,000 from a La Cañada-Cobo road improvement that can now wait because a nearby development will change traffic patterns, staff recommended redirecting the funds to the path project. The council unanimously approved the change, allowing the path to remain continuous along Naranja as originally intended.

Council looks for ways to improve cell coverage north of Tangerine
The Oro Valley Town Council last week discussed persistent complaints about poor cell phone reception in Rancho Vistoso and other areas north of Tangerine Road. Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett and Council Member Mary Murphy requested the item after residents raised concerns about dropped calls, HOA gate systems that rely on cellular service, and possible public safety issues. Police officials also reported that weak signals can interrupt mobile data connections in patrol vehicles, slowing access to dispatch information. Because the town does not control cellular networks, the council unanimously directed staff to continue engaging wireless providers, identify possible town-owned sites for telecommunications infrastructure, and return with options to encourage improved service.

Town Centre rezoning: Residents weigh in at first neighborhood meeting
As previously reported in September and January, the Town Council is proposing to rezone portions of the Town-owned land at Rooney Ranch to expand commercial uses along Oracle Road, limit one portion (Area 3) to residential (either apartments or townhomes), and convert another (Area 4) from single-family lots to permanent open space with trails. At the first neighborhood meeting held several weeks ago, staff reviewed those concepts, including reduced building heights and elimination of the previously permitted five-story hotel. Residents generally supported preserving Area 4 as open space but raised concerns about traffic impacts at Oracle Road and Push View Lanes, residential density in Area 3, trail access near nearby neighborhoods, fencing and wildlife movement, water supply, long-term maintenance costs, and whether the Town should pursue a more distinctive “town center” design rather than conventional commercial development. A second neighborhood meeting is planned before the proposal moves to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council for public hearings this spring.

Spring pavement preservation work underway
The Town of Oro Valley has begun its annual spring pavement preservation program, which includes surface treatments on a number of local streets to help extend pavement life and reduce the need for more costly reconstruction later. Work will occur in phases over the coming weeks and may involve temporary lane restrictions, brief delays, and construction activity in residential areas while crews apply treatments and allow surfaces to cure. Residents are encouraged to check the town’s online information page to see which streets are included and when work is expected in their area. ((Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
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Bits and Pieces

Don't Run The Red
A 2019 AAA Foundation Survey found that more people are being killed by red light runners than ever before. "More than two people are killed every day on U.S. roads by impatient and reckless drivers blowing through red lights."

That fact has been noted by Oro Valley Public Works Director and Engineer Paul Keesler. Speaking on Jim Horn's Oro Valley Podcast last week, Keesler said that intersection safety will be a key focus area in 2020.

"We have to get people to obey the traffic control because the T-Bone accident is one of the most dangerous." Keesler is going to study the most dangerous Oro Valley intersections to try to determine what is causing the accidents.  There was one of these last Friday at Oro Valley's most dangerous intersection: Magee and Oracle.

Residents note property tax increase
Oro Valley residents are becoming aware that there are consequences for voter approval of the Golder Ranch Bond. Posting on NextDoor, a resident seemed astounded to learn that taxes are going up. The resident learned this when they were notified of the need for increased property tax escrow by their bank. Send thank notes to the Golder Ranch Fire District.

Ironwood Ridge Lights On... Nobody There

Ironwood Ridge HS...
Lights burn bright at night
The lights are on in the ball fields at Ironwood Ridge well into the evening. It's a time when the fields are not being used. The neighbors are annoyed.

According to one: "Nobody is in sight anywhere on campus and the parking lot is empty. Why [is Amphi School District] allowing taxpayer money to be wasted while ruining our night skies in Oro Valley by leaving these lights on until 9:00 PM, M-F, regardless of actual use?" We referred the writer to Council Member Joyce-Ivey. She is the council liaison to the Amphi School District. Joyce plans to look in to it.

Traffic proceeds nicely at Moore and LaCanada

Roundabout works well
The roundabout at Moore Road and La Canada seems to work quite well. This a according to Paul Keesler during an interview last week on Jim Horn's Oro Valley Podcast.

Keesler invested considerable time determining ways to make sure that drivers approach the intersection cautiously and at low speed.

Horn noted that the roundabout works well for bicyclists. We took a look at it Wednesday. Indeed, it does work well.

Light installation at Naranja and La Canada

Town installs turn lights at Naranja and La Canada
This week, the town added a protected left turn arrow at the intersection of Naranja and La Canada. The line of traffic traveling northbound was back to the Frys Shopping Center.

Here's a look at the work.

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Moore and La Canada Roundabout or Traffic Light: Why The Angst? Why Now?

Study: No change in traffic control is warranted today
In November 2017, the town received an independent study on whether a traffic control change is warranted at the intersection of Moore Rd and La Canada.

The study concluded that there was no need for a change under existing (April 2017) conditions. The conclusion was based on an analysis of five "warrant" factors, only two of which were met.

Jacobs believes that we need to do something now.
Town Manager Mary Jocobs uses this intersection daily. She does not agree that no traffic control is warranted today. At the recent town forum on the subject she stated: "The four way stop does not work and we've got to fix it. And so, we now are faced with two choices... We will be moving forward with one of the choices as soon as we finish this process." (Source: Town Forum of 12/3/18).

Maybe a problem by 2027
The study discussed "future traffic conditions" potentially caused by:

• A school (Leman Academy) being built on LaCanada (1,320 anticipated students). This is south of the intersection. It is now in operation. 
• A school (Amphi STEM) being built (500 anticipated students) a mile east of the intersection on Moore Road. It is now in operation.
• A potential build-out of a 75 home subdivision (Eagle Summit). This is located about a mile east of the intersection off of Moore Rd.
• A population growth rate of about 1%.

"The combination of this growth rate and the above mentioned developments results in overall [annual] growth rate of 4% [traffic] during peak periods." (Study p. 21)

The study considered whether a change in traffic control was warranted by 2027. At that time, the study concluded, conditions were met for a traffic control change. The study concluded that a "roundabout" was the best solution because it resulted in the lowest crash frequency per year (Study p. 24).

Crash projections are very low. The projection for 2027 was about 1 crash every 2 years if a roundabout were installed. A traffic signal, according to the study, would incur 2 crashes per year. The study also states that crashes in roundabouts are less severe than crashes at traffic light controlled intersections. The study recommended that a roundabout be installed to mitigate 2027 traffic conditions.

Why the angst?
The town commissioned an independent study. The town conducted public meetings. The town conducted an online vote.

All indications point to a "roundabout" as a preferred solution.

However, public support is split. About half of the 1,646 votes cast in  the online vote favored a roundabout over a traffic light. 42 phone and email responses slightly favored a traffic light.

Add to this the fact that the study was done before Leman and STEM were open. So, it does not reflect the current situation. The peak time traffic situation created by the now operating Leman School is significant.

At the forum, the head of the Leman school voiced a preference for a traffic light solution. Leman does not have busses to transport the children. They have a huge traffic jam problem with dropping off and picking up, and they will have 1,200 students by 2021. You can watch her comments here.

Other concerns voiced at forums and online regarding a roundabout are:

• People don't know how to use a roundabout
• It's bad for pedestrian use, especially for young children
• Roundabouts don't work well during peak periods
• Traffic will get worse if the town annexes and rezones for cluster homes the state lands located a mile to the west of the intersection
• People might drive through the roundabout at night
• It takes longer to put in a roundabout.

Some also point to the roundabout at Northern Ave and Hardy, saying that it does not work at peak times and that there is no pedestrian traffic to worry about.  Not all agree that this is the case, however.

Very expensive either way
The town has estimated that the installation cost of a traffic light system at this intersection is about $700,000. The estimate to install the roundabout is $1,000,000.  (Watch video on cost and timing) We know that a traffic light is much more expensive to operate and maintain. The benefit of saving on these costs may well outweigh the cost of installation. Either way, we are likely to see huge spending. Thus, the town should also consider both one time and ongoing cost.

Why now?
We think there is a much more fundamental question to be asked. That is: When should traffic control be changed at this intersection? We ask because the study focused nine years from now. It does not reflect current conditions. Most certainly it needs to be updated.

We ask because, if we don't really need to do anything until, say 2023, why do it now? Why not wait? See what traffic results based on actual changes? Wait to see what happens with the state lands annexation? Maybe, by then, the town will come up with ways to finance the traffic control change that are more creative than simply taking money from the general or highway fund.

Waiting a bit, updating the study for current conditions, and creating both a safety and a cost fact-based analysis of the situation might, indeed, take the angst out of the process. It could result in a solution that all can appreciate.
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Echoing the Mayor and Council appears to reap financial rewards for Town Staff

A recent LOVE posting discussed how the Town Manager and Town Staff “control the message.” The staff works for the Town Manager. The Town Manager works for the council majority. (He/She works for the majority because these four members can vote to fire the Town Manager with or without cause).

Other than being rewarded for their compliance by keeping their jobs, is there also a financial reward for echoing the message of the Majority-4 Council members so that they always get their way? Let’s take a look.

Paul Keesler. Community Development and Public Works Manager.
Community Center Traffic Light. He is the individual who was responsible for justifying the traffic signal in front of the Community Center. When asked to present a "Signal Warrant Analysis" for the justification of the signal, his response was, "we didn't do one." Keep in mind that this analysis is a standard practice for the justification of traffic signals regardless of the cost. (Most traffic signals cost at least $500,000.)

Mr. Keesler advised that there were 500 cars a day utilizing the Community Center and that the hill to the south of the entrance was enough justification to warrant a signal. (There are over 23,000 cars using La Canada daily who now have to stop at this traffic signal). Forget the traffic problems at Moore and La Canada. This signal was more important.

Do you think that the mayor and council majority had a self-interest in establishing this signal?

The reward. As of 3/1/17, Mr. Keesler's annual salary was $127,760.80. As of 3/1/18, Mr. Keesler's annual salary is $132,871.23. This is a 4% raise totaling over $5,000.

Bayer Vella. Planning Department Administrator.
Recommending approval of development proposals. The Planning Department has been known to recommend approval of every development request that is heard before Council. Could this be because the developers and builders who are requesting these land use and rezoning changes have contributed heavily in the past to the campaigns of the mayor and the current six council members? After all, the mayor and council need to reward these major campaign contributors so that they will continue to contribute to their campaigns, including this year’s Town Council election.

The mayor and council want these developments to be approved and it appears that the Planning Department simply echoes their desires and recommends approval.

The 5-story building. As you read last week in LOVE, the 5-story Nakoma Sky Retirement Community was allowed at the intersection of First and Lambert after Mr. Vella arbitrarily removed a restriction from the General Plan that prohibited tall buildings in this area.

The council majority at that time (Hiremath-Hornat-Snider-Waters) were supporting the 5-story building and it appears that the Planning Administrator altered the General Plan to accommodate their wishes.

The reward. As of 3/1/17, Mr. Vella's annual salary was $99,188.34. As of 3/1/18, Mr. Vella's salary is $103,155,94. This was a 4% raise totaling over $3,900 and he has not yet received his 2018 performance evaluation and raise.

Stacey Lemos. Town Finance Director.
Community Center. Despite almost three years of continuing losses at the Golf courses and Overlook Restaurant, Ms. Lemos has done everything possible during her presentations at Town Council meetings to spin the purchase of the Community Center property and the ongoing poor financials in a positive light.

Naranja Park. She did all she could to support the need for a property tax to build ball fields at Naranja Park, but when it failed to win voter approval, she now brags about the Town's pay-as-you-go philosophy. In doing so, it appears that she is trying to save face for the mayor and council.

The reward. As of 3/1/17, Ms. Lemos' annual salary was $149,848.82. As of 3/1/18, Ms. Lemos' salary is $155,842.78. This is a 4% raise totaling almost $6,000.

The Watchdog Report: Another Unjustified Expense in Oro Valley

(This is a follow-up to Mike’s previous article, “Traffic Congestion…It’s in our Nature” published on June 5th.)

STOP…The Madness
Have you noticed the construction going on in front of the Community Center on La Canada? That construction will result in a stop light. That's correct, a stop light on La Canada between Naranja and Lambert. Last spring, I asked the Town Engineer to show me the "Signal Warrant Analysis" to justify the new light. Typically, this report is generated to justify a $500,000 traffic light expenditure, and usually the expenditure is deemed “warranted” due to a safety issue. However, I was advised that a Signal Warrant Analysis was NOT performed for this traffic light.

The Town Engineer advised that there was a visibility problem with turning left out of the Community Center due to the hill on La Canada and that 500 cars per day visiting the Community Center were affected by this. He stated that, “This signal is based on safe sight distance alone.” In his opinion, a signal was justified.

The Community Center gets top priority
I wonder how many cars utilize the "T" intersection at Canada Hills Drive and La Canada, or Moore Road and La Canada? I’m sure that you can name many other intersections in Oro Valley that serve more than 500 cars a day that could use a traffic signal. Yet, the Town continues to cater to Community Center patrons above all else.

RTA spends YOUR tax dollars without requiring justification
A few months ago, Interim Town Manager, Danny Sharp, advised me that the signal was being paid for by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), not Oro Valley. However, the RTA is still funded by YOUR sales tax dollars. I called Jim DeGrood (Deputy Director of the RTA at the time) to ask how they justified spending $500,000 for a traffic signal that had questionable need. He replied that the RTA does not do their own justification, but rather they rely on the municipality. In other words, the RTA did not request any justification to spend YOUR tax dollars.

What happened to the HAWK Signal?
This signal was originally planned to be a HAWK signal (High-Intensity Activated Cross Walk). These are used to allow pedestrians to cross safely (and in this case, to also allow golf carts to safely cross). Now the HAWK has morphed into a full-blown traffic signal. (For comparison, a HAWK signal costs between $80,000-$150,000.)

A waste of money, time, and gasoline
Of note is that prior to the Town purchasing the golf courses, the El Conquistador hosted tournaments for over 260 golfers and somehow there was never a problem for cars to enter and exit the driveway, despite an average of 21,100 daily automobile trips on La Canada between Naranja and Lambert [Pima Association of Governments 2013 Report]. Now suddenly there is a need? Thousands of cars that utilize La Canada in their daily commute will now potentially have an added stop in front of the Community Center entrance. This isn’t just a waste of money. It’s also a waste of your time and gas.

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  Editor's Note:  RTA projects are funded by the half-cent sales tax increase approved by Pima County voters in May 2006.  The RTA is managed by the Pima Association of Governments [PAG].  Guess who was elected PAG Chair in January 2017?  Why none other than Mayor Satish Hiremath!  Now let's connect the dots.  The dots indicate that you don't need to justify a $500,000 expenditure (taxpayer money) when you are the PAG Chair.

Mike Zinkin has a Bachelor’s degree in history and government from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education from California State University, Northridge. He was a commissioned ensign in the United States Navy Reserve in 1969. He worked as an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. He and his wife moved to Oro Valley after retiring in 1998. Mike served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009, the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012, and the Town Council from 2012-2016. During his time on council, he was named as one of 23 Leadership Fellows for the National League of Cities University, he was a member of the National League of Cities Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development, and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee.

Update on Community Center Traffic Light

An intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Transportation Authority(RTA) for a traffic signal, as opposed to a crosswalk, was approved by Council and the RTA in January. The cost estimate is approximately $500K. The project will rollover into FY 17/18 and is expected to start in September 2017.

Guest View: Mike Zinkin ~ Traffic Congestion…It's in our Nature

Embedded within the Town Manager's Recommended Budget (TMRB) is a $500,000 authorization to establish a traffic signal in front of the Community Center on LaCanada, halfway between Naranja Drive and Lambert Lane. This signal was originally planned as a HAWK signal (High-Intensity Activated Cross Walk) a traffic control device that is used to allow pedestrians to cross safely, but it somehow morphed into a full-fledged traffic signal in the TMRB.

Is it warranted?
When I asked the Interim Town Manager, Danny Sharp, about the need for this signal, his response was that it was being funded by the RTA, not Oro Valley. On May 4th, I contacted the Town Engineer (Paul Keesler) and requested a copy of the Signal Warrant Analysis. A Signal Warrant Analysis is a common practice followed by many communities throughout the country to justify the need, and therefore the taxpayer funds, for a traffic signal. I received the following response from the Town:

"The decision to place the signal was not based on MUTCD Signal Warrants.* MUTCD Signal Warrants are essentially based on volumes and wait times, better referred to as Levels of Service. This signal is based on safe sight distance alone. The increased amount of traffic raises the chance for an accident. Therefore it’s the decision of the Town Engineer coupled with the RTA, who is funding this project, that safety mitigation of this intersection is needed. And the most cost-effective safety mitigation method available to the taxpayers is the installation of a traffic signal."

I asked the Deputy Director of the RTA, Mr. Jim DeGrood, if they had done an analysis justifying their spending $500,000 of taxpayer money for this signal. He informed me that they had not because the RTA leaves this up to the municipality. In other words, the RTA did not request any justification to spend your tax dollars. I further asked Mr. DeGrood if he believed that there were areas in Pima County or Oro Valley that might have a higher need for this signal. He would not commit to an answer.

Location, location, location

The Town Engineer's report states:

"...it’s safe to estimate that the Community center is generating an excess of 15,000 exiting movements monthly. That averages to currently 500 trips a day entering and exiting from the singular driveway serving the facility."

One wonders, how many daily trips are exiting Canada Hills Drive at LaCanada? (I suspect much more than 500). How many vehicles are entering the intersection of Moore and LaCanada or Moore and Rancho Vistoso?

The Town Engineer’s report fails to mention how many cars travel north and south on LaCanada daily. However, statistics from the Pima Association of Governments show that in 2013, there were 21,100 average daily trips on LaCanada between Naranja and Lambert (where the Community Center is located). With all the new home construction since then, I’m certain that this number is much higher today. So that’s 21,000+ vehicles that are going to be delayed each day for the purpose of assisting 500 Community Center trips.

Is this really the most needed location for a traffic signal or is this just more of the Town staff acquiescing to whatever the mayor desires rather than having the wherewithal to tell him that there are more worthy places to install a traffic signal. The Mayor is the current Chairman of the RTA. Is Pima County politics entering into this decision?

I have turned to Pima County Supervisor, Ally Miller, for help. Ms. Miller responded that although she is not a member of the RTA, she will have her staff look into the matter.

Another “inconvenience” tax
I will say that the Town’s “reasoning” is consistent. We’re currently asking 43,000 people in Oro Valley to pay an increased sales tax for the 2000 members of the Community Center, and now we will be asking 21,000+ drivers per day to be delayed every time they drive past the Community Center, all for the sake of 500 Community Center trips, and it’s all being paid for with your tax dollars.

*Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a traffic signals code book published by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Mike Zinkin has a Bachelor’s degree in history and government from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education from California State University, Northridge. He was a commissioned ensign in the United States Navy Reserve in 1969. He worked as an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years. He and his wife moved to Oro Valley after retiring in 1998. Mike served on the Oro Valley Development Review Board from 2005-2009, the Board of Adjustment from 2011-2012, and the Town Council from 2012-2016. During his time on council, he was named as one of 23 Leadership Fellows for the National League of Cities University, he was a member of the National League of Cities Steering Committee for Community and Economic Development, and a member of the Arizona League of Cities Budget and Economic Development Committee.