Next Week We’ll Learn Whether Past Elections Foretold the Outcome of the 2026 Election

Past two elections revealed a geographic voting pattern
The results of Oro Valley’s Mayoral 2022 and Council 2024 elections suggest that where voters live may help explain how they vote. In both elections, a group of precincts centered in Rancho Vistoso voted differently from four precincts that include and surround the Town’s municipal golf courses. The candidates and issues changed, but the geographic divide remained.

Rancho Vistoso provided Winfield’s winning margin in 2022
In the 2022 mayoral election, Joe Winfield narrowly defeated former Oro Valley Police Chief Danny Sharp in the Mayoral election. This result was a bit surprising because Danny Sharp was a well-known, well respected figure in our Valley for many years. Sharp carried four precincts by a combined 920 votes. Winfield overcame that deficit by carrying  seven other precincts by 1,251 votes. His strength in Rancho Vistoso and the surrounding precincts provided the margin needed for his 285-vote townwide victory. That was close!

The 2022 council vote showed the same divide
The 2022 council race followed a similar pattern. Melanie Barrett, Joyce Jones-Ivey and Josh Nicolson won a majority of the council votes in nine of the Town’s eleven precincts. Their strongest support came from Rancho Vistoso. Their weakest results came from the precincts that include the Town’s two municipal golf courses, although they still received almost 48% of the vote there.

The same pattern appeared again in 2024
The 2024 council election produced another geographic split. Mary Murphy and Mo Greene received their strongest support in the golf-oriented precincts. Elizabeth Robb and Tim Bohen performed better in the Rancho Vistoso-oriented precincts. Murphy also received strong support in the Rancho Vistoso precincts. Robb received strong support in the community center precints. The election also produced substantial undervoting, as many residents used only one or two of their three available council votes.

A pattern is not a prediction... but tomorrow we will know more
Two elections do not establish how Oro Valley residents will vote in the future. Candidates, issues and turnout change from one election to the next. Still, the results of 2022 and 2024 suggest that Oro Valley has two identifiable geographic voting coalitions. And, as the panel shows, one is much larger in terms of voters than the other. The 2026 election will show whether that pattern continues or whether voters create a different one. 

Tomorrow: Will Social Media Spell The Difference?

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Guest View: Council Candidate Chris DeSimone - Why Chris for Oro Valley Town Council?

This week each of the candidates will be speaking on their own behalf. Today’s Guest View is from Council candidate Chris DeSimone.

Why vote Chris DeSimone?
Why vote Chris DeSimone for Oro Valley Town Council in 2026? That is the question.

Over the last few months, I have had the incredible opportunity of meeting hundreds of voters at signature gatherings, forums, knocking on doors, Coffee with Chris events, and during my morning walks. The comments and the insights were fascinating and sometimes unexpected. It has truly informed my run for office. People love their Town but are worried about the specter of extra taxation and disengagement of some of the current elected officials. The people on the Council and the people that I am running against, I believe, are people with good hearts who want the best for this Town that we love. With that said, why Chris for Oro Valley Town Council?

Manage the manager properly
The Council needs a critical mass of members who are willing to work together to manage the Town Manager. That takes people like myself who can work with staff but not buy everything they throw at you at face value, hopefully, a rare occurrence. Asking questions and, more importantly, follow-up questions are the key to accountability for our tax dollars. Leaning on experts inside and outside Town Hall is valuable. Take all of the relevant input and then make a decision that is right for the citizen taxpayers of OV. My time on the Tourism Advisory Commission has raised quite a few alarms in my brain about this dynamic. The current staff/Council’s ham-handed treatment of the Police MOU is a perfect example of this flawed dynamic. Yes, we all want to stand up to outside interests that may harm the Town, but sometimes you have to stand up to staff when they may be taking us down the wrong path. This will also aid us in our battle to keep revenues ahead of expenses.

Annexation and reversing OV’s anti-small business reputation
We have to make sure that the Town is moving in a way that maximizes revenue, without a harmful property tax or extra sales taxes, and keeps the budget working in the most efficient way possible, all while maintaining those basics that we love about our Town, roads, parks, the Community Center, and our beloved police department. We have to start annexing unincorporated land to the south of us that already has established tax-generating real estate assets. It is the best way through. Increase sales tax collection for OV without having to over-develop our existing Town footprint. In addition to smart, incremental annexation, our Town still suffers from an anti-small business attitude. I hosted a small business roundtable at Just Kabab recently, and I am still hearing horror stories of opening a small business in the Town. Empty storefronts, empty dirt in Innovation Park, and having the Spirit Halloween folks in the same spot for 10 years on 1st and Oracle is amazingly unacceptable. This is an attitude that flows from staff that is probably influenced by a few folks on the current Council. I will encourage my fellow Council folks to join me in future roundtables without staff present to encourage real feedback. When Mayor Winfield announced at the State of the Town that a featured economic development win was an indoor pickleball place, no insult to them, I hope they prosper, the attendees of the Oro Valley Chamber looked around and said, “What did he just say?” This anti-small business attitude is harmful, and the reputation strengthens each year it persists. It also affects our ability to put great companies into Innovation Park. Site selectors find out about us from commercial realtors and this thing called the Internet. This must start changing once the new Council is installed. I’ve been working with a variety of family-owned businesses for years. This is right up my alley. I am excited to involve the other Council members in this effort.

Why Chris DeSimone for Oro Valley Council?
Here’s the quick summary of why Chris DeSimone for Oro Valley Council:

• I’ve been a resident for 30 years. I love this Town!
• I will serve all the citizens of Oro Valley, not just the ones that I perceive supported me during the election.
• I have served on the Tucson Convention Center Commission, Leman Academy School Board, Visit Tucson Marketing Committee, Pima County Transportation Committee, and currently the Oro Valley Tourism Advisory Commission.
• I’m the most experienced local government candidate, it’s true.
• I will maintain the high quality of living in our beloved Town.
• Development in the small amount of developable land available must be appropriate and should align with OV Path Forward.
• I will ask tough questions and even tougher follow-up questions!
• I will stand up to outside interests that would harm Oro Valley’s way of life. This includes the harm from the City of Tucson crime bus that is pushing crime on our fair Town.
• I will fight against an impending and harmful property tax.
• I’ve been endorsed by both police and fire.
• I’m the only Council candidate to be endorsed by Council folks Mary Murphy and Dr. Mo Greene.

My name is Chris DeSimone, and I ask for your vote on July 21. Thank you.

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Learn more about Chris here.

Oro Valley Council Divided as Two New Taxes Are Rejected

Council rejects two proposed taxes
Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council rejected two proposed new taxes: A commercial rental tax and a telecommunications tax. The measures were voted down by four councilmembers. 

Council members cite lack of demonstrated need and need for more though vetting of spending and spending priorities
The reasoning varied. In general, Councilmembers Barrett, Murphy, Nicolson, and Robb said the Council and Town staff need to demonstrate more clearly that a financial shortfall will occur in 2030 and that new taxes are the only viable solution.  Councilmember Murphy summarized the concerns of those opposed, stating, “To my knowledge, there still hasn’t been an audit regarding operational efficiency since we first started talking about this. … I absolutely believe that our residents and our businesses deserve that before we talk about taxes.”

Business community raised concerns
Opposition was also expressed by the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 500 businesses. Chamber President Kristin Sharp said, “It’s already more expensive to do business here, and enacting these taxes would only widen that gap.” In addition, comments from mayoral candidate Mark Napier, read into the record, reflected concerns that the Town may be facing a structural imbalance between revenues and expenditures and that the issue warrants closer examination before new taxes are adopted. 

And Vice Mayor Barrett "set the record straight"

Vice Mayor Barrett responded to criticism from former Council member Joe Hornat, who alleged that Council spending created the Town’s financial challenges. “I do not think that Oro Valley is at a crisis point in any way, shape, or form,” Barrett said, cautioning against characterizing the situation as urgent.  Barrett accurately reflected the facts. The spending Hornat cited was addressed by reducing costs elsewhere, particularly by what she described as excessive golf-related losses incurred during Hornat’s tenure. She noted that this Council paid down the police pension debt inherited from Hornat's Council.  Barrett reminded the group that the most recent tax increase was a half-cent sales tax increase enacted during Hornat’s time on the Council.

No clear path forward
The discussion highlighted a split within the Council on how to proceed. Mayor Winfield has said he believes Town staff are doing a strong job managing costs and operating efficiently,. It appears that he does not believe that an independent comprehensive review of spending and priorities is necessary. Winfield, along with Councilmember Greene, expressed confidence at the meeting that Town staff can work through the situation and framed support for the proposed taxes as a way to address long-term financial obligations proactively.

Strategic planning session may test those differences
Whether those differing views will be addressed in the Council’s tomorrow's council strategic planning session remains an open question. The Town has not published the agenda. We do not know how the agenda was developed or the extent to which it was shaped by Town management. As a result, it remains unclear whether the session will include a broad examination of spending levels and priorities and a critical review of the Town’s long-range financial forecasts. 

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Bits and Pieces

Holiday Festival of the Arts this weekend at the Oro Valley Marketplace 

Art State Arizona and the Town of Oro Valley will host the 14th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration on December 6–7 at the Oro Valley Marketplace. The free two-day event features more than 150 artists, over 500 performers, hands-on activities for kids, festive food, and the community tree lighting at 6 p.m. Saturday. This long-running celebration has grown into one of Southern Arizona’s signature holiday weekends, drawing thousands each year. See the two day event schedule here.

 “Safest City in Arizona” and holiday scams featured in this month's Crimefighter Newsletter

The Oro Valley Police Department ("OVPD") reports that Oro Valley was ranked the #1 Safest City in Arizona earlier this year by security company SafeWise, based on the latest FBI crime statistics showing the town had the lowest violent crime rate in the state. The department credits the community’s support, strong crime-prevention programs, and the work of its officers and volunteers for maintaining the town’s safety record. See the list here.

OVPD is warning residents about a spike in holiday scams, citing a Visa report showing that criminals are using more sophisticated, AI-generated fake shopping sites, package-delivery texts, travel deals, and even bogus charities to steal personal and financial information. Residents are urged to avoid clicking unknown links, verify websites before purchasing, and confirm the legitimacy of any charity before donating. (Source)

Council continues silence on possible Copper Creek Elementary closing
Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council remained silent on the possible closing of Copper Creek Elementary during last week’s meeting. This was the final meeting of the year, so there will be no further opportunity for council discussion before the Amphi School District makes its decision in January. Not one council member suggested adding the matter as a future agenda item.

No residents attended the meeting to voice concern or ask for council support. Perhaps the council viewed the absence of public comment as a reason to do nothing. Still, as we and others reported last week, there are residents who are worried.

We had hoped the council would show some leadership by ensuring those residents are heard and that their concerns are communicated to the Amphi School District before its January decision. We are not alone in that view. “This should have been anticipated and we should already have engaged area residents and at least have some options for addressing this. Unfortunately, not so,” Mayoral Candidate Mark Napier wrote on our Facebook page.

"Lights On Landoran" 

The holiday display and synchronzed musical light show is back at the west intersection of Landoran and Golf View Drive. The display runs nightly through New Year’s Day—6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It's well worth the visit.

Council Member Greene announces that he is "alive and well"

Council Member Mo Greene addressed a "social media" rumor that he was going to resign from council. Greene, speaking at the Wednesday Council meeting, quoted Mark Twain, noting that "the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." Greene has every intention of completing his term.

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Town Council Approves Shift of Half-Percent Sales Tax to General Fund

Council changes direction of sales tax revenue
Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council voted unanimously to move the half-percent sales tax revenue from the Community Center Fund into the General Fund, while maintaining the Community Center Fund through budgeted transfers from the General Fund. For years, these monies were dedicated to supporting municipal golf, the community center, and some other recreation assets.

Broadening its potential use to all town operations
While the decision may sound like a simple accounting move, it reflects a shift long in the making. The half-percent tax, enacted in 2015 to support early operational deficits at the golf course and community center, was projected to generate about $2 million annually. By 2021, revenues had already grown to more than $2.8 million, and in recent years annual collections have ranged from $2.9 million to $3.9 million, with FY 2025 projected near the high end of that range. Redirecting these funds into the General Fund means a substantial and growing revenue stream will now be available to support overall town priorities, not just recreation-related activities.

Fund will continue to need town financial support

Brings greater financial flexibility while retaining focus on golf and community center operations
Vice Mayor Barrett advanced the idea with the goal of giving the town greater financial flexibility while maintaining transparency about the costs of operating the golf courses and the community center. Barrett argued that this approach allows the Council to fund the community’s highest priorities—“whether that be parks, roads, or police facilities”—while also preserving transparency and historical continuity. “Residents want to know where the money is going, and this structure makes that clearer."

Only one resident spoke on this during the public hearing
This topic was a public meeting. In our June article on this we thought that there would be far more community spokespersons. Only one person spoke, however,  Matt Wood, who serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board spoke in support of what was to be Council’s decision. Wood emphasized trust in the Council’s judgment to use the sales tax revenue wisely across the community. At the same time, Wood underscored that parks and recreation still deserve continued funding attention even under the new arrangement.

These sales tax dollars are pledged ("encumbered") to pay park bonds
Councilmember Mary Murphy floated the idea of “sunsetting the tax when the Naranja Park bond is paid off” so that revenues could eventually be returned to residents. This would be in about 15 years. Barrett noted that the town relies on these monies, pointing out that they not only cover bond payments but also pay for capital expenses, and operating deficits: “These funds are encumbered … they pay for the bond...and they support capital and deficit operations in parks and rec … that’s part of why it’s important that those funds remain.” 

Greene abstains with no comment or reason given
In the end, the Council approved Barrett’s motion by a 6–0 vote. Councilmember Green abstained from voting.  He did not speak on this matter nor did he explain why he abstained.  As a result of the vote, this year, all revenues from the half-percent sales tax will flow into the General Fund. The Community Center Fund will remain in place, with operations and capital needs supported by transfers approved during the annual budget process. This compromise preserves a record of past financial performance while giving the Council broader flexibility to direct revenues to the town’s most pressing needs.
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Council To Consider Folding Community Center Sales Tax Into General Fund In August

Tax no longer need to support municipal golf and the community center
The Oro Valley Town Council will consider folding the one-half percent Community Center sales tax into the town's General Fund when it returns from summer holiday in August. This will make the funds available for any use; not just use for the community fund or other recreational assets. This tax was enacted ten years ago by a 4-3 council vote when the town acquired the 47-hole El Conquistador Golf facility from HSL Properties. The reason for the tax was to provide a stable, dedicated funding source to support the newly acquired community center and golf operations, which were expected to run at a deficit in the early years. The expectation was that the tax would not be needed after that time.  But, as we all know, a tax, once enacted never goes away, 

Mayor’s proposal: Move the tax to the general fund
At last week’s Council meeting, Mayor Winfield proposed folding the tax into the general fund for several reasons:

• The dedicated sales tax has stabilized the finances of the community center and golf operations, which are now performing better and require less support.
• Moving the tax revenue to the general fund allows the Council to allocate funds to the town’s most pressing needs—including public safety, roads, parks, infrastructure, and community services—rather than limiting it to the community center and golf.
• The current arrangement is perceived as benefiting a narrow interest group.  Yet the tax is collected from all residents and visitors. Integrating it into the general fund “reinforces unity and fairness” and reflects a shift to shared community investment.
• This change would increase fiscal flexibility as Oro Valley nears build-out and construction-related revenues decline, positioning the town for long-term financial health.

Council reactions: Range of opinions, but no support for status quo
Council members expressed support for doing something different with the tax revenues. None supported leaving it as a dedicated source for the community center only: 

• Vice Mayor Barrett supported the Mayor’s proposal:  “I am so pleased with how well golf is doing. For the second year in a row we have not relied on any of the tax money, and that’s what it was basically set up to do ten years ago. ” 
• Council Member Murphy floated the idea of dedicating the tax for all parks and recreation programs. 
• Council Member Greene seemed cautious about making a change:  “I think if we go back historically, this money was designated for the community center and for golf and I think that we need to keep that in mind as we begin to spend it on other issues as they come up. So, I’m for really having a full discussion on this and not acting precipitously on it tonight.”
• Council Member Jones-Ivey leaned toward the parks and recreation fund idea but expressed concern about transparency if the money goes to the general fund: “Sometimes when monies go into the general fund, it really in the past has kind of gotten mired so that transparency is lost. … My question would be: How would we then earmark that money going into the general fund so if something is needed in parks and rec, it can come back?”
• Council Member Robb summed up her support for a change stating, “I agree it’s time to share the wealth on this money.” 

August public hearing. ..Active community involvement
The August meeting will be a public hearing on the proposed change. The community center and golf supporters are expected to pack the hearing and advocate for keeping the tax dedicated to their operations. Historically, they have been successful in persuading the Council to continue support. It remains to be seen whether Mayor Winfield will stick to his position or compromise as he has done in the past when face was significant opposition. 

"Putting to bed" a "bone of contention”

Golf and the community center have been a point of contention since former Mayor Hiremath first brought the acquisition to the council in 2014. The hope is that folding the sales tax into the general fund will help reduce this ongoing debate. 

No discussion of permanently sunsetting the tax
One thing the Council will not consider is ending (sunsetting) the community center sales tax. As it stands, this tax means Oro Valley’s sales tax rate is 2.5% is the highest in southern Arizona. This higher rate may contribute to residents and visitors shopping outside of Oro Valley for big-ticket items, as it is less expensive to shop elsewhere.

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Five Oddities

Five oddities
Yesterday we reported our fact-based analysis of the decision by the Town Council to overrule the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the height permitted for the new Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) sanctuary. As we reported, the Council approved a 36-foot height. But what we didn’t report were the oddities we observed during that meeting. There were many—but here are our top five:

Council ignores four years of input from residents
The residents most directly impacted by the decision have been attending Council meetings and speaking during the “Call to Audience” portion for the past four years. They have consistently voiced concerns about the church's expansion. None of this was acknowledged by the Council during last week’s discussion. Instead, Mayor Winfield referred to an impromptu “survey” based on emails he received just days before the meeting, regarding the church’s request for a continuance. He reported that 10 of the 13 emails he received supported granting the continuance. He gave full weight to these last-minute emails rather than four years of sustained public comment. The rest of the Council went along with it.

What happened during the five-minute timeout, and why did Barrett change her mind?
After spending considerable time making an impassioned plea for a 29-foot height limit, Vice Mayor Barrett asked for a five-minute recess to reconsider. Her words were: “Can I ask for us to take a five-minute break? I just—I really want to think for a minute.” Some have speculated that she may have been influenced during that break by one or more Council members, but there is no evidence of that, and such speculation is not helpful without proof. Still, taking a break to reflect isn’t wrong—but it does invite speculation when a clear change in position follows so closely afterward.

The "Clifton Matter:" Why was it brought up at the same time?
It seemed odd that the Clifton matter was discussed during the executive session just before the public discussion of the OVCN height appeal. The Clifton case involves a court ruling against the Town, where the court found that a town body—specifically the Board of Adjustment—erred in a height-related decision. The Town not only lost the case but was ordered to pay Clifton's legal fees and costs of about $19,000. Immediately after the executive session, the Council voted to appeal the Planning and Zoning Commission OVCN height ruling. It’s hard to ignore the timing: A height-related legal loss followed by a sensitive height decision in public session. It makes one wonder whether town attorneys were subtly signaling the Council to avoid a possible courtroom setback. If so, the Council followed that signal precisely.

Robb voted "Yes”
Councilmember Robb lives directly across from the church property and is personally affected by the decision. Rather than standing with the Concordia-Buena Vista group, which opposed the height increase, she voted in favor of it. Her decision was in sharp contrast to Councilmember Greene, an OVCN member, who celebrated openly after the vote. Perhaps Robb believed the outcome was inevitable and decided to go along with it. But as the saying goes: "Never go along just to get along."

OVCN snatches victory from the jaws of defeat
OVCN came to the meeting hoping for a continuance, fearing the Council might reject their height request. Instead, by the end of the night, they got everything they wanted—approval for the full 36 feet. The residents, meanwhile, got nothing. In fact, their concerns weren’t even a factor in the Council’s discussion. Not once did anyone on the dais speak to the repeated objections and long-standing input from affected neighbors.

Yes, it was a strange night, indeed.
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OVCN Gets 36-Foot Height Approval as Council Sidesteps Conflict, Overrides Commission

Town Council approved 36-foot height for new OVCN sanctuary
After a two-and-a-half-hour discussion last Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council approved a maximum height of 36 feet for a new sanctuary building planned by the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN). In doing so, the Council overruled the Planning and Zoning Commission’s earlier decision, which had limited the building height to 24 feet. For comparison, the church’s existing sanctuary stands at 29 feet.

But not without "drama"
As previously reported, OVCN had requested an eight-month continuance to submit a more complete set of conceptual plans. Church representatives argued that pairing the height request with a full development plan would give the Council and the public more context—particularly regarding traffic, parking, drainage, and landscaping.

However, as Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett noted during the discussion, the Town already had sufficient information to decide the height question. “We know what the height is. We have the plans. We are not lacking information to make a decision on height,” she said, adding that the site’s context and the Planning and Zoning Commission’s findings gave the Council what it needed to act now.

After denying a continuance ...
After hearing 16 public comments—both for and against the continuance—the Council narrowly voted 4–3 to deny the delay. The motion to continue was made by Mayor Joe Winfield, who believed the additional time and planning detail would help the Council reach a better decision. Barrett’s position prevailed, and she was joined by Councilmembers Nicholson, Robb, and Jones-Ivey in voting no.

…Attention turned to the height request
With the continuance denied, the Council turned its attention to the appeal itself—specifically, whether to uphold or overrule the Planning and Zoning Commission’s denial of the height exception. The Council chose not to deliberate on whether the Commission had erred. Instead, they bypassed that issue and directly overruled the decision, granting a modified height exception.

Barrett proposed a 29-foot option
During that discussion, Vice Mayor Barrett proposed limiting the height to 29 feet—the same as the existing sanctuary. She noted that this would have been consistent with what the church had previously offered earlier in the process. Given our understanding of the situation, we have little doubt that had she remained firm, that suggestion would have passed.

But then, late in the game, Barrett took a huge “leap of faith”
However, Barrett later withdrew that suggestion and agreed to support the 36-foot height limit—but only on the condition that OVCN make a genuine effort to work with nearby residents to address their concerns. She emphasized that while she supported the increased height in this case, it came with the expectation that the church would actively engage the community and demonstrate responsiveness going forward.

“If the Town Council grants the 36 feet, you will still go through a development plan review process and work with neighbors and address any traffic concerns such as potential road widening, parking issues, etc., correct?” she asked. OVCN’s representative responded that they would be happy to do so.

However, according to individuals who oppose the height request, OVCN’s history of working with neighbors over the past four years has been anything but forthright.

Council approved 36' height
The final motion, which passed unanimously, stated:

“I move to overrule the Planning and Zoning Commission denial of the building height increase request and conditionally grant a building height increase of 36 feet maximum, including conditions one, two, and four.”

These conditions require that the new building not exceed 36 feet in height as shown in the submitted plans, that a future development plan must align with this height approval, and that the height limit excludes rooftop features like parapets or mechanical screens.

Much to the joy of Councilmember Greene who, despite clear ethicL conflict, voted and then celebrated OVCN victory
Councilmember Mo Greene is a member of OVCN. Despite this clear ethical conflict of interest, Greene did not recuse himself from the vote, nor did any councilmember raise the issue. Instead, Green voted in favor of the church’s request and, when the motion passed, applauded and raised his hand in celebration toward the audience. His reaction is captured in the panel at left.

Fortunately, Barrett spared the Planning and Zoning Commission from rehashing a height request it already rejected
The next step is for the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene to submit a development plan. That plan will first be reviewed by Town staff, then by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and finally by the Town Council.

Vice Mayor Barrett’s insistence on deciding the height now—rather than postponing the matter—ensured that the final decision rested with the Council, not the Commission, which had already reviewed and rejected the height request earlier this year.

Residents will have additional opportunities to participate during the upcoming development plan process.
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Bits and Pieces

Ventana Medical Systems wants permission to release pollutants into Oro Valley’s air
Oro Valley’s Ventana Medical Systems (also known as Roche Tissue Diagnostics), located in Innovation Park Drive has applied for a permit to release air pollutants from its operations. These include five different pollutant plus one called "Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)".  The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is processin the request. It is accepting public comments on it through April 21, 2025. You can also request a public hearing. Visit pima.gov to submit a comment or request a hearing.

Tech support scams on the rise

The March 2025 edition of the Oro Valley Police Department’s (OVPD) Crimefighter Newsletter warns residents about an increase in tech support scams, with older adults being frequent targets. These scams often begin with pop-up messages or unsolicited calls from people pretending to be technicians from well-known companies. Victims are tricked into giving remote access to their computers or purchasing unnecessary software, putting their finances and personal information at risk. OVPD encourages residents to stay vigilant and provides tips on how to protect themselves.

OVPD offers community safety programs

The newsletter also announces the return of the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Self-Defense Program, offering practical techniques for personal protection. In addition, OVPD has launched the OV Safe Return Program to help locate and safely return individuals who may wander due to cognitive conditions. These programs reflect the department’s continued commitment to community safety and proactive support for residents.

OVCN seeks yet another "extension"...Residents Opposed

The saga of the Oro Valley Church (OVCN) of the Nazarene’s effort to build major new facilities has dragged on for six years. What started as a plan for a sports complex shifted to a proposal for a 40-foot-tall sanctuary with support facilities. The Planning and Zoning Commission rejected that height request in January, and the church appealed to the Town Council. At the schedule hearing, OVCN asked for more time after hiring a new attorney. The Council granted an extension until April 2.

Now, the church is asking for an eight-month delay. In their letter to the Council, they explain that most concerns raised by neighbors involve traffic, parking, and drainage — issues not fully addressed in their current request. They say they need more time to complete a full analysis of these concerns and submit formal plans through the town’s Development Plan process. It’s yet another delay in a process that seems unlikely to end anytime soon.

And here’s the kicker: Any development plan must first go through town staff review, then a public hearing with the Planning and Zoning Commission, and only then can it go before the Town Council. That process takes time — probably more than eight months.

Four speakers addressed the council on Wednesday, all opposing the request by OVCN for an additional eight-month extension. They expressed frustration over years of delays and emphasized that the project has already been rejected twice by the Planning and Zoning Commission for being incompatible with the neighborhood.  They argued that repeated continuances only prolong uncertainty and allow the church to bypass established zoning decisions. They urged the council to deny the extension and called for the church to find a more appropriate location for its expansion plans.

The Town Council does not have to grant the extension. Let’s see what they do on April 2 when they consider it.

Harebrained Arizona House bill would allow religious institutions to build housing with little local input

The Arizona House is considering HB2191, a bill that would allow religious institutions to build residential developments on land they own. While local governments would still handle administrative approvals, they would not be allowed to impose additional conditions or hold public hearings. Issues like traffic, parking, drainage, and community impact would be addressed only through minimal state-mandated standards, not through local decision-making. Residents would lose their voice in the process, and town councils would have little power to influence what happens in their own communities.

The RoadRunners celebrated Oro Valley 

The Tucson Roadrunners, the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Utah Hockey Club, celebrated Oro Valley this past Sunday. According to Council Member Mo Greene: “Sunday was a really cool day for Oro Valley. The Roadrunners hosted a day for Oro Valley, and we had the town manager riding around on the Zamboni — a priceless picture — and he did well! He stayed right on there. Then the mayor dropped the puck to start the game. It was an amazing day, and after two overtimes, the Roadrunners won. It was a really exciting day.”

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More On Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s Building Height Variance Hearing Continuation

April 2 is new hearing date
The Oro Valley Town Council voted unanimously to continue the hearing on the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s (OVCN) height variance request for six weeks, moving it to April 2. The hearing is an appeal of an OVCN request to have a 40 height limit on a planned new sanctuary.  (Read this article to learn more about what is at stake)

The continuance decision followed a request from John Gillespie, an attorney with the Rose Law Group, who was recently retained by the church. Mayor Joe Winfield explained that he received the request via email on the day prior and acknowledged it promptly. The council’s decision allows OVCN’s new legal representation time to familiarize themselves with the case and prepare their arguments.

OVCN legal representative emphasizes collaboration and understanding
During the meeting, Gillespie emphasized that the Rose Law Group specializes in land-use cases and is committed to working with both the town and local residents to find a well-informed resolution. He is also stated that "We were just engaged this past week. We focused on land-use issues. We're not a litigation firm."

Gillespie initially requested a 30-day continuance, but Mayor Winfield proposed extending the delay to six weeks to ensure full council participation. The revised timeline avoids a conflict with the March 19 meeting, which falls during the town’s spring break and could result in some council members being absent. The motion for the six-week continuance was seconded by Councilmember Greene and passed without opposition.

Council urges church to engage with neighbors in preparing for April 2 hearing
Councilmember Robb took the opportunity to stress the importance of community engagement during the extended review period. She specifically asked that the church and its representatives consult with nearby residents and other interested parties, rather than limiting discussions to town officials. Gillespie agreed, stating, "The church understands that they need to be a development partner and that any use of their land requires collaboration with the town and neighbors.” He added that his firm’s goal is to "help facilitate a good, informed outcome that benefits all parties involved.”

Winfield reinforces commitment to due process
Mayor Winfield reiterated that granting the continuance does not indicate a predetermined outcome. He explained that while the Planning and Zoning Commission previously denied the height variance request for a 40-foot structure, it is essential that the town follows a fair and transparent process. "By granting this continuance, we remove any potential concerns about the applicant’s right to due process, which strengthens the legitimacy of whatever decision we ultimately make,”  Winfield said. He also assured residents that the council will weigh the request carefully, balancing property rights with neighborhood concerns.

Residents encouraged to return for April 2 hearing
The decision to continue the hearing disappointed a room full of those who had attended the meeting expecting a final decision. Many were prepared to address council during the hearing. However, Mayor Winfield stated that moving forward with discussions without knowing the church’s revised position would not be productive. He asked for patience from both supporters and opponents, encouraging them to return on April 2 when the town will conduct a full review of the request.

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Out With The Old. In With The New.

Out with the old. In with the new.
Tonight marks the dawn of a new era for the Oro Valley Town Council. Two new members will be seated. Two former members, both of whom have created controversy during their years on the council, will be gone.

An Era of Peace?
We expect this to be an era of peace, at least for the next two years. That’s when four seats on the council, including the mayor’s seat, will be up for reelection.

Reflections on Past Councils
This is the first time we can recall a council this peaceful. The councils chaired by Mayor Paul Loomis were full of characters who liked to argue with each other. It was actually quite funny. The councils chaired by Mayor Hiremath were marked by ongoing efforts by some majority members, led by Council Member Solomon, to target the three council members who didn’t agree with them. They were constantly harassed and bullied. Add to that the fact that one of those council minority members was continuously focused on the police department. It’s never a good idea to go after the police department in Oro Valley.

A Calmer Council Outlook
For at least the next two years, there will be no wrangling on the council. There will be no harsh words among council members. Nothing negative will be said about Town staff. There will be no “points of order” used by one council member, Solomon yet again, to harass Tim Bohen. There will be lots of seconding by Council Member Mo Greene. And we suspect many more bland council topics produced by a very passive Town Manager who, a year ago, replaced a town manager with an aggressive agenda shaped by the previous administration.

New Members Ready to Serve
The two new council members, Elizabeth Robb and Mary Murphy, are “ready to go.” They are both interesting people with very different backgrounds. They'll bring fresh perspectives to this council. Both have been attending introductory meetings with Town staff. These meetings are designed to familiarize them with all facets of Town operations. We recently spoke with both of them, and their level of enthusiasm is high. They are starting their four years on the council with open minds.

Wishing Them Well
We can only wish them well.

We hope they don’t step on any land mines.

Shake Up the Council: Massive Undervoting Signaled Strong Support for Newcomers

Most voters cast only two, and not three votes
In the 2024 Oro Valley Council election, the vast majority of voters made a deliberate choice: Instead of voting for the allowed three candidates, 70% chose to vote for only two. The two candidates they overwhelmingly supported were Mary Murphy and Elizabeth Robb, who together received 4,800 more votes than incumbents Tim Bohen and Mo Greene. This gave them a significant 30% voting advantage in a four-person race. It’s likely that some voters paired Greene with Murphy or Bohen with Robb in their selections, but most decided not to cast their third vote.

Demonstrating a desire for new leadership
The clear message from voters in 2024 was: "We want fresh thinking on the council." Although incumbent Mo Greene was re-elected, it seems to be more due to the availability of an additional seat and a lack of a strong newcomer opponent rather than strong voter support. Greene received nearly 2,000 fewer votes than either of the two newcomers, suggesting that his presence on the council is more a result of circumstance than a strong voter mandate.

Golf Course stance cost Bohen the election
Greene narrowly defeated Bohen by 556 votes, with 542 of those votes coming from the three precincts around the town’s municipal golf courses. Bohen, known for his critical stance on the financial transparency of the town's golf operations, evidently lost support in these areas. However, his position didn’t gain him additional votes elsewhere in the community, indicating that most voters are indifferent to the golf course issue. This outcome highlights a key lesson from this election.

A shift in voter sentiment from the 2022 Election
The 2024 Council election results are a stark contrast to those of 2022, when voters clearly supported the continuation of the current council's direction by re-electing the three incumbents—Barrett, Nicolson, and Jones Ivey—with a 4,700-vote plurality, an 18% advantage in a six-person race. The number of ballots with less than three council votes in the 2024 election was notably higher, with 70% of voters opting not to use their third vote, compared to just 15% under-voting in 2022.

The new members will be seated on council in early November.

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Editor Note: An “undervote” occurs in an election when a voter selects fewer candidates than the number allowed for a particular race. For example, if voters are permitted to choose up to three candidates but only select one or two, those unselected slots are considered undervotes. The undervote is calculated by subtracting the total number of votes cast for all open positions from the total number of votes that could have been submitted. In our analysis, we divided that number by the number of ballots cast to determine the percent of ballots that contained less than three votes.  

Election Over: It’s Greene, Murphy, and Robb…Here’s Why

It's over
The election for three seats on the Oro Valley Town Council is over. There will be no November election as the vote for all candidates exceeded the threshold required for their election in July. Provisional votes are yet to be tallied; however, the result won’t change. 

Candidates Mo Greene, Mary Murphy, and Elizabeth Robb will be seated on the council in November. Council Member and candidate Tim Bohen will not. The panel on the right shows the numbers as of yesterday.

Now here’s why

This election was Greene Versus Bohen for third place
This election was always going to be a battle between Council Members Mo Greene and Tim Bohen for the third and last seat. In 2020, they were on the same ballot. Greene received 292 more votes than Bohen, securing a second-place finish. 

As of Saturday, Greene holds a 557-vote lead over Bohen, with only a handful of votes yet to be counted. Greene's lead has increased with every added tally. He gets 10% more votes than Bohen. 

Greene did nothing in four years on the council to garner support from the non golf, non community center voters but, because of his focus, he was able to cobble together enough votes to win. 

Bohen was not able to do that. He lacked the backing of any specific interest group or neighborhood. Although he made a difference by working with individuals, that approach alone is not sufficient for winning an election in Oro Valley. To secure additional votes, a candidate typically needs to align with a major cause such as pro-golf, pro-public safety, or pro-business. Bohen's focus on being pro-citizen, without aligning with any specific cause, ultimately led to his loss.

Murphy and Robb Were Likely Going to Be Elected 

Though their efforts and campaign strategies played a crucial role in securing seats for Murphy and Robb, the battle between Greene and Bohen influenced voting significantly. Murphy was a candidate supported by Greene and his supporters. Murphy would garner every vote Greene received. She did even better than that by reaching broader community support by not aligning herself with developer interests, unlike Greene. In this election, one in four Bohen voters voted for her. Robb was going to receive every vote that Bohen got. In addition, Greene and his community wanted her to win rather than Bohen. One in three Greene voters voted for her.

This is not to say they didn't earn their victory
It is merely to note that they were the beneficiaries of the Greene-Bohen competition.

We will provide a further analysis of the election once the vote by precinct numbers are released by the county. We don't expect that for a couple of weeks.
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Murphy..Robb.. Win Big... Bohen and Greene Too Close To Call

LOVE calls it For Murphy and Robb

Newcomers Mary Murphy and Elizabeth Robb have won resounding victories for two of the three open seats on the Oro Valley Town Council.  Combined, Murphy and Robb earned 57% of total votes cast, signaling a desire of residents for new thinking on Council. 

These results are based on Pima County provided numbers as of 3am MST today. Provisional ballots have yet to be counted. Generally, there are not a lot of these and they do not change election results substantially.

Greene leads Bohen for final seat

Incumbents Tim Bohen and Mo Greene are battling for the final seat open seat on council. Greene holds a 403 vote lead over Bohen. Greene's lead is similar to the 298 vote lead he had over Bohen in the 2020 election. 

Much lower turnout than in 2020

Voters cast 41,440 votes for these seats in 2020 versus 31,700 in this election. This latter number is before perhaps 500 or so provisional ballots yet to be counted.

LOVE will provide a more detailed analysis of results when they become final.

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8.3% Water Rate Increase Starts With Your August Bill… While the Town Continues To Waste Drinking Water On Irrigating Recreation Facilities

You August water bill is going up "big time” 

Your water bill will increase 8.3% on average this coming August based on a changes in the water rate. This is the largest increase in Oro Valley history and was championed on a 5-1 vote (Greene voting:  yes”; Bohen voting no; Barrett Absent) at the June 6 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting. The water rate increase is actually 7.9% but when sales and utility taxes are applied plus an approved increase in the water preservation fund fee, the net increase is 8.3%. (See:  Sticker Shock) 

While the council does nothing to reduce the use of drinking water on three recreational facilities

The Town Council is waiting for a miracle solution for the use of drinking water on one of the town's golf courses and two of the town's parks. The Council has wasted the opportunity to bring reclaimed water to those areas. Instead, the Council decided not to do anything about it. Are they waiting for some miracle solution to come from the State or the City of Tucson regarding further treating reclaimed water and introducing it into the Water system? Are they waiting for the state to engage in a massive project to bring desalinated water from Mexico into the State and distribute it through the CAP distribution system? 

Meanwhile, Pima County is transitioning recreation water use to reclaimed water

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Pima County Board Of Supervisors voted to "Transition of the irrigation system in Arthur Pack Park to reclaimed effluent irrigation and requested the County Administration to develop a plan for transitioning all County parks to reclaimed effluent irrigation." So, it looks as though the County has a plan while Oro Valley's Town Council "fiddles and diddles" and does nothing.

We don't know what this Council is waiting for, but we do know that they're not doing anything to eliminate the use of drinking water on town recreational properties,  And while they fiddle, the cost of bringing reclaimed water to those facilities becomes more and more.

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In the following guest view, resident Mike Zinkin points out the obvious to all except five members of council: The Town is the biggest water waster in the community. 

6,598,000 gallons of potable water wasted
The Town of Oro Valley continues to bury its head in the sand as almost 6.6 million gallons of potable water were wasted on town properties in June 2024. To break it down: the closed Pusch Ridge golf course used 2,894,000 gallons, Riverfront Park wasted 1,644,000 gallons, and Jim Kriegh Park used 2,060,000 gallons. The cost for the Pusch Ridge waste alone was $11,719.39. Do you really believe the income from disc golf covered this water cost?

In June 2023, water waste for these properties was 5,531,000 gallons. This year, the waste for June increased by over 1,000,000 gallons, rubbing this negligence in our faces.

What will it take for our town government to act responsibly? 

The Community Center is still not ADA compliant, despite being owned since May 2015. Yet, the government established a splash pad (wanted by only 4% of the people) and a new BMX track (desired by just 1%). Meanwhile, the Oro Valley Little League has no fields other than the one at Coronado Middle School.

I am not alone in my concern over this water waste. While I may be at an age where this irresponsibility won't affect me directly, what about our grandchildren? How will we explain to them that drinking water must be rationed because of the irresponsible priorities set by our government in 2024?

Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

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Greene Helps Make Town Staff 4% Pay Raise A Reality, Ignoring Financial Warnings...Failing To Participate In Discussion

Town Staff Gets Big Pay Increase 
This year’s budget includes a whopping 4% increase across the board for all employees. That’s the highest level ever given, in a year in which the council was warned that revenues are going to be tight in the future. 

Greene, Joyce-Ivey, Solomon and Winfield supported big increase
That increase was explicitly approved by a slim council majority at the June 19 council meeting, a meeting in which the council approved the $151.2 million fiscal 2025 Budget. Vice-Mayor Barrett had argued in favor of the historical 3% increase.  Council Members Bohen and Nicolson voiced their support for that.

Town “Spreads the Peanut Butter” when it comes to pay raises... No performance based awards...No incentive to get better
When it comes to staff pay raises, Oro Valley spreads the peanut butter! Everybody gets the same percent increase regardless of their performance. 

This contrasts with private sector practice where, as noted by Vice Mayor Barrett and Council Member Bohen, employees are paid based on their performance. As Council Member Nicolson noted at that meeting, who works in the public sector under the across-the-board pay philosophy: “I get the same raises, still same pay, not really a whole lot of incentive to improve.”

Barrett: Individual performance should be individually awarded
“I think it’s important to have some performance-based measures because I think that helps encourage our good employees, and we can help identify the employees that are most likely flight risks. That’s something that’s done regularly throughout all of the private sector and efficient places in other sectors as well,” said Vice Mayor Barrett.

Votava: No. That might make some people unhappy
Town Human Resource Director Andy Votava does not think that is a good idea: “So, in my mind, I don’t think we’re well-equipped to implement a pay-for-performance system because the danger or the hazard is that if we don’t do it well, some employees may take issue with that. Potentially, anybody can file a lawsuit, but it could lead to complaints.” 

Greene supported this massive increase in spending though he failed to even participate in the discussion

Mo Greene, who is running for reelection, claims to be fiscally responsible. However, his actions, including his decision to support this 4% across-the-board pay raise despite looming financial constraints, demonstrate the opposite. He was so disinterested in the conversation on the pay increase that he did not participate in it. Not one word!

Indeed, Greene's disregard for fiscal responsibility was evident when, at the Sun City forum, he was asked how he would demonstrate fiscal responsibility. He merely echoed Council Member Solomon's statement in a May council meeting: "We need to separate our wants from our needs." Greene then referenced something he did 20 years ago while working the New England Journal of Medicine, without citing any actions he has taken on the council in the past four years. That's because there were no examples to cite. 

Next Tuesday's election is a clear opportunity for voters to hold him accountable for his demonstrated lack of fiscal responsibility. 

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(Source: June 19, 2024 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, Item 5)

Guest View- Jack Stinnett: Mo Greene: The Developer’s Candidate

Developer money has been streaming into Oro Valley campaigns for at least the last 10 year

Over the past 10 years, builders, developers, and Realtor PACs have funneled donations to development-friendly council candidates. Council member Steve Solomon has been their spokesperson on the Council since 2016, advocating for higher-density developments and taller apartment structures.

That money has influenced votes

The best example of this partnership was when Town West [and silent partner HSL] proposed five and six story apartments at the Oro Valley Marketplace along the Tangerine scenic corridor. Council member Solomon made the motion that the council approve the Town West/HSL request as proposed. Newly elected Council member Greene seconded Solomon’s motion, and they both voted for the 5 and 6-story apartments.

Greene is the latest candidate to carry the developer banner forward

But alas, Solomon chose not to run for reelection in 2024. Who could the development community turn to now to advocate for their positions on rezoning requests? 

Let’s “follow the money”

Greene's 2020 Council Election: $8,000 in developer contributions 

Dr. Harry “Mo” Greene won a seat on the OV Town Council in 2020. His donations during the 2020 campaign included $4,500 from Humberto Lopez & HSL employees and $3,500 from the Realtors of Arizona and Southern Arizona Home Builders PAC 

Greene's 2024 Council Election: $25,800 in developer contributions [panel right] 
In December 2023, Councilmember Harry “Mo” Greene formed a committee for his 2024 re-election bid. Donations to Greene’s campaign as of June 30, 2024, were primarily from the development community and his golf course resident neighbors. Specific developer and PAC donations were as follows:

• $13,250 from Humberto Lopez & HSL employees and his preferred legal counsel
• $1,500 from the Realtors of AZ political action committee 
• $750 from the Southern AZ Home Builders political action committee 
• $500 from Samuel Beznos of Beztak (Apartment & Senior Living developers). 

Total developer donations through the second quarter = $16,000.  That's 62% of all the money Greene has raised.  Whose interest do you think he will represent if he is reelected. Certainly not your's. 

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Solomon Attacks "Big Community Survey"... Greene Agrees

Last week, we highlighted in the “Big Community Survey”. The survey results will be used by working groups as they craft the 2026 General Plan. We hope you found our three articles useful in understanding what was in the survey. Today,  we focus on the council's reaction to the survey results.
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Councilmember Solomon scotches survey results 
Last month, Town Planner Milini Simms and the town's external consultant presenting the survey results to the town council. Council member Steve Solomon criticized the conclusions, stating they are internally inconsistent. According to Solomon, the results "... contradict each other and are mutually exclusive." Solomon voiced his opinion that more rooftops would be needed to attract additional businesses like restaurants, which some survey respondents desire. This, according to Solomon, would also increase traffic. That is contrary to residents' preferences. Regarding the drinking water supply, Solomon argued it is not a pressing issue, despite residents' concerns about the long term water supply. He maintained that Oro Valley has an ample water supply, reassuring residents there is no need for worry. 

Greene Agrees… and so does Jones-Ivey


Council member Mo Greene, as usual, echoed Solomon's sentiments: '"I want to thank Councilmember Solomon for raising these issues." Joining them is Councilmember Jones-Ivey, who appears to have only skimmed the survey slides. "My Concern was pretty much ... stated by Councilmember Solomon. As I look at this I'm seeing that [residents want] no more growth, but [they] want more restaurants [and] more services .But [they] don't want any more traffic." Neither Greene nor Joyce-Ivey seemed to have fully reviewed the materials because that's not what they want.

Barrett goes to the facts to prove Solomon “wrong”


Fortunately, here's the good news: Both Vice Mayor Barrett and Councilmember Bohen thoroughly examined the materials. Using survey statistics, Barrett quickly pointed out that only a small percentage of respondents expressed a desire for more restaurants and businesses in town. In contrast, over half of the respondents prioritize environmental concerns such as preserving views. Managing town growth while ensuring water availability and environmental protection are top priorities for residents. Barrett emphasized that there are no inconsistencies in these findings.

Bohen concludes that the survey does show what the community wants

Council Member Bohen noted that the survey results are "good news." He emphasized that respondents are clearly telling the council not to dismiss survey responses. Bohen stated, "What the community wants isn't complicated. I think the message from the residents to us and also to the staff is to begin managing the town in accordance with our current reality, not where we wish to be

Still time for residents to participate
The survey process isn’t over. According to Planner Simms: “Come August and September, we're going to be asking residents to go to the website and make sure that the vision reflects what they said,”. You will be able to access those questions here.