Oro Valley Neighbor John Musolf Offers Facts About GOVAC

We received the following email from our neighbor John Musoff. It is worth your reading:

The Days Of Oro Valley Being A "Cash Cow" May Be Over

John Musolf

Oro Valley Resident and Taxpayer

OV Objective thinker states: “Please keep in mind that the term "Oro Valley being a Cash Cow" is an Art Segal term and should be afforded the same weight as his other personal opinions. There is no substance, no figures to support the claim, just his own empty rhetoric”.
OV Objective thinker needs to do a little research before making comments. Historical information On The Town of Oro Valley Contributions to GOVAC:
05-06: $180,000
06-07: $110,000
07-08: $110,000 plus $60,000 emergency funding
08-09: $210.000 proposed

There was an article “Arts in “dire” straits” published in the Explorer on December 31, 2007. President Satish Hiremarth commented that the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (GOVAC) has supported the quality of life in arts and culture in Oro Valley for the last ten years. The article stated that “Corporate donations, which according to the group’s tax statements have been on the rise, make up another sizeable portion of the group’s budget”. However, one of the comments made by GOVAC at the Town of Oro Valley Council study session on December 12, 2007 was that deficits might grow larger because some corporate donations have recently been reduced because of economic conditions. For example, Wells Fargo had reduced their donation by 50% to a recent GOVAC “event”.

Does GOVAC mean to imply that the government and its taxpayers are not affected by economic conditions and can make up any GOVAC shortfalls? Oro Valley taxpayers are being asked to continue to increase their contributions as deficits grow. GOVAC is looking to Oro Valley to increase its contribution from $110,000 to $210,000.

It also became public at the December 12, 2007 study session that GOVAC had already received an advance draw for the third quarter and was asking for an advance on the 4^th quarter. Instead of paying GOVAC executive directors up to $50,000 per year, the money would be better spent on some professional accounting and audit support to prudently learn how to budget and balance both revenue and expenses and live within reasonable parameters (a sound business basis).

According to GOVAC’s executive director, Kate Marquez, most events are planned with deficits expected! “We have so many programs that don’t generate revenue,” Marquez said.

Only about 20 percent of GOVAC’s 47 annual events earn money, according to Marquez. At the December 12, 2007 study session, the mayor Has GOVAC furnished this?

A Second Explorer News Article: “Arts Council Gets Emergency Funding” published in the Explorer, March 12, 2008 states: ”The Greater Oro Valley Arts Council will receive $60,000 in additional funding from the town on top of the $110,000 the group received for the fiscal year, which began last July 1.

The group had requested the emergency cash after releasing documents showing a $59,000 budget shortfall for the year.

Group leaders said that the financial troubles stemmed from increasingly adding new programs for the community, while not securing enough money for them”.

In my opinion, the “story” behind the story is that GOVAC had committed money in verbal or written contracts to group or individual performers and spent advertising dollars and bought materials for the new programs or events. If the programs or events had been cancelled GOVAC would be legally liable for the expended or committed money.

As I have stated in the past,instead of paying GOVAC executive directors up to $50,000 per year, the money would be better spent on some professional accounting and audit support to prudently learn how to budget and balance both revenue and expenses and live within reasonable parameters (a sound business basis). I would like to add that GOVAC should also seek professional support in the legal area to prevent potential liabilities and have to seek emergency funding.

Does GOVAC want the TOV government and its taxpayers to make up any GOVAC emergencies? With many citizens having to choose between food and gas in these recessionary times I believe a little belt-tightening is in order to lighten our tax burden.

At the OV meeting on September 12, 2007, President Satish stated that it might be possible that GOVAC would go deeper into deficit and may have to go into bankruptcy in January 2008 unless 4^th quarter funds could be drawn in advance from the Oro Valley budget to continue operating. Evidently, the two commenters: "boobie-baby" and "OV Objective Thinker" would like the taxpayers to continue to support an organization teetering on the brink of bankruptcy (GOVAC words, not mine). GOVAC does not support sound budget business practices.

The Explorer in their newspaper on March 12,2008 there was a full page on page 11 touting the “ Comcast Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Festival, March 29-30, at the Pima Community College Northwest Campus. One of the major sponsers was GOVAC. An Oro Valley resident has to wonder how much of their taxes were committed to that festival event which is not even held in the Town of Oro Valley? Lastly, in my personal opinion, if you want to comment on public articles you should have the courage to publish your names as I do on every letter or email that I send. It's easy to hide behind email names.

John Musolf Addresses GOVAC Financial Issues

Those of us who know John Musolf, know him to be an intelligent man with a vast knowledge on financial matters. On a number of occasions, John has attempted, unsuccessfully, to convey some of his knowledge to the Oro Valley Town Council. At one recent meeting, from his "perch", Terry Parish went so far as to denigrate John after his enlightened 3 minute presentation as allowed by the council.
John has written us concerning the GOVAC financial situation. Please take the time to read his message
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"I attended an Oro Valley Town Council Study Session on December 12, 2007 where the Greater Oro Valley Arts Councill ("GOVAC") discussed the organizational direction, special events, and recommended funding levels with the Council. There was no opportunity for the public to comment on the GOVAC presentation that evening.

I attended the Oro Valley Town Council meeting on December 19, 2007 and was given the opportunity as a public citizen to comment on the GOVAC presentation given on December 12, 2007. Most of the presentation on December 12, 2007 was given by President Satish Hiremarth of GOVAC.

President Satish commented that GOVAC has supported the quality of life in arts and culture in Or Valley for the last ten years. I believe what GOVAC is doing is admirable, but their activities must be on a sound business basis.

President Satish said there had been a rolling deficit in operating GOVAC for the last six years. He talked about the contributions that Oro Valley taxpayers had given GOVAC for the last three years:

2005/2006: $180,000
2006/2007: $110,000
2007/2008: $110,000

There was no audit available or documentation breakdown presented on how the Oro Valley taxpayer’s funds had been spent by GOVAC for those three past budget years.

President Satish mentioned that GOVAC is requesting an increase of about $100,000 from Oro Valley taxpayers for 2008/2009 (total $210,000). President Satish went on to state that GOVAC is in a deficit and had already drawn in advance the 3rd quarter funds from the Oro Valley budget to continue operating.

President Satish then stated that it might be possible that GOVAC would go deeper into deficit and may have to go into bankruptcy in January 2008 unless 4th quarter funds could be drawn in advance from the Oro Valley budget to continue operating.

President Satish then referred to a documented projected expenditure breakdown for the five special events that GOVAC wants to sponsor for 2008/2009 and the funds that Oro Valley taxpayers might provide.

The original intent of the Master Operating Agreement between the Town of Oro Valley and GOVAC was that 5o2n funding would diminish over time, not increase. It appears that the Oro Valley taxpayers will be asked to continue to increase their contributions as deficits grow.

It appears that GOVAC needs some professional accounting and audit support to prudently learn how to budget and balance both revenue and expenses and live within reasonable parameters (a sound business basis).

The Oro Valley taxpayers can’t be expected to continue to “bail-out” GOVAC for past deficits and future projected ones. Significant work must be done by GOVAC to provide the detail to show their activities can be primarily self-sustaining with minimum taxpayer funding.

John Musolf

Oro Valley resident and taxpayer

John Musolf Writes To Explorer Re: GOVAC in "Dire Straits"

Below is a letter to The Explorer (Jan 16) from neighbor John Musolf

Arts council can’t keep asking for more money

I would like to comment on Patrick McNamara’s recent article “Arts in ‘dire’ straits,” published in the Explorer on Jan. 2.

President Satish Hiremarth commented that the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (GOVAC) has supported the quality of life in arts and culture in Oro Valley for the last 10 years. I believe what GOVAC is doing is admirable, but their activities must be on a sound business basis.

The original intent of the master operating agreement between the town of Oro Valley and GOVAC was that the TOV funding (taxpayer money) would diminish over time, not increase. It appears that the TOV taxpayers will be asked to continue to increase their contributions as deficits grow. GOVAC is looking to TOV to increase its contribution from $110,000 (2006/2007) to $210,000 (2007/2008).

Mr. McNamara stated in his article that “Corporate donations, which according to the group’s tax statements have been on the rise, make up another sizeable portion of the group’s budget.”

However, one of the comments made by GOVAC at the TOV council study session on Dec. 12 was that deficits might grow larger because some corporate donations have recently been reduced because of economic conditions. For example, Wells Fargo had reduced their donation by 50 percent to a recent GOVAC “event.” Does GOVAC mean to imply that the government and taxpayers are not affected by economic conditions and can make up any GOVAC shortfalls?

Instead of paying GOVAC executive directors up to $50,000 per year, the money would be better spent on some professional accounting and audit support to prudently learn how to budget and balance both revenue and expenses and live within reasonable parameters (a sound business basis).

Significant work must be done by GOVAC to provide the detail to show their activities can be primarily self-sustaining with minimum taxpayer funding.

According to GOVAC’s executive director, Kate Marquez, most events are planned with deficits expected.

“We have so many programs that don’t generate revenue,” Marquez said.

“Only about 20 percent of GOVAC’s 47 annual events earn money,” according to Marquez.

The Oro Valley taxpayers can’t be expected to continue to “bail out” GOVAC for past deficits and future projected ones.

John Musolf,
Oro Valley

It's Back: GOVAC Lives!

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The following was sent to me by one of our bloggers.  I wanted to share it with you.
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There was an innocent looking item #2 on the November 2, 2011 Town Council Regular Agenda:

"Discussion and possible action regarding arts and culture in relation to economic development"

Remember the old Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (GOVAC) headed by Chairman Satish Hiremath that sucked at the teat of Oro Valley dollars for many years. Kate Marquez was the paid director

They were one of many community organizations that were funded by the town until Bill Garner got the town to put stringent policy requirements in effect to justify any community funding.

Almost all organizations flow of dollars for community funding dried up including GOVAC.

Two organizations saved themselves by getting economic development dollars through the Town Economic Development Department instead of community funding (MTCVB and TREO). Good end run by Loomis! No justification.

GOVAC morphed into the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) headed by Director Kate Marquez who showed up tonight with her hand out to get some money from the town through economic development. Her logic: By bringing people to Oro Valley for the Arts they will bring significant sales tax dollars into the community. The Council approved $3200 to bring back the Riverfront music series ( 4 sessions). The Council also approved doing a feasibility study to determine other events by SAACA (e.g. Fourth of July Fireworks).

Lou Waters and Mary Snider as well as Satish were panting with excitement!

GOVAC lives! Back on the gravy train!
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Oro Valley Council Increases GOVAC Contribution

There was a spirited discussion at the July 2 Council meeting concerning the 2008-2009 town budget.

In a July 2 article in the Az Star (prior to the meeting) it was noted that KC Carter " is pushing to cut funding altogether for the group (GOVAC) within three years."

Well---that may be the case, but it was KC that made a motion to increase GOVAC funding in the 2008-2009 budget.

After lengthy discussion, it was decided to increase GOVAC from $105,000 to $120,000, change a few other contributions, and cut The Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce from $27,500 to zero.

The rationale: NPCCC has seen fit to be a political influence on recent OV council elections. Also, the feeling was we don't get much in return for our dollars.

Only Mayor Loomis & Vice Mayor Kunisch----not surprisingly, voted "No."
These two seem to be a coalition of two on a number of recent votes.

Oh well---- some things change, others never will!

You can read the Az Star article here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/246554.php

Az Star Reports On No Additional Funds For GOVAC

The Az Star Feb 12 issue has the story about the OV Council voting "No" for additional GOVAC funds.

Council Member Salette Latas is quoted as saying, as a result of GOVAC coming back now for more town subsidy; "I feel like this is GOVAC cutting to the front of the line."

We couldn't agree more.

Read the Star article here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/byauthor/279791

Is It Time To Change The Name From "GOVAC" To "GTAC?"

Don't look for the July 4th GOVAC concert anywhere near Oro Valley. In its latest move away from our community, GOVAC plans on holding this event at Rillito Park Racetrack.

Perhaps, a name change to "Greater Tucson Arts Council" would be more appropriate.

Earlier this week an OV subcommittee recommended we donate $61,930 to GOVAC. Although this was less than recent years, it's still money coming from ORO VALLEY TAXPAYERS.

Here's the article from the May 7 Az Star.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/85737/291772

Oro Valley Council Says "No" To GOVAC July 4 Funding

Earlier today we did a posting commenting on an Explorer editorial. One issued addressed was a funding request from GOVAC (Greater Oro Valley Arts Council) for $25,000 to hold a July 4 program----not at the grass at River Front Park, but, of all places, the hot asphalt at the OV Marketplace.

Our comment on the earlier posting was:

As to GOVAC (and TREO & NPCCC that Mr. Perry didn't mention,) the question is this: What does Oro Valley get for its money? Should we be subsidizing these entities to the extent we do, especially in these difficult economic times when we are operating with a deficit?

Well, at this evening's council meeting, after lengthy discussion, a vote was taken on the requested funding.

Thanks to Bill Garner, KC Carter, Salette Latas & Barry Gillaspie who showed that fiscal responsibility is more than words, the request was turned down.

Pandemic Hit The Arts Hard... But SAACA Sees A Bright Future Ahead

SAACA: The Pandemic disproportionately affected artists
“Covid 19 has disproportionately affected the ability of artists to make and sell their work in the community" according to, Kate Marquez, Executive Director of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (“SAACA”), speaking at last week’s Oro Valley Town Council meeting. 

To help with this, SAACA has focused on keeping events and activities open during this most difficult two-year period. “Our response has been to continue to collaborate….There is a lot of healing that needs to happen in the next few years. Our programs will address that.”

Collaboration with Oro Valley has flourished
Marques discussed a number of areas where SAACA has been working with Oro Valley. “Our collaboration with Oro Valley has really been able to flourish this past year.” (See panel below-right).

Marquez highlighted the photography competition 

Over 400 images were submitted. Winners were announced last spring. “The community submitted imagery that capture the essence of Oro Valley life, animals, outdoor spaces, urban and residential life and experience within the community.” They have a website under development to view these photos.

 
And the mural program
Marquez also discussed the Oro Valley mural program. We wrote previously about the “Dream It, Then Do It” mural at James D Kreigh Park. According the Marquez, “Over 100 people’s dreams are painted into that mural.” Also a “Welcome to Oro Valley” mural was created in cooperation with TENWEST, Visit Tucson and The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. “There are many more murals to come.”

Many other Oro Valley focussed activities 

• Coloring Book: This summer, SAACA will be launching a new coloring book made by local artisans.
• SAACA sponsored the town’s digital and virtual holiday tree lighting. 3,000 people attended the tree lighting. 20,000 attended the holiday festival. The total sales of participating artists, exhibitors and vendors was nearly $450,000. That set an all time record. “People are back investing in artists and arts.”
• SAACA hosted a fall artisan market this year. Estimated attendance was over 4,000 people with average sales of nearly $2000 per artist. “These opportunities not only mean business for artists but stimulate economic and tourism growth.” 
• They resumed in person concerts. The music series is very popular. “Our phone rings at least ten times a week with people asking for music in Oro Valley.”
• Ventana gallery at Roche Tissue Diagnostics features over $750,000 in public art.

Marquez: The future is bright
As we look forward, quote “We anticipate a doubling of artist-based businesses in Oro Valley.” According to Marquez, there are a lot of people who are leaving their jobs and going to work for themselves in artist-based businesses.

"There is a lot of healing that needs to happen in the next few years. Our programs will address that.”

Council thanks SAACA

Council Member Mo Green observed that SAACA started as an Oro Valley organization called  the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (“GOVAC”). He thanked Marquez for her hard work in making SAACA a significant organization for all of Southern Arizona.
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About SAACA 

The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (“SAACA”) is a non profit organization that creates collaborative arts-driven experiences which strengthen the bonds between people, place and purpose. The organization was started in Oro Valley in 1997. They do many things. Most visible is the public art that we see throughout the community. You may have seen them in the Tucson Mall where they have a “Catalyst Arts and Maker Space.” 

The highest percentage of artist and maker small businesses in Arizona, those who actually make a living off to their work, live in Oro Valley. 

SAACA grew from the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (“GOVAC”). GOVAC increased its scope to include all of Southern Arizona and changed its name in 2011. The Towns of Oro Valley, Patagonia and Sahuarita contribute to the funding of SAACA.

Learn more at saaca.org

Oro Valley Council Says "No" To GOVAC---"Yes" To Loomis

The Explorer Feb 11 issue reports that the Oro Valley Council rejected GOVAC's request for an additional $25,000 for the July 4 event.

This is not "new news," as we posted the results of that vote on Feb 4. Oro Valley Council Says "No" To GOVAC July 4 Funding.

Perhaps more interesting was the balance of The Explorer article pertaining to the request from Mayor Loomis for more funds for travel.

A compromise was reached when Al Kunisch & Paula Abbott (why Paula???) voted to give the mayor $2,500 each from their travel budget.

Salette Latas brought up the fact that Mr. Loomis took that sojourn to Europe last May at a cost of $11,000.

As far as we know, the council & citizens are still wondering what was accomplished by the mayor going.

Perhaps if he filled out a trip report, we'd know that it was a waste of time, and a waste of taxpayer's money!

Here's The Explorer article.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2009/02/11/news/doc4993062e1e8a6029126831.txt

Look Who's Trying To "Sell" The Naranja Park On Behalf Of GOVAC

Does the name Dick Johnson ring a bell? Yup! He's the same guy who led the charge as a Council Member in 2004 to "push through" some $50,000,000 in "giveaways" to the big retail developers.

Johnson was free and easy "throwing" our sales tax revenues right into the developer's pockets. To this day, he still insists that monstrous building going up on Tangerine Rd just west of Oracle Rd is good for Oro Valley. How anybody can believe a 24/7 Super Center Wal-Mart is good for Oro Valley is difficult to comprehend.

Now that Johnson came up way short on his re-election bid, as too many voters wised up to his "cunning" ways, he's at it again, only this time it's "citizen" Johnson. Now he has become a lobbyist for GOVAC, the cash-strapped Arts Council that came to Oro Valley asking for something like a $200,000 donation.

Following is GOVAC's e-mail newsletter. If you believe Johnson "snookered" you while on the Council, we hope it won't happen again. Using the old cliche': "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

Don't let his smooth talk confuse the issue. The last guy that tried "smooth talking" Oro Valley citizens, was David Malin of Vestar, who convinced too many that Vestar was bringing us a "unique, upscale" shopping experience. Yeah! Sure. What did we get? WAL-MART!!!

Need I say more?

A park with ball fields for the kids is one thing. An amphitheater and aquatic center is something else. Building, maintaining and operating something like this will cost more than a few "lattes!"

Here's Johnson's "pitch."

Art
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Greater Oro Valley Arts Council E-mail Newsletter onNaranja Town Site:
Please take the time to read this information because it contains CRITICAL information on the future of the Naranja Town Park. I am going to provide facts that give you insight into the past, the present, and the future.

The Past:
In November of 2000 the land for the Park was bought from the State Land Trust. This land was combined with adjacent Town land to form a 212 acre park site. In September of 2001 Stantec Consulting and The Architecture Co. began master planning the site. This process took 14 months. Included in this process was 17 public meetings; 6 meetings with 38 stakeholders representing the users of the Park; 3 community workshops and monthly meetings with a large Task Force appointed by the Council.
In 2004 an extensive evaluation of the cultural needs of the community was made by Webb Management. They interviewed a diverse group of users/potential users, patrons, etc. Their report clearly outlined the facilities the community would support.
In May 2006, the architecture firm of Burns, Wald-Hopkins began the programming of this site. In this phase, more detailed layout and planning was accomplished with relevant cost factors assigned to each component of the Park. This is where the $150 million figure came from
During the entire process there were an unbelievable number of Council meetings and study sessions. What was the result of all this input, money, and energy---not much.
The Present:
The Town Council has not yet decided how much of a bond authorization to establish for the November 2008 election. The debate is between a basic proposal of $49 million for the infra structure and the outdoor recreation facilities. No community center classrooms, offices, arts or indoor recreation areas are included. This proposal would cost an owner of a $300,000 home about $5.60 per month.
The other proposal would amount to $80,000,000. Beside the components of the above proposal this proposal would include a pool to be used for recreation as well as for swim meets held by high schools and swim clubs; and, a community center with a 500 seat multipurpose facility (performing arts, speakers, and HOA meetings are some examples for usage). The owner of the same $300,000 home would pay only $7.40 per month.
The cost difference is a whopping----------$1.80 per month. Not even enough to buy a latte.

The Future:
On February 6th the Council will meet to decide on the amount of the bond authorization. It is important to understand that a bond authorization is not an issuance and therefore does NOT incur any debt to the Town or to the taxpayer. Do not get wrapped up in a possible discussion of Operation and Maintenance expenses. This discussion will be held at the time the bond issue is discussed and decided upon. Currently, the Town's bed tax would be used to cover the O&M expenses.
Your involvement is absolutely needed to give the citizens the opportunity to vote on the bond issue they want. The $80 million bond authorization gives a greater number of citizens a stake in the Park thereby improving the probability of passage.
Please pass this email on to others and send an email to the Town Council expressing your views of this issue. Addresses are: kcarter@orovalley.net, bgillaspie@orovalley.net, akunisch@orovalley.net, tparish@orovalley.net, ploomis@orovalley.net, hdankwerth@orovalley.net, pabbott@orovalley.net,
We need you and others from your organization to attend the February 6th Council meeting. Have a representative from your organization speak (3 minutes). Also, more impact is gained by having a participant, especially a young person, also speak.
I strongly urge you to take action on this Park or another 8 years will pass and nothing will get done. If you have any questions please call me at 904-5554 or email me.
Thanks for your attention!!
Dick Johnson Oro Valley Citizen
Greater Oro Valley Arts Council

Kathy Pastryk Says "Hiremath Is A Disciple Of Special Interests"

Please read Kathy's letter to The Explorer.We certainly agree with her analysis.



Hiremath is a disciple of special interests

Since 2008, the Town of Oro Valley has not contributed to the Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce. Partially due to budget constraints, town council voted not to fund the former Greater Oro Valley Arts Council), TREO, the Tucson visitors bureau and others having little to do with business in Oro Valley.

Lo and behold, these organizations now endorse Satish Hiremath for mayor of Oro Valley. Hiremath's statement on the matter is that the organizations will provide levels of service that "we as elected officers" are responsible for in providing for "our" citizens.

Wait a minute. Who are "we elected officers?" Does Satish Hiremath think that he is already elected? Perhaps so. Said organizations have contributed heavily to his campaign, so the assumption may be that this upcoming election is a "done deal."

Not so fast, Dr. Hiremath.

Mike Zinkin is in this race to win. Many know that he has regularly participated in a wide range of town activities over the years.

While Hiremath was cleaning teeth, Zinkin's genuine, sustained interest in town government led him study and graduate twice from Oro Valley's highly regarded Citizens' Planning Institute.

What did Hiremath, as head of GOVAC, do for local artists? Nada mucho. He used taxpayers' money to bring in jazz musicians from all over the country, then charged $75 per person for tickets. Was this truly serving the needs of OV citizens?

Meanwhile, Zinkin safeguarded our town code and quality of life. Serving on and chairing the Development Review Board, he ensured that developers' and architects' projects were both practical and harmonious with Oro Valley's exceptional surroundings. Zinkin knows and respects Oro Valley's general plan and our strategic plan. We can count on him to adhere to both.

While Hiremath attended a single town council meeting to beg for GOVAC money (storming out when council refused), Zinkin put in long hours with our young people, officiating at youth sports.

Zinkin has wisdom derived from genuine experience with our townspeople and our businesses. Hiremath is a dilettante and a disciple of special interests.

Kathleen Pastryk, Oro Valley

Oro Valley Council Approves $380K to Non-Profit Groups

As reported in The Explorer, the Oro Valley Council approved donations of $380,000 to various non-profit groups.

Only the $120,000 given to GOVAC---The Greater Oro Valley Arts Council was a bit contentious. Ultimately, the council voted 4-3 to approve the payment structure to GOVAC, Opposed were Loomis, Kunisch & Gillaspie. They desired a different payment schedule.

Read the details in the Aug 13 Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/08/13/news/doc48a22009e37ef177689132.txt

Oro Valley Council Agrees To Donate $177,717 To Outside Organizations

The Oro Valley Council voted last week to give OUR money to outside organizations. Although some may be worthy charities, we think the council is being a little too philanthropic when it comes to the likes of TREO, MTCVB, GOVAC (with new name) & C-Path that received almost $200,000 of the total of $277,717.

These groups will be funded the following amounts:

Amphi Foundation $2,000

Arizona Distance Classic $3,000

Arizona Paralyzed Veterans $4,500

Arthritis Foundation $1,375

Catalina Community Services $3,750

Community Food Bank $15,000

Critical Path $25,000

GOVAC $61,930

Interfaith Community Services $1,250

MTCVB $72,000

Oro Valley Parade $1,893

Pima Council on Aging $9,019

Perimeter Bicycling $13,750

Project Graduation $10,000

TREO $40,000

TriSports Racing $13,250

Total $277,717

Three Votes For Hiremath. How Many Disagree?

Well---if you read this letter to The Explorer, you'll have no doubt that Satish Hiremath has three votes. We must wonder what the rest of the Canada Hills Village 15 homeowners think about Mike. Are these the ONLY three Hiremath supporters in the whole community of 100+?

Art
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Dealing with Zinkin makes everyone angry

Dr. Satish Hiremath is our choice for mayor of the Town of Oro Valley.

Dr. Satish Hiremath has a successful dentistry business, and is a very active volunteer, leading GOVAC for several years. His business is thriving. GOVAC has matured into a successful regional organization under his guidance. Both jobs require detailed financial planning and personnel interaction. Getting consensus is mandatory. Leadership skills are required — working with people is the job.

Mike Zinkin was an air traffic controller for many years and has been a baseball umpire for 40 years. I have no doubt that he was a very fine air traffic controller and that he is a great baseball umpire; you can't do those badly or you are not asked to continue. They require one to make repeated, instantaneous, black and white decisions without consulting anyone. The decisions must be communicated instantly as unquestioned orders. No leadership skills are required to guide airplanes or to call strikes.

Mr. Zinkin interacts with our homeowners association —with mostly legitimate concerns — more than anyone else in our tract. Every time he does so, he does it in such a manner that everyone gets angry. The natural response is to just say no. If Mr. Zinkin were elected to the HOA board, we would resign immediately. He's impossible to work with.

Seven years ago, Mr. Zinkin was on the HOA board. He and another board member were censured after they cost the HOA several thousand dollars by their actions. They escaped being sued for malfeasance on a technicality. He has not served on that board since.

Dr. Satish Hiremath is clearly our choice to lead Oro Valley as mayor.

The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the Canada Hills Village 15 Homeowners Association.

Douglas Forester, Harry Wells, Burton Jordon, Oro Valley

Wow! Dave Perry, Explorer Editor Has Much To Say About Oro Valley

We pointed out previously, that Dave Perry arrived in Oro Valley less than two years ago to take control of The Explorer, as editor & publisher.

Is Mr. Perry familiar enough with the goings on in Oro Valley PRIOR to his arrival? We must wonder. Once again, we believe Mr. Perry writes about this council's actions without regard to previous council's actions or inaction's that caused us much chagrin.

His lengthy editorial of Feb 3 addresses many issues, including EDAs, building fees, Utility Tax and GOVAC among others.

Here are OUR comments:

The Oro Valley Council took bold action in putting subsidy money in an escrow account awaiting a final determination of the constitutionality of the Gift Clause as raised by the Goldwater Institute in its victory in the Az Appeals Court.

Good for this council, and good for them that they are not intimated by the potential threat (as Mr.Perry points out) from developer's lawsuits.

Oh yeah! The people did approve Vestar's $23.2M "giveaway," but many weren't aware we'd get a Walmart for our efforts. That is what is known as "being snookered!"

Let's talk about the Utility Tax. It took 3 times to get that "fool tax" approved by the previous council. It had a sunset clause, and that sunset clause should be honored, not withstanding the fact the tax was implemented to fill additional staff positions, many of them police, that begs the question, "was the tax necessary in the first place?"

Raising building fees was another bold step. Keep in mind, if the previous town council's weren't so "developer friendly," these fees would have been raised incrementally, but that didn't happen.

As to GOVAC (and TREO & NPCCC that Mr. Perry didn't mention,) the question is this: What does Oro Valley get for its money? Should we be subsidizing these entities to the extent we do, especially in these difficult economic times when we are operating with a deficit?

As a side note, for those not aware, you might want to ask about the Hilton's obligation as to the "fireworks display" as part of its bed tax subsidy.

We think the majority of this council is, and must be, much more fiscally responsible than any of its predecessors in recent memory. For that, they should be commended----not chastised!

Please read Dave Perry's editorial here, and feel free to comment.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2009/02/04/opinion/editorials/doc4988ea02c5e2c214944283.txt

Should Oro Valley "Bail Out" GOVAC?

The Explorer had an article titled, "Arts Group in 'Dire' Straits."

The question is: Should The Oro Valley Council "Bail Out" GOVAC?

You may want to refer to our neighbor John Musolf's message which we posted on Dec 23.

Read the Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/article/show/21143

Explorer Letter Says It All: "Zinkin Better Man To Take Care Of Oro Valley"

We don't know Linda Johnson, but she's "dead on" concerning the Oro Valley Mayoral election. Ms. Johnson's words should be heeded by all OV voters.

Art
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Zinkin better man to take care of OV

Although Oro Valley elections are nonpartisan, many citizens have received an e-mail from a gentleman (nonresident of Oro Valley) recommending we vote for the Republican mayoral candidate, Hiremath.

This e-mailing gentleman is assuring us that because Hiremath is a Republican, he would be fiscally responsible. Not so.

Normally, Republicans are more fiscally responsible, however our town council Republicans have a record of overtaxing and reckless spending.

For example, the utility tax increased through council members Kunisch, Dankwerth, Parish and Mayor Loomis was designed to end April, 2009. Regrettably, the Republican Council, knowing this is a tax on our necessities, water, gas and electricity, voted to extend the tax. They keep on taxing.

Hiremath's records show that he may have the same "easy spending, easy taxing" tendencies. As a board member of GOVAC, he came before the Oro Valley Town Council seeking a $60,000 handout to balance the GOVAC budget. How do we know that Hiremath won't repeat similar scenarios if elected to mayor?

In addition to concerns of overspending, there is an unusual situation with Hiremath's endorsements; he is endorsed mainly by Tucson city organizations or non-Oro Valley residents: Tucson Chamber of Commerce; the Tucson Association of Realtors; the North Tucson Firefighters; Oro Valley Fraternal Order of Police (not necessarily Oro Valley residents) and Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce. I go on record as a loyal supporter of all firefighters, policemen and their fraternities. However, our town of Oro Valley needs to vote for a mayor who will focus on Oro Valley issues, budgets, organizations and government obligations.

Previously, our leaders have financially supported organizations from outside Oro Valley and disregarded the will of the people. In this election, we hope to rectify the misplace loyalty as well as change the overtaxing and overspending problem. That is why Mike Zinkin is the better candidate for mayor.

This election is about taking care of Oro Valley.

Linda Johnson, Oro Valley

Az Star Reports On Oro Valley Funding Cuts To Outside Entities

We previously reported that the Oro Valley Council voted unanimously (5-0, Carter absent) to discontinue all outside funding in the next year due to a budget shortfall.

The Star article seems to zero in on the few thousand dollars earmarked for what some may consider worthy organizations: such as Arizona Paralyzed Veterans of America & Catalina Community Services.

However, the biggest drain for us in the total of approximately $278,000 we philanthropically were donating went to the likes of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc., or TREO; the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, or MTCVB.

Also, in case anyone hasn't noticed, GOVAC, (Greater Oro Valley Arts Council) that has been the recipient of tens of thousands of dollars in recent years, opted to change most of their venues outside of Oro Valley, and in fact, have a new name:
Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance.

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/byauthor/319667

Az Star Reports On Oro Valley's New Proposed Budget

We previously noted the town budget now at $201 million includes two contingency expenditures:
$48.6 million for the Naranja Park Bond Issue, and $32 million for the new Municipal Operations Center, which could be approved WITHOUT voter approval.

We believe both these entities have merit----within reason. We hope the new town council will take a hard look at the way this existing council spends OUR money, and that they will show a little fiscal responsibility.

There are other areas where we feel the town could and should save money. One place to start would be to cut back the "contributions" to various entities such as TREO, GOVAC and the like.

Isn't it a good time to start "living within our means?" We sure hope our new council including Bill Garner & Salette Latas will bring some sanity to our town government.

Read the Az Star article here.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/85737/238848