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Happy New Year
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Let me begin by wishing you and your loved ones a happy and prosperous 2019.
With the start of the new year, I want to renew my commitment to Pima County residents to be a vigilant "watchdog" member of the Board of Supervisors. I promise to continue to consider the interests of all residents and small businesses in Pima County when considering, discussing and voting on all matters before the Board of Supervisors.
Ahead lies many opportunities and - unfortunately - many of the same old obstacles. As a result, many of us who are striving for change, are hopeful but cautious.
The key to the coming year is the underlying
knowledge
that the fight against crony capitalism (sometimes referred to as corporate welfare), waste, fraud, and taxpayer dollar abuse
IS
winnable.
Together, we can expose and eliminate the good-ol'-boy practices that have shut out so many hard-working unconnected residents. Together, we can ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and is playing on a level field.
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Advocacy For You - A Year In Review
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In 2018, I directed the Clerk of the Board to place an item on the August 7, 2018 Board of Supervisors meeting agenda to discuss the World View explosion:
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| 08.07.18 World View Investigation: Answers Produce More Questions |
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On May 15, 2018, the Pima County Board of Supervisors in a 3:2 vote approved an Acquisition Agreement to acquire the Golden Pins Bowling Alley located at 1010 W. Miracle Mile for the contract amount of $2,941,600--which is nearly 30% higher than the appraised value of $2.2 million. I opposed the acquisition citing issues with the appraisal which didn't include consideration of asbestos and questioned why the urgency in approving this purchase at 30% over appraised value.
County Administrator Huckelberry later issued a memorandum stating the County would spend $2.9 to acquire the property plus an additional $4 million to renovate the property.
I will continue to look into this matter.
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| 08.07.18 County Buys Bowling Alley: $600K Above Appraisal! |
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Out With The Old And In With The New
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During the last Board of Supervisors' meeting of 2018, a young mother,
entrepreneur
, and native Pima County resident, Brianna Hernandez, spoke truth to power:
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| Mother, entrepreneur, and concerned citizen, Brianna Hernandez Hamiliton, addresses the Pima County Supervisors on 12-18- 2018 |
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At that same meeting, c
ommunity leader Chris King, addressed the Pima County Board of Supervisors:
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| Chris King addresses the Pima County Board of Supervisors on December 18, 2018 |
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You Have My Promise
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Pima County residents like Ms. Hernandez Hamilton and Mr. Chris King inspire me to keep fighting for a responsive and transparent government.
There are those, who think their words don't matter. I strongly disagree. I know that the more mothers and fathers, entrepreneurs and veterans, small business owners and retirees speak truth to power, the better off we will all be.
I am excited about the prospects for reform and renewal in 2019. Please, join me in the fight against the deep-pocketed special interests. I look forward to serving you in 2019. I encourage you to come and watch the Board meetings - if you don't see what you like - consider adding your voice to the choir of residents who still see promise in Pima County and its hard-working residents.
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January 8, 2019
9 AM
1st Floor
130 W. Congress,
Tucson, 85701
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Did You know?
"... Huckelberry and his staff circumvented Title 34 and County procurement ordinances by procuring these services in August 2015 and working with these firms in private to such an extent that by the time the Board was asked to consider the matter, the preconstruction services were already a third of the way complete and it appeared impracticable to hire anyone else. In January 19, 2016, the County decided it would be hard to switch horses midstream. But it chose which horse to ride in August 2015, when Huckelberry "select[ed]" them and the County began "receiv[ing] their services...." -
Goldwater lawsuit against Pima County
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Follow The Money
I encourage you to visit my newly revamped website to learn more about my efforts on your behalf and how the County is spending your hard-earned dollars.
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From PACC -
Freezing temps dangerous for animals not used to the cold
With temperatures expected to be in the low 20s for the next several nights, Pima Animal Care Center officials are encouraging pet owners to bring pets inside or provide adequate shelter.
"If you're cold, your pet is cold," said PACC Director Kristen Auerbach. "Pets in Tucson are acclimated to warmer temperatures which means below-freezing night temperatures can be deadly for pets left outside with no shelter."
To protect pets from the cold, PACC's Animal Protection Services will make neglect calls a higher priority while the freezing overnight temperatures persist. Community members who see a pet without appropriate shelter should report it to PACC's animal protection dispatch at (520) 724-5900, extension 4. Officers will do their best to address these calls in a timely manner.
PACC is also offering tips for pet owners to help them protect their pets from the cold.
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