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Challengers Prevail
On March 19, the Explorer published a story about Salette's and Bill's landslide mandate victory in the primary, in which one of the losers expresses his hope for a "polite" general election, even though he was the only one to engage in a negative, unwarranted, personal attack during the primary. Read the story here.
"Latas’ margin of victory over third-place Parish was 1,947 votes"
On March 19, the Explorer published an editorial about Salette's and Bill's landslide mandate victory in the primary. Read the story here.
Gold Star Mother Marks Anniversary of Invasion
On March 19, KGUN News aired a story about the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. View the video here.
Town Debates Subsidy
On March 19, the Explorer published a story about a subsidy to the third largest pharmeceutical company in the world. The company is seeking a rebate of 25% of its construction sales taxes, whic go directly to fund road maintenance in Oro Valley. Read the story here.
Town Promises to Maintain Roads
On March 19, the Explorer published a story about a recently annexed neighborhood in Oro Valley. Mayor Loomis made a pre-annexation promise that the Town would maintain the neighborhood's roads. Since that time, the town engineer attempted to reneg on that promise by stating that the town didn't have the funds to maintain the roads. Those funds come from the construction sales tax, of which some members of Council want to give $360,000 to the third largest pharmeceutical company in the world. Read the story here.
"Put in place safeguards that would guarantee land conservation"
On March 13, the Star published an article about the Oro Valley Town Council's decision to approve a general plan amendment for Arroyo Grande. Read the story here.
Park Tax, Air Quality, Arts Bailout
On March 12, the Explorer published an article on the previous week's Council meeting. Read the story here.
"The future of Northwest communities is being shaped right now."
On March 12, the Explorer published an editorial about the conflict between the County and Oro Valley over Arroyo Grande. Read the story here.
Bullying
On March 5, the Star published a letter from an Oro Valley resident who is concerned about bullying tactics by Terry Parish and the Golder Ranch Fire District. Read the letter here.
Oro Valley Spends $1,452.60 to Squelch Free Speech
On March 5, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident who sets the record straight on how many of your tax dollars were spent to challenge his right to support Salette. Read the letter here.
Parish's Campaign Financed by Out-of-Town Developers
On March 5, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident who sets the record straight on how Terry Parish is financing his campaign with money from out-of-town developers. Read the letter here.
Oro Valley in Dispute with Pima County Over State Land
On March 5, the Explorer published a story about Oro Valley's dispute with Pima County over the annexation of Arroyo Grande. Read the story here.
Pima County "Not on Board"
On February 29, the Star published an article about the Arroyo Grande annexation. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Has Inconsistent Standards of Enforcement
On February 27, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident who sets the record straight on how consistent the Town is in its enforcement efforts. Read the letter here.
Oro Valley Forgets About Citizens
On February 20, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident who is concerned about how Oro Valley ignores citizens. Read the letter here.
Taxpayers Beware
On February 13, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident regarding financial mismanagement in the town. Read the letter here.
Voters Pay
On February 13, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident regarding open space and infrastructure in Arroyo Grande. Read the letter here.
Developers in Councilman Clothing
On February 13, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident regarding learning from past mistakes. Read the letter here.
"Finally, we have a government we can work with, to make our profits, and be free of unnecessary regulation."
On February 13, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident regarding why developers want Oro Valley to annex open land. Read the letter here.
Should Oro Valley Give Away the Store?
On February 13, the Explorer published a story about Oro Valley's economic development incentives. Read the story here.
Voters to Decide on Park
On February 8, the Star published an article about the Naranja Town Site bond. Read the story here.
Salette Latas is Well Informed and Articulate
On February 6, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident in support of Salette. Read the letter here.
Just Say No to Incumbents
On February 6, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident regarding why the incumbents should not be re-elected to town council. Read the letter here.
Couple Won't Be Fooled by Dankwerth Again
On February 6, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley couple regarding why they won't be voting for Helen Dankwerth. Read the letter here.
Candidates Vie for Seats
On February 6, the Explorer published an article about the Oro Valley Town Council election. Read the letter here.
Determine Water Needs Prior to More Development
On February 6, the Explorer published a letter from a Marana resident questioning whether Oro Valley has a sustainable water supply. Read the letter here.
Determine Open Space Definition Prior to More Development
On February 6, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident who was shocked that the State of Arizona has no definition for "open space." Read the letter here.
Broken Tust
On February 1, the Star published a letter from an environmental lawyer regarding the state land trust. Read the letter here.
"I don’t trust what’s going on here"
On January 30, the Explorer published an article about Oro Valley's proposed annexation of state land. Read the letter here.
"Attempted stifling isn’t cheap."
On January 30, the Explorer published an opinion about Oro Valley's harassment of a local blogger. Read the story here.
"Quiet will be shattered"
On January 30, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident on his analysis of the resident survey. Read the story here.
"I think this whole thing is a farce"
On January 24, the Star published an article about local residents' reactions to the area of state land to the north that Oro Valley seeks to annex. Read the story here.
Even With $172.6 Million CAP Project, No Water Projected for Nearly Half of New Residents
On January 20, the Star published calculations about potential water shortages in the area of state land to the north that Oro Valley seeks to annex. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Uses Tax Money to Trample First Amendment Rights of Resident
On January 18, the Star published an opinion regarding a situation that "made the town look like a bully." Read the opinion here.
"Latas spoke of the need to ensure water resources"
On January 17, the Star published an article about the first two Oro Valley candidate forums. Read the story here.
View Salette's speech at the Oro Valley Republican Women's Club.
"Government activity that is impermissible under the First Amendment"
On January 16, the Star published an article about Oro Valley tried to stop a local citizen from speaking out. Read the story here.
"Oro Valley taxpayers can’t be expected to continue to 'bail out' GOVAC"
On January 16, the Explorer published an letter from a citizen concerned about Oro Valley continuing to fund an insolvent arts group. Read the letter here.
"Terry Parish managed to alienate himself from most of the Sun City crowd"
Also on January 16, the Explorer published two letters from citizens who attended the candidate forum in Sun City on January 8. Read the letters here.
15,900 Homes Proposed North of Oro Valley
On January 12, the Star published more about the area of state land to the north that Oro Valley seeks to annex. Read the story here.
150,000 More Vehicles on Oracle Road
On January 11, the Star published a story about the state land to the north that Oro Valley seeks to annex. Read the story here.
Another Position Open in Oro Valley
On January 9, the Explorer published an article about a job that doesn't require a college education, and pays up to $70,000.00 per year, mostly for answering phones and e-mails. Read the article here.
Insolvent Arts Group Seeks Handout From Oro Valley
On December 31, the Explorer published a story about the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council's financial troubles, and their pleas for a bailout from the Oro Valley Town Council. Read the article here.
$50 Million Not Enough for Park
On December 27, the Star published a story about how the Oro Valley Town Coucil sought to raise the amount they asked taxpayers to pay for a park to $80 million. Read the story here.
Proactive
On December 26, the Explorer published a letter about storm water management in Oro Valley. Read the letter here.
"Runaway Spending Plans"
On December 12, the Explorer published a letter about fiscal irresponsibility in Oro Valley. Read the letter here.
Two More Buildings to Exceed Height Limits
On December 5, the Explorer published an article about two more buildings in Oro Valley that will be allowed to exceed height limits. Read the story here.
Explorer Sold
On December 3, the Citizen published a story about the purchase of the Explorer by an out-of-state corporation. Read the story here.
Fire Service Switch
On November 29, the Star published a story about how Golder Ranch is annexing Oro Valley neighborhoods. Read the story here.
"Incompetent, Spend-Happy Council"
On November 28, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident about the "merry band of spenders" on the Town Council. Read the letter here.
"Naranja Townsite Has Been a Boondoggle"
On November 28, the Explorer published two letters from Oro Valley residents about the proposed property tax for the ball fields. Read the letters here.
Town Council "Has Joined with the Development Community and Failed to Perform as Promised"
On November 28, the Explorer published two letters from Oro Valley residents, one a former Planning and Zoning Commissioner, and one a former Town Councilmember, about the failures of tax subsidies to developers. Read the letters here.
Oro Valley Taxpayers Subsidize 75% of Development Fees
On November 28, the Explorer published an article about how Oro Valley charges developers only 25% of the actual costs of reviewing plans. Read the story here.
Nearby Open Space and Historic Sites Enrich Real Estate Value
On November 28, the Explorer published an article about how the Pima Trails Association has been working to preserve open space in Oro Valley. Read the story here.
Town Council Approves Property Tax
On November 21, the Explorer published an editorial about how the Oro Valley Town Council approved taking a bond issue to the voters, which, if passed, will mean the first secondary property tax in the town's 33-year history. Read the editorial here.
Oro Valley Town Council Approves New Fee
On November 21, the Explorer published an article about how the Oro Valley Town Council passed a new fee for stormwater. Read the story here.
Vestar Projections
On November 21, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident about how sales tax projections may have been used to convince voters to approve subsidies. Read the letter here.
"We Have Reached the End of Our Rope"
On November 20, the Star published a letter from an Oro Valley resident about property taxes. Read the letter here.
Talent and Lifestyle Entice Foreign Pharmaceutical Giant to Expand in Oro Valley
On November 16, the Star published a story about how Sanofi-Aventis is expanding in Oro Valley. Read the story here.
"A sticky proposition in a town founded on the principle of no local property taxes"
On November 14, the Explorer published an article about how the Oro Valley Town Council approved a $48-million bond initiative for the Naranja Town Site. Read the story here.
Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Mothers
On November 12, KVOA aired a story about mothers whose sons and daughters were serving in the military. It contained the following: "In today's parade Salette Latas rode in an antique black car with a gold star. Latas says, 'It means we've lost a solider who was serving his country, and so it's definitely a club that nobody wants to join.' But it is a club these mothers want you to remember on Veterans Day."
Read the story here.
Watch the story here.
"Interests Align Themselves With the Builders Rather than Oro Valley"
On November 7, the Explorer published four letters from Oro Valley residents about their frustrations with the Town.
Subsidies Produce Less Than 1/5 of Revenues Promised
On November 5, Inside Tucson Business published a story about how tax subsidies to developers have failed to produce the promised revenues. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Residents Disturbed by Construction at Oro Valley Marketplace
On November 3, KVOA aired a story about construction that starts at 3:00 a.m. at the Oro Valley Marketplace site.
Read the story here.
Oro Valley Tax Subsidies Fail to Produce Promised Results
On November 1, the Star published a story about how tax subsidies to developers have failed to produce the promised revenues. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Loses Fourth Head
On November 1, the Star published a story about Oro Valley losing four department heads so far this year. Read the story here.
Closing the Door After all the Dogs Are Out
On October 31, the Explorer published two letters from Oro Valley residents about tax subsidies and those who are fighting them.
Oro Valley Town Council Rolls for Developer
On October 25, the Star published a story about the Town Council approving a 60-foot hotel after the Planning and Zoning Commisssion denied the variance of the Town's 36' height limit. Read the story here.
Unrealistic Expectations
On October 24, the Explorer published an editorial about how tax subsidies to developers have failed to produce the promised revenues. Read the story here.
Goldwater Institute Responds to Corporate Welfare in Oro Valley
On October 24, the Goldwater Institute published a response to the report about how tax subsidies to developers have failed to produce the promised revenues. Read the story here.
Developers Fail to Fulfil Promises to Oro Valley
On October 24, the Explorer published a story about how tax subsidies to developers have failed to produce the promised revenues. Read the story here.
More on Oro Valley Town Council Rolling for Developer
On October 24, the Explorer published a story about the Town Council approving a 60-foot hotel after the Planning and Zoning Commisssion denied the variance of the Town's 36' height limit. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Debates Commercialization of Historic Property
On October 24, the Explorer published a story about the future of the Steam Pump Ranch. Read the story here.
Oro Valley May Pay $172 Million for Water
On October 18, the Star published a story about the costs of bringing needed water to Oro Valley. Read the story here.
Using Public Funds to Influence a Vote?
On October 3, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley resident about the $50,000.00 expenditure to educate Oro Valley residents regarding the Naranja Town Center. Read the story here.
Citizens Need To Ask More Questions
On September 30, the Star published a letter regarding the $50,000.00 expenditure to educate Oro Valley residents regarding the Naranja Town Center. Read the letter here.
Oro Valley Town Council Bows to Developers Again
On September 27, the Star published a story about the reconfiguration of Innovation Park to benefit development. The story includes a request from Sanofi Adventis for a $360,000 subsidy. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Town Council Votes to Spend $50,000.00 to Educate Taxpayers
On September 19, the Explorer published a story about the $50,000.00 the Town Council voted to spend on educating voters about the $162-million park. Read the story here.
Cost Overrun
On September 19, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley citizen concerned about a $175,000 cost overrun. Read the letter here.
Oro Valley Town Council Spends up to $50,000 per Department on Studies
On September 13, the Star published a story about Oro Valley's management studies. Read the story here.
A former consultant commented on this story: 
Retroactive?
On September 12, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley citizen about the Goldwater Institute's lawsuit against the city of Phoenix. Read the letter here.
Allies of Big Government
On September 5, the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers, a state chapter of Americans for Prosperity, today released its first annual policy scorecard on local governments in Arizona. The overwhelming majority of Oro Valley Town Council members earned scorecard designations as Allies of Big Government, by increasing their budgets and tax levies above the rate of personal income growth.
Read the story here.
"Elected Officials Are Giving Away the Store"
On August 30, the Tucson Weekly published an editorial on Oro Valley's subsidies. Read the story here.
Former Economic Developer Says Oro Valley is Unfriendly to Small Businesses
On August 29, the Explorer published a story Brian Catts and his efforts to succeed in Oro Valley. Read the story here.
Felon Developer of Rancho Vistoso
On August 25, the Arizona Republic published a story about Conley Wolfswinkel. Read the story here.
Hard Charging
On August 18, the Citizen published a story about Jesse Latas. Read the story here.
Courage
On August 11, the Star published a story about Jesse Latas. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Town Council Still Can't Decide Whether TEP Must Abide by the Law
On August 9, the Star published a story about the Oro Valley Town Council's continued debates about whether or not the Oro Valley taxpayers should foot the cost of TEP doing business here, or whether TEP should be allowed to flout the Oro Valley Town Code. Read the story here.
Unconstitutional Gift of Public Funds
On August 8, the Star published a story about a lawsuit against tax incentives like the $23.2 million deal that was given to Vestar to bring a Wal-Mart Supercenter to Oro Valley. Read the story here.
A True Warrior
On August 7, KGUN 9 News aired a story about Jesse Latas. Watch the story here.
Be Careful With Vestar
On August 5, The Kingman Daily Miner printed a letter from Oro Valley Resident Phill Gibbs. Read the letter here.
Oro Valley Town Council Hikes Spending 12.2% to $118.7 Million
On July 25, the Explorer published a story about the Town's new budget. Read the story here.
Vestar Refuses to Answer to Citizens who Gave Them $23.2 Million in Taxes
On July 25, the Explorer published a guest opinion about Oro Valley First's efforts to get Vestar to keep its promises. Read the article here.
Oro Valley Town Council Hikes Water Rates
On July 24, the Explorer published a story about the new water rates. Read the article here.
Oro Valley May Ask You to Pay Even More for Utilities
On July 19, the Star published a story about utility franchise agreements. Read the story here.
Developers Want to Change Zoning Laws
On July 19, the Star published a story about proposed changes to the Oro Valley General Plan. Read the story here.
Citizens Need Not Pay Developer's Legal Fees
On July 5, the Star published a story about a judge's ruling that Oro Valley citizens need not pay the legal fees of the developer of a local crematorium. Read the story here.
Oro Valley First Makes Headlines
On July 4, the Explorer published a story about Oro Valley First and their campaign for independent businesses. Read the article here.
Oro Valley Grows by 22% Since 2000
On June 28, the Douglas Dispatch published the story about the explosive growth in some Arizona communities. Read the story here.
Council Bows to the Wishes of Developers on Water Fees
On June 27, the Explorer published a story about the Oro Valley Town Council's decision to phase in increased water impact fees over several years, as the developers wanted. Read the story here.
"Developers Get What They Wanted"
On June 25, KVOA published a story about the Oro Valley Town Council's decision to phase in increased water impact fees over several years, as the developers wanted. Read the story here.
"Town Didn't Protect Our Interests"
On June 21, the Star published a story about Oro Valley residents' concerns about a new development near their home. Read the story here.
Councilmember Had his Debts Paid off by Developers
On June 20, the Explorer published a letter from an Oro Valley citizen who wrote, "I am surprised that no one at the Explorer has followed the paper trail that leads to the Town Clerk’s office where campaign funding reports reside. There you can find that soon after the election, one of the candidates had his debts paid off by developers and became very visible in Vestar’s campaign, proclaiming the Marketplace a 'home run for Oro Valley.'"
. Read the letter here.
"Town Didn't Inform Us of Construction Plans"
On June 20, the Explorer published a story about Oro Valley residents' concerns about a new development near their home. Read the story here.
Oro Valley High Schools in Top 5%
On June 20, the Explorer published a story about Oro Valley's two high schools top honors in Newsweek. Read the story here.
"Elected Officials are Incompetent or Lying"
On June 17, the Star published a letter from an Oro Valley resident who questioned the judgement of the town council. Read the letter here.
"Wal-Mart Reduces Sales Tax Revenues"
On June 16, the Star published a letter from an Oro Valley resident who questioned the tax abatements for the Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the letter here.
"Hard to Believe That Town Council Did Not Protect Community"
On June 8, the Star published a letter from an Oro Valley resident who questioned the judgement of the town council. Read the letter here.
Oro Valley Residents Keep up with Town Issues and Share Opinions Online
On June 7, the Star published a story about three local Web sites: Let Oro Valley Excel, The Oro Valley Watchdog, and Oro Valley First. Read the article here.
TEP Wants Oro Valley to Pay
On May 26, the Star published a story about Tucson Electric Power Company's attempt to get Oro Valley to change the law to save the company money, or get taxpayers to foot the bill for having TEP follow the law. Read the article here.
RTA Won't Pay to Bury Lines
On May 25, the Star published a story about the Regional Transportation Authority's plans, including some issues about who pays to move utility lines. "Most utility companies pay for relocation when necessary, but some utilities have agreements with certain jurisdictions and some utilities are grandfathered into newer towns, like Oro Valley, so they don't have to pay." Read the article here.
Public Parks Compete with Corporate Welfare for Tax Dollars
On May 24, the Star published a story about the bed tax in Oro Valley, 1/3 of which goes into the deep pockets of the Hilton El Conquistador Resort. Read the article here.
Oro Valley Water Table Dropping 5.6 Feet per Year
On May 24, the Star published a story about the water situation in Oro Valley. Read the article here.
Oro Valley Could Have Provided Important Lesson
On May 21, the Star published a story about the cost of rapid growth. Read the article here.
Oro Valley First Seeks Pledges to Avoid Oro Valley Marketplace
On May 16, the Explorer picked up on the Star's "breaking news." Read the article here.
Judge Rejects Residents' Appeal
On May 16, the Explorer published the story about the Oro Valley residents who tried to stop a crematorium from being built in their neighborhood. Read the article here.
Oro Valley First Seeks Pledges to Replace Wal-Mart
On May 14, the Star published a story about Oro Valley First. Read the article here.
Taxpayers Should be Fed up With Giveaways to Developers
On May 14, the Citizen published an opinion about tax incentives. Read the article here.
“Subsidies to retailers are wasteful and unnecessary"
On May 14, the Goldwater Institute published a white paper about tax incentives. Read the article here.
Businesses' Incentive Requests Went Too Far
On May 10, the Star published a story about Oro Valley's failed attempt to annex neighborhoods to the southwest. Read the article here.
A Few Folks in the Community Want to Slam on the Brakes
On May 9, the Explorer published a story about the town's budget. Read the article here.
Foothills Mall and Omni Hotel Want the Same Handouts Oro Valley Gave Others
On May 4, Inside Tucson Business published the story that the Explorer didn't quite quite get. Read the article here.
Oro Valley Citizens Suggest Changes to Council
On May 3, the Star published a story about Oro Valley citizens' attempt to help the town live within its means. Read the article here.
Council Considers Politically Unpopular Choices; Risks Losing Millions
On May 2, the Explorer published a story about the town's budget woes. Read the article here.
"Town out of Control"
On May 2, the Explorer published a letter from a potential resident who does not want to be annexed into Oro Valley. Read the letter here.
Now Your Kids Can Have Low-Wage Jobs
On April 28, the Kingman Daily Miner printed an article by Nicholas Wilbur, who employs irony to let readers know that the city's economic development director, Jeff Weir, is spending $600,000 per year of their tax money to bring them 3,000 low-wage jobs by having Vestar build a new strip mall there. Mr. Weir was formerly the economic development director in Oro Valley, where he was instrumental in the deal that gave Vestar $23.2 million in tax subsidies, resulting in many low-wage jobs in Oro Valley, including those at the soon-to-be-built Wal-Mart Supercenter. Read the article here.
Citizens Continue to Fight Crematorium
On April 26, the Star printed an update on the lawsuit filed by three Rancho Vistoso residents against the Town of Oro Valley in order to have their concerns heard. Read the story here.
Oracle Road Will Be Severely Congested
On April 25, the Explorer published a story about the projected congestion on Oracle Road. Read the story here.
Deception and Taxes
On April 24, the Explorer published two letters from citizens concerned about Oro Valley's fiscal irresponsibility. Read the letters here.
Oro Valley Resident Warns Kingman Residents About Vestar
On April 23, the Kingman Daily Miner printed a letter from an Oro Valley resident warning Kingman residents about Vestar. Read the letter here.
Oro Valley Taxes Scare Away Potential Residents
On April 23, the Explorer printed a story about Oro Valley's potential expansion to the southwest. Oro Valley wants the sales taxes from the Foothills Mall, but area residents don't want to pay Oro Valley taxes. Read the story here.
Closing the Barn Doors
On April 18, the Explorer printed a story about the Oro Valley Town Council's newfound concerns over giving away tax dollars to developers. Only 15% of developable commercial land remains in Oro Valley, which has given away over $50 million in tax incentives already. Read the story here.
Oro Valley May Lose $22 Million by 2008
On April 18, the Explorer printed a story about the debate in the Oro Valley Town Council over how extravagant to make the new Naranja Town Center park complex. The park may cost $164 million to build, and would require using bond money and property taxes. Read the story here.
Council Debates Extravagance
On April 18, the Explorer printed a story about the debate in the Oro Valley Town Council over how extravagant to make the new Naranja Town Center park complex. The park may cost $164 million to build, and would require using bond money and property taxes. Read the story here.
Rancho Vistoso Residents Win Stay
April 12, the Star printed a story about Rancho Vistoso residents' small victory in winning a stay in their suit against the town of Oro Valley for refusing to hear their appeal. Read the story here.
Tucson Electric Power Needn't Obey the Law
April 12, the Star printed a story about Tucson Electric Power company's exemption from having to bury power lines in Oro Valley. Read the story here.
"Many Oro Valley Citizens Did Not Trust Vestar"
On Arpil 7, the Star printed a letter in response to the story about the groundbreaking at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the letter here.
"(Northsiders) don’t have a choice. We’re all going to be one big community like Phoenix is. It will be hard to tell where one community starts and the other one stops."
On April 4, the Explorer printed a story about Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, Inc. (TREO), and their vision for growth, growth, and still more growth. TREO receives $50,000 per year of Oro Valley taxpayers' money. Read the story here.
Marketplace Ceremony Draws Protest
On March 29, the Star printed a story about the groundbreaking at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the story here.
Construction Will Stop. Your House Will Appreciate.
On March 29, the Star printed a story about the proposed increases in water impact fees up to 2,657%. Vestar, developer of the Oro Valley Marketplace, is exempt from these fee increases. Read the story here.
Despite protesters, Wal-Mart coming to Oro Valley
On March 28, the Explorer printed a story about the groundbreaking at the Oro Valley Marketplace, in which Vice Mayor Dankwerth declares that shopping [at the discount chain stores in the Oro Valley Marketplace] will make women happy. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Residents Decry Developers, Praise Carter
On March 28, the Explorer printed a letter from a local resident unhappy about town leaders' refusal to hold developers accountable, plus a letter from a local resident praising Council Member Kenneth "KC" Carter. Read the letters here.
Mayor Praises, Oro Valley Residents Decry, Marketplace
On March 26, Inside Tucson Business printed a story about the groundbreaking at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the story here.
Residents Oppose Plans for New Facilities
On March 22, the Arizona Daily Star printed a story about the proposed town facilities in Rancho Vistoso. Read the story here.
Neighbors Protest New Wal*Mart
On March 21, KVOA aired a story about the groundbreaking at the Oro Valley Marketplace in which Dave Malin of Vestar promises that the revenues from the mall "will fund police, fire, parks, and make the Naraja Town Site a reality." (The Oro Valley Marketplace is projected to generate an average $6.5 million per year in tax revenue. The Naraja Town Site is projected to cost at least $151 million if it is built right away, plus $2.5 million per year in maintenance. See "Bond Election and Property Tax Ahead?" below.) Read the story here.
For more on the citizens' fight for locally owned, independent businesses, see Oro Valley First.
Citizens Comment on the Oro Valley Marketplace
On March 21, the Explorer printed four letters from citizens concerned about the Oro Valley Marketplace and its announced tenants. Read the letters here.
Bond Election and Property Tax Ahead?
On March 15, the Arizona Daily Star printed a story about the Naranja Town Site. Read the story here.
Salette Is First
On March 8, the Arizona Daily Star printed a story about Salette's campaign, based on an actual interview. Read the story here.
Salette on Walter Reed
On March 8, the Tucson Citizen printed Salette's opinion piece on Walter Reed, nearly a year and a half after she and her husband first started speaking in public about the issue. Read the story here.
Council Considers Property Tax
On March 8, the Arizona Daily Star printed a story about the proposed $151 million Naranja Town Site and some of Oro Valley's options for paying for it. Read the story here.
"Mayor Paul Loomis should be recalled."
On March 8, the Explorer printed a letter about the Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the letter here.
"Why have something as eloquent as all that?"
On March 7, the Explorer printed a story about the Naranja Town Center. Read the story here.
Town Pays $23 Million To Get A Wal-Mart
On March 4, Sprawl-Busters published an analysis of the situation in Oro Valley. There's lots of good information. Read the story here.
Vestar and the Oro Valley Town Council Have Taken the Easy Way Out
On February 28, the Star ran a letter from a concerned Oro Valley resident.
300-Room Embassy Suites Hotel with Water Park Planned in Oro Valley
On February 21, the CoStar Group Realty Information Web site ran an article about the planned 300-room Embassy Suites Hotel at Tangerine and Oracle. "Final approval discussions are focused on height restrictions for the new hotel. The Northwest Medical Center building, across the street from this project, was restricted to a maximum height of 75 feet with setbacks when it was built last year. The proposed hotel will offer a water-slide park..." presumably with a view of the Wal*Mart Supercenter. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Residents Fired Up Over Crematorium
On February 21, the Explorer ran an article about Oro Valley residents' fight against a crematorium in their neighborhood. Read the story here.
For more information on the citizens' fight against the crematorium, see Speak Up Oro Valley.
Oro Valley Residents Comment on Wal*Mart and Developers
On February 21, the Explorer ran two letters from Oro Valley residents discussing the new Wal*Mart Supercenter and developers in Oro Valley. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Crematorium Awakens Mercury Fears
On February 15, the Star ran an article discussing the fears of Oro Valley residents regarding emissions from the planned crematorium in Rancho Vistoso. Read the story here.
More Oro Valley Residents Comment on Wal*Mart, Vestar, and the Oro Valley Marketplace
On February 14, the Explorer ran two letters from Oro Valley residents dismayed over the tax deal given to Vestar and its subsequent choice of a Wal*Mart Supercenter for the anchor store at its promised "upscale, unique lifestyle center," Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the letters here.
Pima County Library's Internet Policy is Fair
On February 14, the Star ran an opinion piece on the committee of religious leaders and educators that Pima County used to determine their Internet use policy. "This compromise is a better solution than the course approved by the Oro Valley Town Council last week. All computers will be filtered, and, while a user can ask a librarian to unblock specific sites, it is up to the librarian whether to comply with the request. This policy is impractical, but it also inserts a librarian's discretion between the user and exercising his or her First Amendment rights. Court challenges have upheld adults' rights to view material on library computers, as long as the material is not illegal." Read the story here.
How Can Wal*Mart Compete if Oro Valley Doesn't Subsidize Them?
On February 8, the Tucson Weekly commented on Vestar's announced tenants for the Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Resident Questions Legality of Utility Tax
On February 7, the Explorer ran an article about one Oro Valley resident's efforts to fight the utility tax that was passed by the Town Council on December 6. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Residents Comment on Wal*Mart, Vestar, and the Oro Valley Marketplace
On February 7, the Explorer ran two letters from Oro Valley residents dismayed over the tax deal given to Vestar and its subsequent choice of a Wal*Mart Supercenter for the anchor store after its promises of “upscale boutiques” and “fine restaurants” at Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the story here.
We Were Fooled
On February 2, the Star ran a comment from a reader who voted for the Vestar subsidy and now feels fooled. Read the story here.
Fewer Than 10% of Oro Valley Residents Wanted a Wal*Mart
On February 1, the Star ran an article about residents' reactions to the announced tenants at the Oro Valley Marketplace. The article notes that "In a Vestar survey of residents that ran from Dec. 1, 2004, to March 15, 2005, out of 398 votes for department stores, 36 of those votes went to putting in a Wal-Mart SuperCenter." Read the story here.
Oro Valley Marketplace a Giant Disappointment
On February 1, the Star ran a letter from an Oro Valley resident regarding the announced tenants at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the story here.
For more opinions by Phil Richardson, see The Oro Valley Watchdog.
Oro Valley Residents Deserve Better
On January 31, the Explorer ran a letter from an Oro Valley resident outraged over the tax deal given to Vestar and its subsequent choice of a Wal*Mart Supercenter for the anchor store after its promises of “unique” merchants at Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the story here.
For more opinions by Art Segal, see Let Oro Valley Excel.
Planned Rancho Vistoso Crematory Worries Residents
On January 30, KVOA ran a story about Oro Valley residents' concerns about the planned crematorium. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Marketplace Tenants Not 'Extraordinary'
On January 25, the Star ran a story about Oro Valley residents' reactions to the announced Phase 1 tenants at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Read the story here.
Not-So Splendido
On January 17, the Explorer ran a letter from an Oro Valley resident who was concerned that, "especially in regard to Splendido — it’s height, color selection and size truly have created a 'monster' in Oro Valley." Read the story here.
Chandler Residents Successfully Thwart Vestar's Plans to Bring Wal*Mart to Their Community
On January 4, the Arizona Republic ran an article about a group of Chandler residents who successfully fought Vestar's planned Wal*Mart Supercenter in their community. Read the story here.
Oro Valley Resident Loses Faith in the Town Council
On January 3, the Explorer ran a letter from an Oro Valley resident who was concerned about town decisions, citing Splendido: "I am sure this monster is over the height limits, and even if it’s not, it sure does take care of any great views we once had of the Catalinas from a good portion of Vistoso Boulevard." Read the story here.
Local Merchants Feel the Squeeze From Big Chains
On December 28, 2006, the Star ran an article on the problems that locally owned businesses have competing with chain stores. Read the story here.
Arizonans Need to Fight Even Harder for Our Future
On December 7, 2006, the Weekly ran an opinion piece on the future of open space. Read the story here.
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