Happy Holidays!
Americans everywhere will take time this coming week to enjoy family and friends in celebration of the season. Whether you
celebrate C
hristmas, Hanukkah or the winter solstice, the season of giving
is
o
ne which always
seems to bring people together. In review of the past year, I reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of our community and give
thanks for the many blessings I have been given.
As 2015 comes to an end, I hope you will join me in looking ahead to 2016 with a year full of opportunity and change.
It is truly an honor to work for you.
Best regards,
Supervisor, District 1
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Interested in Helping Others in the New Year?
Checkout my most recent op-ed in the Northwest Explorer Newspaper:
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Pima County Buys Land Valued $275,000 over Appraisal Price
On December 1st, the Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of 8.09 acres of vacant land from St. Demetrios Church for $931,000. I was the only Supervisor who voted
NO.
A day before the meeting, I had distributed a copy of a private appraisal prepared by Southwest Appraisal Associates which stated the value of the land was $650,000. This was $200,000 less than the appraisal obtained by the County and $275,000 less than what the Board was willing to pay for these parcels. As Mr. Huckelberry and Supervisor Carroll claimed they had not received the appraisal showing the $650,000 value, I made a motion to continue the item, despite the fact Board Members and the County Administrator had received the appraisal the day before from the Clerk of the Board.
Days after the vote, the County Administrator sent a
memorandum stating an update to the Pima County appraisal had been ordered and the value of the land had increased to $890,000. Many residents and business owners have voiced their concerns over this land purchase.
The Board approved a tax increase in your secondary property tax rate for the Flood Control District in June of 2015 (I voted
NO)
. The tax increase generated over $956,000 of revenue for the Flood Control budget.
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For Daily Updates & Information:
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Supervisors Vote on 2016 Legislative Agenda
On Tuesday, the Board voted 4-1 (I voted No), in support of the County Administrator's 2016 Legislative Agenda. The recommendations included a gas tax increase and a sales tax. I will not support the idea of tax increases when the funds we currently receive are not used appropriately to fund our core services.
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Supervisors Vote to Continue Decision on Rillito Park Foundation Contract for Operation of Rillito Race Track
On December 15th, the Board discussed and ultimately voted to continue the item regarding a contract for Rillito Park Foundation to operate Rillito Race Track. The Board will discuss this item again on February 2nd, 2016.
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Supervisors Approve 25 Year Lease of Downtown Building
to the U of A for $100 per year
At the December 15th Board meeting, Supervisors Carroll, Bronson, Valadez & Elias, approved a 25 year lease of $100 per year to the University of Arizona for the Roy Place building located in downtown Tucson. I voted NO. The county recently invested almost $1,000,000 of your tax dollars to improve the facade of the building. This lease is well below market value and includes 2 floors and a basement for the U of A to utilize. I find it interesting that some Supervisors worried about the gift clause with the Rillito contract (see above video) but have no issue with this $100 per year lease contract with the University.
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Pima County In the News...
KVOA News 4 Investigators: Controversial Contribution - A $15,000 campaign contribution by a local organization to the pro-bond campaign raised questions for many residents. The "non-profit" who donated these funds receives one-third (33%) of its funding from County taxpayers.
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Panhandling & Homeless Encampment Concerns
For years, residents and commuters in the Northwest portion of my District have had safety concerns with the increased number of panhandlers and homeless encampments in the area. While I have organized various meetings with County staff including community services, the Sheriff's department and the County Attorney's office, I also put forth two ordinances that my fellow Board members were not willing to act on. Residents have had two meetings on this issue and many have attended the Board of Supervisors meetings to speak on these concerns at the call to the public. Due to efforts of residents in the Northwest, the County has finally started to take action. Here is what has been accomplished to date:
- Initiated Administrative Procedure 50-02, the County's Homeless Encampment Protocol
- Identified 15 locations of homeless camps in the northwest area.
- Provided services to individuals in need in an effort to help get them off the streets.
- Issued notices to vacate to occupants of active camps.
I will continue to advocate and seek solutions to these issues and together we will make progress. Please continue to call 911 for your concerns and thank you for your willingness to attend Board meetings to speak about this topic.
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Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meetings
The Board of Supervisors hold meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Meetings begin at 9:00am and are located in the County Administration building at 130 W. Congress. For parking information,
click here.
January 5, 2016
January 19, 2016
February 2, 2016
February 16, 2016
March 1, 2016
March 15, 2016
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Meet Sherry - District 1 Executive Assistant
Sherry Potter is a native of Southern Arizona, born and raised in San Manuel, a small community northeast of Tucson. She attended Central Arizona College and the University of Arizona before starting a career in Retail Management that would take her across the country from California to Florida.
After retiring, Sherry became politically active and worked for Mayor Bob Walkup in the City of Tucson as an Assistant to the Mayor. She has both large and small business experience, most recently in the medical field as a Medical Practice Administrator.
She is an active member of the community, has participated on multiple non-profit boards, been an appointed and elected precinct committeewoman and has worked on numerous political campaigns.
Sherry and her husband Tom have two grown children, James and Alexandra and live in Northwest Pima County.
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