Ward 5 Newsletter

http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/ward5/July_2013_Newsletter.pdf

May 3 Campaign Fund Raiser

AFSCME Local 449 will be hosting a fundraiser for the Fimbres for Council campaign, Friday, May 3, 5:30 to 7 PM. This event will be held at the IBEW Hall, located at 750 South Tucson Boulevard. I hope you see you all there. Peace.

Ward 5 Newsletter

http://www.scribd.com/doc/138753881/Councilmember-Richard-Fimbres-Ward-5-April-2013-Newsletter

City Manager's Message

City employees, Staff has recently submitted the recommended City Budget for FY2014 to Mayor and Council for their consideration and direction. This document provides the framework for our organizational work plan and it is important that all City employees be provided with an understanding of where our organization stands financially for the present and for the future. The budget that was submitted was focused on maintaining service levels although the costs for providing services are increasing. It is my observation that we have done our best to maximize efficiencies and the credit goes to the employees of this organization who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to bring quality service to our community. The Mayor and Council in the course of the review of the budget gave direction to provide a framework that would articulate short and long term strategies that would infuse investment to our employees. With that direction the following was approved by the Mayor and Council to go forward. Compensation - On April 23, Mayor and Council made the following decisions regarding compensation. City staff has been directed to develop the platform with all stakeholders a merit pay system for review and consideration by Mayor and Council. Secondly, staff was directed to make recommendations within 30 days on inequities within the current system of compensation for consideration by Mayor and Council. Finally, Mayor and Council have approved the implementation of a 55 cent pay raise for all employees to go into effect no later than January 1, 2014. Pension - On March 27, Mayor and Council adopted the recommendation to change the variable rate of member contribution requirements for the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System (TSRS). The variable rate for employees hired between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2011 will be 6.715% and for employees hired after July 1, 2011 the rate will be 5.16% (formerly 13.976% for FY2013). The rate change will take effect on July 1, 2013. Medical Insurance Benefits - The City has awarded a multi-year contract for a new medical, pharmaceutical, and employee assistance program for active and retired employees. The result is a more cost effective contract for the City with no increase in premiums to either program participants or the City. While the recommended budget is in balance and the economy is slowly improving, we still have many challenges ahead. The $15 million dollar shortfall in the FY2014 budget was covered primarily by one-time revenue resources, which is not sustainable moving forward. However, I am confident that we as a community can continue to make it observable to all that the city of Tucson is a great place to live, work, recreate and invest in and the future is bright with economic development. We must understand there are many issues that need to be addressed in future budgets. Therefore, we must begin work now to address these and other long-term issues so that we can continue to provide exemplary service to the citizens of our community, and I strongly believe this budget provides that foundation. You can read the budget in its entirety at: http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/budget And you can review the PowerPoint presentation made to Mayor and Council at: http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/files/budget/4_16_13_Budget_Powerpoint.pdf Thank you, Richard Miranda City Manager

Thank you letter

I want to thank Councilman Fimbres and his staff at Ward Five. Without their powerful help it would be hard if not impossible for our neighborhood leaders and volunteers to be heard and to get the contacts that we need to get the job done. We want so hard to be proud of our neighborhoods here in Tucson. And I see that many neighborhoods are getting together to have a larger voice to the city council with the help of our wards like Ward Five. Tim Bacchus, Cherry Avenue Neighborhood Association

Pavement Preservation Update

2013 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROGRAM MILLING AND PAVING Southern Arizona Paving, under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), has scheduled two more milling (removing asphalt) and repaving projects to the 2013 Pavement Preservation Program. The pre-lowering and raising of utility manhole covers will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Milling and repaving operations will take place from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Friday at the following locations: On Wednesday, April 3, 2013, crews will begin milling and repaving Golf Links Road from Craycroft Road to Wilmot Road. The anticipated completion date is Monday, April 22, 2013. On Tuesday, April 23, 2013, crews will begin milling and repaving Alvernon Way from 22nd Street to 29th Street. The anticipated completion date is Friday, May 17, 2013. During this work, at least two lanes of travel will be maintained at all times. Business and residential access will be maintained at all times during the project. The traveling public can expect delays when driving in the work area. Please obey all traffic control signs and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work area. The pavement improvement project is part of the Fiscal Year 2013 Mayor and Council approved Pavement Preservation Program, a one-year, $20 million street rehabilitation program to resurface arterial, collector and residential streets. The funding was made available by restructuring the Fiscal Year 2013 Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) debt, the increase of HURF revenue and General Fund money. ### 2013 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROGRAM CRACK SEAL AND PATCHING On Monday, April 8, 2013, Granite Construction Co., under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), will begin crack sealing and patching at the following locations: Escalante Road, Kolb Road to Pantano Road Harrison Road, Magdalena Road to Golf Links Road 22nd Street and Harrison Road intersection 29th Street and Harrison Road intersection Old Spanish Trail and Harrison Road intersection Pantano Road, Research Loop to Escalante Road Tucson Boulevard, Irvington Road to Valencia Road This work consists of crack sealing and patching where needed, prior to the upcoming application of pavement microsurfacing. Crews will be working 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Friday. The estimated completion date for this work is Monday, April 22, 2013. Business and residential access will be maintained at all times during the project. The traveling public can expect delays when driving in the work area. Please obey all traffic control signs and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work area. The pavement improvement project is part of the Fiscal Year 2013 Mayor and Council approved Pavement Preservation Program, a one-year, $20 million street rehabilitation program to resurface arterial, collector and residential streets. The funding was made available by restructuring the Fiscal Year 2013 Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) debt, the increase of HURF revenue and General Fund money. ### 2013 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROGRAM CRACK SEAL AND PATCHING On Tuesday, April 9, 2013, Tucson Asphalt Contractors, Inc., under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), will begin crack sealing and patching at the following locations: Grant Road, Silverbell Road to Forbes Road Speedway Boulevard, Rosemont Boulevard to Wilmot Road Stone Avenue, Prince Road to Fort Lowell Road Stone Avenue, Broadway to 18th Street Swan Road, Rillito River to Grant Road Swan Road, Speedway to Golf Links Road This work consists of crack sealing and patching where needed, prior to the upcoming application of pavement microsurfacing. Crews will be working 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The estimated completion date for this work is Friday, May 10, 2013. Business and residential access will be maintained at all times during the project. The traveling public can expect delays when driving in the work area. Please obey all traffic control signs and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work area. The pavement improvement project is part of the Fiscal Year 2013 Mayor and Council approved Pavement Preservation Program, a one-year, $20 million street rehabilitation program to resurface arterial, collector and residential streets. The funding was made available by restructuring the Fiscal Year 2013 Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) debt, the increase of HURF revenue and General Fund money.

MAYOR AND COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT FY 14 BUDGET

The Mayor and Council have begun their discussions about the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014. This budget would go into effect, July 1 of this year and go until June 30, 2014. Prior to these discussions, Kelly Gottschalk, the City’s Chief Financial Officer and Marie Nemerguth, the City’s Budget Director, met with the respective Council offices and Mayor’s office. During the most recent Mayor and Council meetings, City staff has updated the Mayor and Council on projected revenues, proposals to deal with the initially projected deficit of $15 million dollars and some financial statements from various City departments. Since becoming your Councilmember, sworn in on December 7, 2009, this is the fifth budget deficit that has had to be dealt with. On December 15, 2009, the Mayor and Council were informed that there was a shortfall of $33.5 million for that current Fiscal Year (FY 2010). A few months later, it was a $44.5 million dollar budget deficit for FY 2011, a $55 million dollar deficit for FY 2012 and a $20 million dollar deficit for this past fiscal year, FY 2013. At the April 9th Mayor and Council meeting, further presentations will continue on the FY 2014 Budget. Here is the schedule for the Mayor and Council consideration of the FY 2014 Budget (subject to revision). On April 16th, during the Mayor and Council meeting during the Study Session, the City Manager will formally submit his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2014 and preliminary discussions will begin by the Mayor and Council. Further discussions will continue at the April 23rd Study Session of the Mayor and Council meeting regarding the Recommended Fiscal Year 2014 Budget submitted by the City Manager. During the Regular Agenda meeting on April 23rd, a public hearing will take place on the proposed budget. Discussions will continue about the proposed budget at the May 7th, Mayor and Council Study Session meeting and a vote on an adoption of a tentative budget for FY 2014 will take place during the Regular Agenda meeting. On May 21st, during a Special Mayor and Council meeting, a vote on the final adoption of a budget for FY 2014 will take place. This will happen in the evening when the Regular Agenda meeting takes place. The Mayor and Council meets at 255 West Alameda, in City Hall, at the Council Chambers. For more information, please call the City Clerk’s Office, 791-4213.

Tucson Citizen Remembrance of Hank Oyama

http://tucsoncitizen.com/community/2013/03/25/in-memory-of-dr-henry-hank-oyama/

Dr. Henry "Hank" Oyama Eulogy

Here is the eulogy delivered at the funeral of Henry "Hank" Oyama by Councilmember Richard Fimbres. This eulogy was written by Richard and Mary Fimbres. Mrs. Ann Oyama, the Oyama family and distinguished guests. We are here to say goodbye to a dear friend AND leader in our community. It is a great honor to stand before you today to honor a man of integrity, an excellent role-model and mentor to many of us. In his life, Hank distinguished himself in education, military service to his country, civil rights and service to our community. Very few of us in our lifetimes, will be remembered as bridge builders. However, when Hank was named Tucson Man of the Year in 1993 by the Metropolitan Tucson Chamber of Commerce and at the dedication of the Henry "Hank" Oyama Elementary School in 2003, much attention was given to Hank being a "master bridge builder." Hank has built linguistic, cultural and legal bridges between communities and countries. His effective contributions have been recognized by the Hispanic, African American, Pan Asian, Jewish and Caucasian Communities. Hank Oyama's achievements can be said to have started with his military service in the Counter Intelligence Corps of the U.S. Army. Ironically, his military service, Jan- 1945 to June1947, took place after having been detained a year and a half, along with his mother and sister at the Poston Internment Camp also known as War Relocation Camp. This camp held some 20,000 Japanese-Americans. Hank believed “it doesn’t really matter what happens to you, what matters is how you react to what happens to you.” In spite of this negative life experience Hank retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. He was a true patriot of this country. Another notable achievement took place when in September 1959 Hank and Mary Ann Jordan wanted to marry. They were denied a marriage license because an Arizona law prohibited interracial marriages. He fought a successful legal battle to repeal Arizona’s Anti-miscegenation law all the way to the Arizona Supreme Court. For this civil rights milestone, the University of Arizona recognized him with an Honorary Doctorate of Law and on March 20, 2009 the ACLU also recognized him at the 50th anniversary of the repeal of the law. In our community Hank was known as one of the founding fathers of bilingual education. It all started in 1955, when Hank was selected to be part of the original faculty at the new Pueblo High School. While at Pueblo, Hank was part of a team that planned and executed a curriculum for native Spanish speakers to improve their abilities in both Spanish and English. Their efforts contributed to Pueblo receiving national recognition. Because of their efforts at Pueblo, and their study and report on Mexican-American students' education, two U.S. Senators introduced legislation creating funding for Bilingual Education. I had the pleasure of working with Hank on several community projects including the founding of the Hispanic Student Endowment Fund of the Pima Community College Foundation, but with Hank’s passion and tenacity, he single handedly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship monies for students enrolled at Pima Community College. Hank achieved much in other areas of service to the community, the nation and internationally. Just a partial listing includes HPAC Rotary Club of Tucson Founded the 1st LULAC Council in Tucson Marshall Foundation Hispanic-Jewish Dialogue Luz Social Services and Luz Academy Amistades Los Descendientes del Presidio de Tucson Arizona Historical Society Mexican Consulate of Tucson National Board of Directors of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges Advisor to the Overseas Liaison Committee of the American Council on Education Tucson Pima Public Library Board of Directors TUSD Latino Advisory Council Department of State delegate to Madrid, Spain on bilingual education Hank received many awards and recognition too numerous, but just a few I will mention gives us an indication of the high regard others in the community have for Hank: UA Dr. Martin Luther King “Distinguished Leadership Award” UA Asian American Faculty, Staff and Alumni Association “Outstanding Alumni Award” HPAC “Lifetime Achievement Award” Arizona Minority Bar Association “Champion of Diversity Award” Pan Asian Community Alliance Man of the Year Vice President Emeritus, Pima College LULAC National Presidential Citation Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave Award” Hank would always say that there would always be opposition or barriers to prevent you from reaching your goals, but not to let it stop you. That you had to keep trying and to keep moving forward. Believe in yourself. He led a very successful life, but not without sacrifices to make it happen. Ann, thank you and the family for sharing Hank with our community for all these years that he was out there trying to improve the quality of life for our educators, students and the citizens of the City of Tucson. Hank has truly been a great community activist and leader. He has been a great role-model and mentor to me and I’m sure for many others here today. If you knew Hank the way I had the pleasure of knowing him, though he passed on to his reward, his memory is very much alive in our hearts, and in our minds. We can honor Hank by remembering his family and loved ones in our prayers. Let us honor him this day, and every day we have the occasion of thinking of the man he was and, if we will let our lives be tempered by the example that he lived by, the memory of Hank will live on in everyone of us, and in the lives of all of those we touch. The following poem was reportedly inscribed on the wall of Mother Teresa’s children’s home in Calcutta, and attributed to her. It was also reported that the original version of this poem was written by Kent M. Keith. ANYWAY People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered, LOVE THEM ANYWAY If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives, DO GOOD ANYWAY If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies, SUCCEED ANYWAY Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable, BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY What you spent years building may be Destroyed tonight, BUILD ANYWAY If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; BE HAPPY ANYWAY The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow, DO GOOD ANYWAY People really need help but may attack you if you help them, HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough; GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU’VE GOT…ANYWAY. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; IT WAS NEVER BETWEEN YOU AND THEM ANYWAY.

Upcoming Save A Life Classes

http://www.scribd.com/doc/131657185/Save-a-Life-Foundation-Ccc-Flyer

Ward 5 Shred It Event - March 22

http://www.scribd.com/doc/130261622/Ward-5-Shred-It-Event

CM Fimbres Response to 3/10/13 Article in Arizona Daily Star

         

To the Editor of the Arizona Daily Star:

I am troubled and saddened that this publication wrote a story about the good efforts of a volunteer-driven organization, who works to better the lives of the children of Southern Arizona by trying to taint these efforts and harm both the organization and the children they try to help.

The writer failed to mention the intent and purpose of the dinner in question, that other groups and organizations received similar deals, as well as inferring I personally benefited from a special deal, this from a claim from a former employee fired for misusing funds, double booking events and questionable record keeping, as this reporter had reported previous but failed to mention in this article.

The timing of this story is also questionable since the investigation took place last year.  The LULAC Youth Leadership Conference has started and that I had announced my intentions to seek a second term as the Ward 5 Councilmember.

There were no special deals and as I said previously, I had asked to have my name removed from the contract when I had been elected to the Tucson City Council in 2009, something that both ARAMARK and Obermaier failed to do.  This was one of several instances, previously reported by this writer, of Obermaier’s failure to keep records concerning events held at the TCC.

LULAC is one of the largest and oldest civil rights and educational organizations in the United States, operating at more than 900 LULAC councils nationwide.  LULAC is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization so to say that one person benefited was not true.

LULAC Council 1057 has worked in Southern Arizona to improve the graduation rates in schools by hosting the annual Youth Leadership Conference, to motivate students, between the 8th and 12th grades, to show that education is the key to success and that they needed to graduate.  LULAC has worked well with many of the educational institutions, as well as the Metropolitan Education Commission.

Every year the Educator’s Banquet is held, where students are recognized for their achievements, as well as community leaders and educators for their work.  The Banquet is organized by members of LULAC Council 1057, as well as members of the community with a passion and commitment to education and our youth.

Proceeds raised by the annual Educator’s Banquet, allows LULAC to sponsor students to attend the Annual LNESC Washington Youth Leadership Seminar and provide scholarships in coordination with LULAC's National Scholarship Foundation. Additionally, monies are raised to support the Manuel de Jesus Alvarado Scholarship Fund for local students. 

In addition, Food Boxes are also provided to the most needy by LULAC, the organization has supported the annual Rosa Park’s event, the FBI Community Service Awards and several Knight's of Columbus events.

Other monies raised from the Banquet also help to support the annual LULAC Youth Leadership Conference held in March of each year.  Both the Conference and Banquet were created in 1988. 

To date, the conference has hosted more than 100,000 participants, sending students to Washington D.C., and close to 400 young people have received scholarships to help out with their education. 

The City of Tucson and ARAMARK were both sponsors of the Banquet.  These sponsorships allowed underprivileged youths and their families to attend the Banquet. At past Banquets, both were recognized for this.   In addition, they were also recognized at the Youth Leadership Conference as well at the LULAC FBI Community Service Awards Luncheon. 

It is unfortunate for Obermaier that his career with the City of Tucson ended as it was reported by this writer but it is more unfortunate that the writer, who claimed his spouse is a member of LULAC, wrote such an article, tainting the efforts of a group of committed community volunteers working to better the lives of our children in Southern Arizona by referring to such claims as fact, when the person who made them, admitted he couldn’t back them up in the testimony the writer referred to.

This effort is not about one individual, but a group of committed volunteers who work to help better the lives of children through educational attainment.   It would be unfortunate that the article would damage this effort of this organization and in turn, hurt the lives of children it is trying to help.

Other non-profit organizations, such as the League of Mexican American Women, the Metropolitan Education Commission, the Tucson Mariachi Conference and Chicanos Por La Causa, to name just a few, work to better the lives of children and hold fund raising events to promote these efforts.  All these organizations use to hold their fund raising events at the Tucson Convention Center under similar arrangements.  Now the LULAC Educator’s Banquet will join these groups and hold their event now at a different venue, to continue to help support the efforts of the youth of our community, in an atmosphere which is more welcoming to helping to better the lives of the youth of Southern Arizona.

                   

Richard G. Fimbres

Councilmember 

DM Memorial

From COT Media Inquiries Re: Resolution No. 22006 Supporting DM - Various Media

City Attorney Mike Rankin spoke with the media, as well as multiple individual requestors, in response to inquiries about the effect of the Mayor and Council approval of the Resolution in support of DMAFB, approved on February 20.  Mike explained that the Resolution is an expression of support for DMAFB and its leadership.  It doesn't approve any agreement, or action, and it does not give any authority to DM that it doesn't otherwise have. Mike also answered questions about the emergency clause, and explained that the emergency clause makes the resolution go into effect immediately; without the emergency clause, ordinances and resolutions do not go into effect for 30 days and publication in the newspaper.   The emergency clause does NOT equate to a declaration that the City is in a state of emergency, or that it has been placed under martial law.

TPD Hiring for Police Officer Recruit

THE TUCSON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HIRING

FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT

The Tucson Police Department is excited to announce that we are once again gearing up to begin the process of hiring Tucson’s next police officers. The application process opens on Friday, February 1, 2013. We will only be accepting applications until Sunday, February 24, 2013; so don’t wait to take the first steps towards a challenging and rewarding career in law enforcement.

While a law enforcement career can be tough, it is also incredibly fulfilling. Officers from the Tucson Police Department embody a mission of excellence. Those who possess the strength and courage to put others before themselves and are committed to making Tucson a better place should take the first steps to joining the Tucson Police Department, a nationally recognized leader in law enforcement.

WHAT IT TAKES

It will take high ethical standards, integrity, leadership, courage, and a team effort to become a City of Tucson Police Officer. This career demands individuals to be mature and have personal responsibility that is in line with our values and code of ethics. The following minimum requirements are required:

• High School Diploma or GED

• Valid driver's license with good driving record

• U.S. Citizen

• At least 21 years of age by academy graduation date

• No felony convictions or drug abuse

For additional information about the hiring process or to learn how to get in touch with a recruiter, visit

www.jointucsonpd.org or call Officer Skeenes at 520-791-COPS (520-791-2677). This is an exciting time for the Tucson Police Department as we look forward to hiring and training a new set of officers to join our ranks.

Padres vs Cubs at Kino Stadium

The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the San Diego Padres on March 17; the
Chicago Cubs play the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 21.****

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Feb. 9, or, if you’re a Tucson Padres season
ticket holder, voucher plan holder or sponsor, you can get your spring
training tickets on Monday, Feb. 4.****

For more information, please contact Chris Bartos at 434-1346.****

Cherrybell Post Office Processing Center Facts (By Matthew Laos)

Facts about Cherrybell Post Office and Processing Center (From Matthew Laos)

The Tucson Metro Region’s population is approximately 33rd in the Nation and 2nd largest in the State; therefore the Cherrybell facility simply does not warrant being on the list due to its population size and geographic location. 

Cherrybell serves not only Tucson but Southern Arizona, covering a vast area and a population of close to 1.5 million people. It is the 15th largest processing center in the U.S. Postal Service system of more than 480, and it should be closed over ones in Wisconsin or Iowa? Closing a facility that serves more than 1.5 million in Tucson and the entire Southern Arizona area does not make any practical sense. Arizona has more population than Wisconsin, Iowa, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Louisiana, South Carolina, but should have fewer processing centers. 

There are only 2 processing centers in Arizona: Phoenix and Tucson; so to close Cherrybell means all Southern Arizona mail must be driven up to Phoenix for processing adding a 2-3 day delay for Tucson and up to 3-5 days rurally.

The County estimated minimum losses are up to 400 jobs, $30 million in economic activity, and a $4.8 million loss in Federal, State, and Local tax revenues. This will only be magnified Statewide.

Any supposed costs savings that will be eaten up by increased delivery costs of trucking mail from Southern Arizona up to Phoenix.

Cherrybell processes over 3.2 million pieces of mail daily which contradicts any argument that it is not cost effective for USPS to operate. The idea that Phoenix can absorb capacity lacks reality as Tucson often takes on Phoenix overflow especially during critical periods of Holiday mail and Elections.

During a meeting with postal officials, Mike Varney who leads the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce posed the question about how the postal officials reached a conclusion that the 33rd largest city in the nation in the 15th largest state with a growing population, should have less processing facilities than the state of Wisconsin, with a declining population, for which under their proposal, would have five. The postal
officials could not answer this question.

This irrational closing means every business and non-profit loses bulk mail discounts and Tucson itself loses overnite mail delivery leaving the entire Southern Arizona region at a substantial economic disadvantage for retaining business and promoting new one.

Delivery service delays will dramatically affect Tucson Veterans, Seniors and disabled populations who rely on their needed prescriptions by mail and it will be worse for those living in Marana, Sahuarita, Nogales, Sierra Vista and the Tohono O’odham Nation. Arizona has a higher proportions of these groups then other States due to its climate and services for those populations. This action will degrade those services.

In Dec 2011, the USPS totally discounted the turnout of a beyond capacity crowd of over 700 Tucsonans at the Convention Center who came to express their anger to include local officials and business leaders. There were 1200 written comments and later a petition online with 1600 names and promises of more forums from USPS which never occurred.

Cherrybell directly impacts the University of Arizona, Pima Community College, Raytheon, Davis-Monthan, Ft. Huachuca, as well as, National Guard and Reserve Units, Homeland Security’s Border Patrol and Customs, Southern Arizona Veterans Administration, and other critical agencies from Federal, State, Counties and Cities. The loss of the Tucson postmark or misdirection of critical mail could be serious issue for these institutions and agencies.

The only argument a USPS representative provided to the AZ Daily Star for Cherrybell’s closure was that Phoenix has enough capacity supposedly to handle the closing and not vice versa. The USPS did no real study to suggest Phoenix is cost efficient for the entire State and can actually do the job required.

Arizona is more reliant on Vote by Mail for local elections then most states and it is considered a cost efficient and it has become highly popular form of doing elections by all political parties. No study has been done on this matter.

Prior Congressional bills affecting Cherrybell (Tucson P&DC) closure include H.R. 2309 Rep Issa, and S 1789 Sen Lieberman. The Senate version offers a comprehensive BRAC like closing process which would clearly demonstrate that Tucson should not be on the closure list if properly evaluated with objective criteria.

City of Tucson Hires International Economic Development Specialist

CITY HIRES NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE

The City of Tucson is pleased to announce the hiring of Juan Francisco
Padrés as the new Economic Development Specialist for International
Trade.  This new position fulfills Mayor and Council's directive to
further the City's trade position with Mexico and other countries.

Vice Mayor Regina Romero said, "I am very happy.  This is an
important step for the City of Tucson.  The Mayor and Council
recognize
the importance of developing our business relationship with Mexico.
This
is an important economic development step for the City of Tucson and I
look forward to a productive relationship with Mr. Padrés.

Mr. Padrés currently works for a major bank in the Phoenix area, but
has many ties to Tucson including both undergraduate and Master of
Business Administration degrees from the University of Arizona.  Mr.
Padrés also owned a small business in Tucson giving him first-hand
experience with government regulations and permitting.  A native of
Nogales, Sonora, Mr. Padrés maintains many important relationships in
Mexico.

"It's a great opportunity for the City of Tucson for long term
sustainability," said Ward 5 Council Member Richard Fimbres.  "We
now have to compete globally and this is a move in the right
direction."

As Economic Development Specialist for International Trade, Mr. Padrés
duties will include increasing direct foreign investment from Mexico
in Tucson, assisting Tucson businesses to expand their operations into
Mexico, and identifying economic opportunities with other countries in
addition to Mexico. Mr. Padrés will begin his appointment on February
4, 2013 as part of the City Manager's office of Economic Initiatives.

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY NAPOLITANO ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S PROPOSAL TO COMBAT GUN VIOLENCE

“I am proud to support the President and Vice President’s effort to combat gun violence in our country. In the aftermath of the tragic Newtown shooting, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), together with the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the FBI have worked to identify measures that could be taken to reduce the risk of mass casualty shootings. In the coming days, DHS will expand and formalize coordination of ongoing efforts intended to prevent future mass casualty shootings, improve preparedness, and to strengthen security and resilience in schools and other potential targets. DHS will work with partners at all levels of government, to address five critical areas intended to reduce the risk of mass casualty shootings in the United States: Prevention, Protection, Response, Education, and Research/Evaluation. DHS will also work with law enforcement to refresh, expand and prioritize the implementation of nationwide public awareness efforts such as the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign. This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and I look forward to supporting the President and this Administration as we move ahead.”

Ward 5 Holiday Recognition Event

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.506371886069951.115362.468000243240449&type=1

Summary of Current Events

This past Friday, January 11, the Caballeros del Sol held a celebration at the U of A Grand Ballroom to mark fifty years in existence and their work facilitating and promoting business relationships between Tucson, Arizona communities, neighboring states, and Mexico; provide a networking and business development vehicle for members; and make periodic trips to communities to promote commerce.

Congratulations to the Caballeros del Sol, and specifically to Mike Feder, Scott Polston, Tom Fisher and the oldest active member of the Cabs, Bob Webb, for their work and success.

On Thursday January 17, 5:30 to 7 pm, at the Quincie Douglas Center 1575 East 36^th St., the Transportation Department will be holding an informational open house.  Join City of Tucson Transportation Department staff to learn about proposed striping changes to two road segments in the area:

36th Street between Campbell and Country Club, Park Avenue between Irvington and Valencia.

With the ongoing Pavement Preservation Program, the Department of Transportation has an opportunity to improve traffic safety through the re-striping of roadways.  Staff will make a presentation on the proposed changes and will be available to answer any questions.  Staff will also be on hand to discuss the other projects in the area including:

22nd Street & Kino Boulevard, Bridges Mixed-Use Master Planned Development at I-10 and Kino Parkway and The Retreat Student Housing

For more information call 791-2639.

On Thursday, January 10, the 273^rd Adopt a Park was held in Ward 5 at the Pueblo Gardens Park.  Thanks to the work of the Rising Star Baptist Church Evangelism Team, the Park is a better place for all.

The Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Association will be holding their 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast, January 19, at the Holmes Tuttle Boys and Girls Club

2585 E. 36th Street.  Doors open at 7:15 a.m., Breakfast served at 8:00 a.m., Program begins at 8:30 a.m.

This event is donation and raffle funded with funds, for which the proceeds are used to help young people with summer school, programs, band camps, etc. and to keep Dr. King's dream alive.  The Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Association is the only neighborhood in the city to hold this event to honor the work of Dr. King.

The 2013 Martin Luther King Day March will take place on Monday, January 21, starting at 9 am on the University of Arizona Mall.  I hope to see you all there to walk to honor the work of Dr. King.