Comments

Courier Editorial wrote on Feb 21, 2008 10:09 AM:

" The Courier will only approve future comments that have a valid e-mail. E-mails will not be released to the public. "




IS THIS TRUE???? wrote on Feb 19, 2008 10:32 AM:

" Just reading through and saw this and found it interesting adn I certainly HOPE it is true since I feel ALL our firefighters deserve this:

• Approved a salary equivalency of $3,000 per month per firefighter for the purposes of calculating workmen’s compensation.

They all do a fine job and deserve this in pay AND more.
"




WHAT! wrote on Feb 12, 2008 2:06 PM:

" a police station!?! oh come on! the station isnt that old. There are more streets that need to be repaired then buildings! Some of these roads aren't even paved! What kind of community is this! They can spend tax payers money on something as stupid as a new building?!? If they're going to do that...WHY NOT JUST BUILD A MALL FOR CHRISTS SAKES!!!!! We even use the roads more then we use a resturaunt... oh well...... "




Pima2 wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Just a question: Did the City of Safford hire someone or are they still accepting RFQ's for the police station? Also to the author of this article, how does the round a bout end up in this topic? "




Just Wondering wrote on Feb 8, 2008 5:11 PM:

" For the Record, IF what you say is true ("...receiving the money as a part of the water rights settlement...")

Then why do the city council and city staff fly back to Washington DC to beg Senator Kyl for money - and then apply it to the payment on the wastewater plant debt? "




For the record wrote on Feb 8, 2008 12:49 PM:

" The federal dollars the city has been receiving are not because of the sewer, although the sewer system is the beneficiary. The city is receiving the money as a part of the water rights settlement with the Gila River Indian community. This money is not a gift, it is required for the federal government to comply with the terms of the settlement. Apparently Mayor Green doesn't understand this since he has failed the community in receiving this years payment. "




About the utility bill wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:01 AM:

" Go way back to the days of Gila Resources. Recall that there is a portion of the utility bill collected to retire the debt for the wastewater treatment plant. Recall that the debtor for the plant is the City of Safford. How is it that every year we spend a couple of thousand dollars and send some city council boys back to Washington to beg our senator and congressman to bail us out? Where does the money collected monthy on our bills go??? And please, no double talk answer. "




Pima2 wrote on Feb 8, 2008 7:49 AM:

" The heyday of goverment big spending is over. The entire Gila valley pretty much missed out. The federal goverment should not fund the safford sewer plant they should let the people of safford pay for it and just lower eveyones taxes. Safford can always ask Aunt Janet to help out or maybe Mr wilmont will award the city $500,000 from the lawsuit settlement since they will need the expanded services of the sewer plant. Valley growth does have cost associated with it. "




Thatcher Council wrote on Feb 7, 2008 11:47 AM:

" Thatcher Resident, the only reason the Thatcher Town Council did not hire Buxton as well was because Safford already had, otherwise we would have as well. They made a strong presentation to us about their services but since we are next to Safford, the consensus was if the businesses look their way, they are bound to see us as well. Once again, thank you Safford for helping us out, and please try to get along better. You don't hear anything like their bickering coming from our Mayor Bob Rivera or Pima's Tony Goodman. "




sc wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:38 AM:

" why does everyone keep giving their elected mayor credit for the actions of others. I am sure that it is obvious to some but maybe you don't see it he has none of his own. Why would anyone defend him and even go on to make such rediculous claims. Just wait till we see how much the current mayor has hurt the city. I am sure that his actions will haunt everyone for years to come. At least the next mayor will not be able to take credit for mr green's accomplishments!! "




sc wrote on Feb 7, 2008 9:28 AM:

" Oh by the way I think Old Tymer is a bit confused about what really counts. I do remember when safford was in considered one of the best towns to live in. I also know that Van Talley had everything to do with getting wal-mart to safford including negotiating the tax sharing just because he wasn't actually mayor when it was all finalized, give him at least some credit for truly serving the city. Also the street renewall was already set up when he was still in office, I believe it was a six year schedule. "




Answers wrote on Feb 6, 2008 7:58 PM:

" Members of the Thatcher Town Council did not attend, it was the Thatcher Town Manager Terry Hinton. He said he would get a year's worth of work done in just four days at the convention. Don't know if anyone achieved their goals but it sure does sound like something our leaders should have attended. If I recall, Green and Zappia decided not to attend at the last moment. Perhaps to bring up some political fodder later? And yes, the Safford City Council voted unanimously to hire Buxton. "




Thatcher resident who knows wrote on Feb 6, 2008 11:14 AM:

" Truth in Numbers, either you don't know the truth or something much worse.

Adding $70K for a report that yielded nothing PLUS $12K for a city sponsored vacation equals how much? "




Thatcher resident who knows wrote on Feb 6, 2008 11:13 AM:

" Truth in Numbers - why don't you say how much it cost to send 5 council members, 3 city executives and everyones wives to Vegas for a full week? At least $12,000 perhaps? Yeah that number is real close. Oh, and get the facts straight, no Thatcher council members went - and no wives went either. Get it right or step down. "




Truth in numbers wrote on Feb 5, 2008 9:10 PM:

" Newbie to Safford

$70,000 was paid to the demographic study group Buxton from Fort Worth, Texas. The vote to use their services was unanimous, yes Green and Zappia agreed to use them as well. The trip to Las Vegas was for the International Council of Shopping Centers Spring Convention where more than 50,000 retailers hock their businesses. The Thatcher Town Council also had members that went to the convention. Don't let erroneous posters lead you on. Glad I could help you with the truth. "




Newbie to Safford wrote on Feb 5, 2008 8:44 PM:

" Ran out of space another question I think should be asked is WHAT ON EARTH did these same people who went to Las Vegas Spend 75,000 dollars on (once again tax payer money)that is ALOT of food and must have been very expensive hotel rooms. Do these uys have to be accountable to anyone or is this the reason they have such a problem with Mayor Green and Zappia??? Think about it people I really think it benifits us all to look at what is motivatin these people. "




Newbie to Safford wrote on Feb 5, 2008 8:38 PM:

" ONe thing I can see from reading this is the Tax Payers of this town should wake up and question WHY it is that Long the City Manger while on a trip with several of the council memebers was allowed or on his own bouht a 6,000 dollar Artifical Christmas Tree. I would thinkg that this is something that should ahve had to have been OK'ed in a regular board meeting. THIS IS AFTER ALL OUR TAX DOLLARS HE IS SO FREELY SPENDING. "




#2 - To the guy harping on "Forward Observer" on January 28th..... wrote on Feb 5, 2008 8:27 AM:

" I certainly know a good example and I see a few bad examples in law enforcement. However, I still believe the majority of officers are good men/women who do their best and do their duty as an officer. However, it’s absolutely the Chief’s job to ensure officers display personal and professional conduct worthy of the title. They’re an officer 24-7, not just while on duty. You have much to learn. Every Citizen has a right to question an officer who has proven himself unworthy, especially if that officer is giving you a citation or shows up in court under oath. "




To the guy harping on wrote on Feb 5, 2008 8:12 AM:

" You’re highly mistaken- Police officers are extremely public and should set the best example possible, especially for kids. A Police Chief *should* be highly selective of the men/women he puts in uniform. Don’t give me this junk about a Chief not being a bishop for them. Also remember that they work for US! Not the other way around. Consequences and the job they’re doing is every Citizen’s business. Several law enforcement officers have embarrassed themselves and their departments, and disgraced the uniform of an “Officer” through personal choices they’ve made. No integrity in personal life = no integrity publicly. "




Wake Up Children wrote on Feb 4, 2008 12:38 PM:

" So, a new 22,000sf police facility would be nearly 3x larger than the vacant Family Dollar store south of town, and cost about $6,000,000.

This Sunday we learn of the new city hall and fire station options, which cost about the same thing.

Lets see; Police facility $6M and new fire station/city hall upgrade about $6M equals $12,000,000.

Lets remember that Safford's secondary property taxing ability currently is about $9,000,000 (as reported to the city council by Mr. Porter).

After increasing our property taxes, where's the city getting the additional $3M to undertake these new projects? "




Are you kidding me? wrote on Feb 4, 2008 11:39 AM:

" Oldtimer; the City of Safford spent well over $75,000* on their Las Vegas trip last year and came home with zip. (*including the cost of their consultants report which has to date produced zip as well). But I'll bet Jay Howe, Ragland, Cotter, Oretga, Danny Smith, Pete Stasiak and Huey (along with their wives) had fun in Sin City. They were there a full week. "




Oldtimer wrote on Feb 4, 2008 10:31 AM:

" Hey Bug, what is slanderous? Did the city council not go back East wearing toilet seats celebrating something about the sewer system? Didn't Thatcher get the original Wal Mart? Has Tally accepted defeat graciously? Did the City council minus Green and Zappia go to Las Vegas this fall and come home with the big fake Christmas tree that cost (according to Mr. Longs own office staff) over $6000. "




Bug wrote on Feb 4, 2008 7:54 AM:

" Hey Oldtimer, why do you make up such slanderous remarks. I would suggest you get your facts straight before posting anything more. "




Oldtimer wrote on Feb 2, 2008 11:05 PM:

" I remember when Talley was Mayor he and his cronies went back East and wore toilet seat or some such grab. Embrassing? YES! While Talley was Mayor how much new business came to town? Nada! Yes Thatcher took it all. When Ron Green beat Talley for Mayor did he accept it gracfully? No! However he got his cronies to fight every move Ron Green tried to put before the Council. Lately since Boss Long came to town howabout the council with exception of Green and Zappia going to Las Vegas to buy a fake Christmastree. "




Thatcher Council wrote on Feb 1, 2008 5:46 PM:

" To Opposition, I haven't really looked into it but I can't recall any off the top of my head. We are considering putting in a few roundabouts though.
Our town engineer thinks they are a good idea and the data on how much safer they are than a traditional stoplight is astounding. "




Opposition wrote on Jan 31, 2008 12:46 PM:

" I don't think the City Safford or Safford Residents are against the "Commerce Park" being developed. The opposition is towards the idea that the City would then lease space there. It is not a good idea. To-Thatcher council…How many agreements does Thatcher have where the City of Thatcher is the tenant?
"




Thatcher Council wrote on Jan 31, 2008 11:23 AM:

" We would be happy to hear proposals for a Thatcher Commerce Park if you're intrested Mr. Wilmot. Here in Thatcher, we view any kind of commercial development as a win win for everybody. "




retired realtor wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:22 AM:

" In the Know.. first you point out that Safford is broke. Now, you infer that (in your words), "...Safford residents would have to pay millions upon millions for adequate fire and police protection..." That Safford's current police and fire protection is NOT adequate?!?! Even with all those fancy new police units (which are an officer's office)? Even with the outstanding service of our police (as evidenced by the recent awards ceremonies)?

If Exeter is so economically viable, why do they need the City's participation in the Safford Commerce Park? Maybe you should retire. "




In the Know wrote on Jan 31, 2008 8:27 AM:

" Retired Realator, you should retire yourself from this conversation. If we were to have it your way, Safford residents would have to pay millions upon millions for adequate fire and police protection. If you actually look at the proposals when the come before the council in the future open meetings, you will see what the Exeter development can do for the city of Safford. Until then, how about keeping your mouth shut so we only suspect your ignorance instead of opening it up and removing all doubt. "




retired realtor wrote on Jan 31, 2008 7:52 AM:

" to 'In the Know' I'll quote you ... "... Safford does not have the money..." stop right there - EXACTLY. And that begs the question: WHY? Have you noticed the salaries of the top city brass? Have you noticed the new cars and trucks in the city fleet? Have you noticed how many mid-management city employees are frequently "out of town"? And the recent and long long overdue road improvements were done with *borrowed money* from a sales tax increase!

If you're broke, you have no business buying new toys (or renting them either). "




Home Grown View wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:49 PM:

" Thanks to Retired Realtor, for sharing what Thatcher has done..(see posting)"invests in the future expansion of their town facilities and can recoup expenses through leasing". City of Safford should look at this idea it sounds better than what is proposed. You pose a good question...Why doesn't Safford look at land already owned? "




In the know wrote on Jan 30, 2008 4:43 PM:

" To retired realtor, Safford does not have the money to build a new police station and do the City Hall/ Firestation. A lease to purchase option Exeter Developoment is offering in a prime location a stone's throw away from the current location makes perfect sense. This way Safford residents can have the infrastructure required with growth and have the growth help pay for it instead of sucking the current residents dry. Unless you are offering to build one for us on some other desireable property. We'll certainly take that! "




retired realtor wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:52 PM:

" to Big Deal; you are correct, it shouldn't be a big deal IF the development was standing on its own without special considerations from the city (like a new police facility for example). Without the city as an anchor tennant - OR a major space user like Phelps Dodge - the Safford Commerce Park does not pencil out.

Are there benefits to Safford, Perhaps. Does the project benefit the merchants on Main Street; no. "




Big Deal? wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:42 AM:

" I don't understand why it's such a big deal if a former mayor who is a business man and is in the consultation business for developers who want to buy and develop properties in our community. The Commerce Park, if anyone actually looked at the plans at the Safford Council meetings or the newspaper, has benefits. It really doesn't matter who the tenants are. Obviously, the developer wants tenants. Having a Daycare center, restauraunt, and other choices of businesses is fine whether or not the City moves in. "




WEST wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:29 AM:

" To Thatcher Council- Thank you for the clarification between budget and expenditure limit. How is purchase approved if it is over the limit? And yes a city pool would be nice.

"




WEST wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:22 AM:

" To Retired Realtor-Information based on story paper published. It said city purchased building and exceeded budget so it needed to take out loan. The article was short without detail. Maybe they can republish the story, I could be remembering wrong I think that’s what it said. Still basic economics "what goes out must equal what goes in". The paper did not mention building would generate revenue by being leased. Don’t get me wrong, City of Thatcher is wise to own property. Just thought the story said they exceeded the budget with purchase. "




retired realtor wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:53 AM:

" Here's how it shakes out: Thatcher invests in the future expansion of their town facilities and can recoup expenses through leasing. Safford is investigating a long term rental/lease of its expansion facilites in the Safford Commerce Park, a Van Talley enterprise.

Here's a question: why doesn't Safford expand the police facility with property they already own instead of being a tennant of the Safford Commerce Park? "




retired realtor wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:50 AM:

" To 'look to the west'... you'd better check your facts via the public records because you are posting local rumors as if they were the facts. The Thatcher move was to 'buy' a city hall expansion with current dollars and not have to face the costs of expansion in five or more years from now with higher cost dollars.

You'd better learn basic economics. Besides, the building is up for lease in which case the town will recoup expenses. Oh, and yes, they certainly can afford the property. "




Thatcher Council wrote on Jan 30, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Mr. Look to the West, the Town of Thatcher purchased the soon-to-be vacated Val's Appliance building adjacent to Thatcher's Town Hall. This purchase made excellent sense and the town did have enough to cover it in its budget. The reason a loan was sought was to avoid going over the expenditure limit that is set upon the town, all of which will be paid off by money the town already has during the next fiscal year. If you want to complain about Thatcher, complain that we have no swimming pool. "




Look to the West wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:02 AM:

" Look at what Thatcher officials have done. They purchased a building for close to 3Mil; the City did not have the money for it. Now they are taking out a loan to cover the cost since they have exceeded the fiscal budget. The paper did write a one paragraph story on this. I don’t think many people read it. This is why a large purchase or financial commitment should not be rushed into. Basic economics “what goes out should equal what comes in”.


"




Chief Justice wrote on Jan 29, 2008 5:06 PM:

" In Response to A&B, or whatever letter of the alphabet you go by--Do you think it is wise to have approximately 4 patrol units at the Manor House at the same time consistently. Cops have to eat, true, bring a bag lunch, secondly, SPD is not the only PD that needs a new Police Station, I have seen worse I have worked in worse, there is nothing wrong with it AB. If you knew anything about Law Enforcement, you would now a patrol unit is cops office, you must be an office worker or dispatcher. "




Wake Up Children wrote on Jan 29, 2008 10:48 AM:

" You are correct, the chief is not an elected official. Where you are naive is in knowin that the chief is an astute politican. Why not simply hold a police award ceremony by itself on a Tuesday night and invite the council? Why hold the ceremony in conjunction with a working council meeting? Answer: Because it looks good and downs two birds with one stone. The fact that you haven't noticed the play, indicates just how effective the play was. A conspiracy? Hardly. Just a good old fashioned political move. "




Highly Observant wrote on Jan 28, 2008 9:34 PM:

" To Mr."Forward Observer" don't fret about the crap that your curent position comes with, should you decide to dislodge yourself, Mr. Green has plenty of hair grease to make it easy. "




To Wake Up Children wrote on Jan 28, 2008 8:29 PM:

" What would the Chief have to gain in intentionally having award ceremonies to “mask items on the agenda that they didn’t want seen”? He’s not an elected official. He is rewarding his officers for a job well done, and if the CITY officials place those ceremonies on a specific night then that’s purely coincidental and has nothing to do with him. I happen to know that he believes in positive reinforcement. Don’t you think it’s better for ANY work environment when you feel appreciated? "




To Chief Justice- B wrote on Jan 28, 2008 7:15 PM:

" In addition to evidence, there’s a great deal of PAPER work that needs to be done, interigations, other office work- are you actually proposing they do paper work in their cars? Also, have you ever considered that even police officers (no matter the department) have to EAT!! Tricky. There’s alcohol served at MOST restaurants- what does the Manor house have to do with it? "




To Chief Justice- A wrote on Jan 28, 2008 7:14 PM:

" What do they need a new police station for? Have you BEEN there? If you even had the SLIGHTEST idea of all of the small things that go into putting together a police department you’d be eating your words. Their current evidence room is pathetic. Heaven forbid that you’re involved in a crime and the evidence is vital to putting the dude away that harmed you in some way. Then that evidence is in some way damaged due to poor facilities? Yeah, THEN you’d feel like a retard. "




To Forward Observer-4 wrote on Jan 28, 2008 7:13 PM:

" Because he is a public official, it’s EVERYBODIES business. He, as well as all other public officials are just that, public. They are supposed to be setting an example for the rest of the community, but then you wouldn’t know GOOD EXAMPLE if it hit you- which is painfully obvious due to the rest of your assertions of the Chief. "




To Forward Observer-3 wrote on Jan 28, 2008 7:12 PM:

" But I can guarantee you that there have been appropriate consequences for those who have done inappropriate things while on duty. Those consequences, however, are none of your business. He is running an excellent group of officers and is working with what he’s got.I’m VERY proud of the work that he has, is, and will continue to do. And in regards to Ron’s personal speeding tickets- What do they have to do with how he handles business? If he is a slacker in his own PERSONAL life, who’s to say he isn’t as lazy in his professional life? "




To Forward Observer-2 wrote on Jan 28, 2008 7:11 PM:

" But you sir, are WRONG. I of all people would know, having seen him in the department for 20+ years (which in and of itself tells you of his dedication) and in his home. It’s too bad that your ignorance truly makes you look so foolish. It isn’t his job to be their Pastor/Bishop/Father- it’s to be their boss & chief. He’s not there to tell them what to do with their personal lives. "




To Forward Observer wrote on Jan 28, 2008 7:09 PM:

" How DARE you accuse Chief Griffin of being two-faced. He is nothing but an insightful, and patient leader. How do I know? Because I know him personally as a MAN, outside and in the department. He is the same man at home that he is in the office. He’s fair, and concise. He’s not going to take your crap, but is also very warm. He is very informed and will give you a straight answer. If you’ve got beef with him, I’m sure he’d be happy to clarify your INCREDIBLY skewed perspective. Or even ask one of his officers. "




Wake Up Children wrote on Jan 28, 2008 4:43 PM:

" I haven't pointed at anyone, I haven't supported anyone either. The officers in question deserve the recognition fully. No conspiracy theories, only facts: There have been two police award ceremonies in the past 36 months. The October ceremony was on the night of the Talley/Cotter land swap for the hotel deal. The most recent ceremony was held on a night in which the Safford Commerce Park was on the agenda (a Talley land deal too). No finger pointing, it was all just a big coincidence. "




Entertaining wrote on Jan 28, 2008 4:20 PM:

" This is so awesome!!!! Its like Jerry Springer listening to everyone on here. hahaha "




Dear Forward Observer wrote on Jan 28, 2008 11:52 AM:

" You and your Dad Ron Green should just slow down. "




Chief Justice wrote on Jan 26, 2008 6:29 PM:

" Hey C&B, where did you learn to write? It must have been at Thatcher, because it would have been worse if it was Safford. You make some valid points, I'll give you that. One thing is for sure our Peace officers sure love the Manor House and that includes the DPS, Sheriff, and SPD.

PS- How did you know I wear glasses? Are you stalking me? "




Sgt. Woods, TPD wrote on Jan 26, 2008 5:13 PM:

" Wake up children. Just so you know, the recent DUI Officer Of The Year Award that was presented at the Safford City Council meeting had nothing to do with Safford Politics. It had everything to do with recognizing a fine officer for a job well done. That award was presented by the task force which is every law enforcement ageny in Graham/Greenlee County. It just happened to be a Safford officer that won this year. The timing was purley coincidental. I sceduled it, and I work for Thatcher PD. "




Wake up wrote on Jan 26, 2008 11:19 AM:

" Do you not read the news paper? Our officers have taken murderers off the streets with in days of the murder,Meth heads,vandals,storage shed thiefs and some peaple had there whole life's in their storage while they were waiting for a new home to be built.Our officers have been shot at and i could go on and on. My opinion is who are we the citizens of safford to tell them what they need. I feel no one knows better then our chief. Just because you have a tital (mayor)don't mean you know best. Give our officers what they need. "




Interesting wrote on Jan 25, 2008 9:08 PM:

" You all, it appears these fights are over personal interests and agendas of these guys at the cost of Safford & its Citizens. It seems like they just can't get along. What children. "




To Wake Up Children wrote on Jan 25, 2008 2:23 PM:

" I see. You're full of it with all of your conspiracy theories and pointing the finger at everyone else. I'm OK with you holding on to your delusional opinions that's what makes America great. I'm just not OK with you influencing everyone else with the same lies Mayor Green is spreading as truth. Why don't you grow up and become a RESPONSIBLE Citizen of Safford. And while you're at it, maybe you can influence Green in the Same Direction. "




Wake Up Children wrote on Jan 25, 2008 7:52 AM:

" js, you forgot an important step in setting council agendas; city manager and vice mayor approval of items. Anyone can address the council on any issue, but the city manager approves the final agenda. That's the reality of how it works. There's theory that's taught by school teachers, then there's reality which is how its done in the real world. Until not too long ago, it even took a majority of city councilmen to approve an agenda item; before they put it on the agenda! Where have you been?? "




Tom Green wrote on Jan 25, 2008 7:40 AM:

" I'll have to speak up for my brother, Ron Green. First, people don't realize that government and real estate deals don't mix well. Former Mayor Talley and former councilman Cotter I believe used their positions to buy and sell property and convinced councilmen that what they were doing was just in the best interests of the city when it was just to get rich quick. Ron's only land deal was to recently buy Lolly's to actually open it back up as Candy's to run as a business, not a "get rich quick" deal like Cotter and Talley's shenanigans. 428-0081 "




C&B wrote on Jan 25, 2008 1:53 AM:

" Chief Justice..Your not so observant apparently. I guess you think all of those drunk drivers and crack heads just decided to turn over a new leaf and turn themselves in at the old police station.I bet those cops that had their feet up were pretty upset to have to get up and do some work for once.Come back to the real world why don't you.Check your glasses to while your at it.I doubt you saw Safford PD at the Manor House.Maybe you should think about which patrol vehicles were there at the next Sheriff's election? "




C&B wrote on Jan 25, 2008 1:45 AM:

" To give me a break... What are you smoking? Probably the same thing Gov. Napolitano is for appointing Green to a position involved in Homeland Security. What does he know about homeland security? He does not support Law Enforcement. Who does he think provides Homeland Security! By the way, what does slowing trucks down through town have to do with Homeland Security? I did not see him out there on the road slowing anybody down. Ask DPS what Green knows about slowing down. Hasn't he been a very good customer for them? "




Plain Facts wrote on Jan 24, 2008 8:04 PM:

" TO PENSION PLAN SOUNDS FAMILAR-Check it out, both Mayor Green & Zappia are paying their retirement out of their own pocket. It has not cost the taxpayers one penny. They kept their promise. Taxpayers have paid the retirement for: Ragland, Cotter, Ortega, Smith, Hoopes. Over $130,000 check it out, get your facts straight. "




js wrote on Jan 24, 2008 4:56 PM:

" Ron, Let's see how many police officers you can get to endorse you for re-election? Hmmm. None. Oh, I forgot the Sheriff - He's related to you. I wonder how many other Green relatives might support you in their influential positions? "




js wrote on Jan 24, 2008 4:12 PM:

" To Wake Up Children. You must be totally asleep or on dope because you haven't a clue as to what you're talking about. Safford City Civics Lesson: 1)anyone can request an item be scheduled on City of Safford Agenda. 2)Safford City Clerk schedules, posts & distributes the Agenda. SO WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? "




tail gunner wrote on Jan 24, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Hey Wake Up Children! I think js has a point. Why don't you say what you really mean and mean what you really say. js appears to be right in his assessment of what you said. Does anyone else see that? "




Safford Citizen wrote on Jan 24, 2008 11:19 AM:

" I'm tired of hearing of all the fighting going on with our current city council. Its time for a change. I'm personally going to vote for anyone who currently does not have a seat. ( New People ) Lets get out there and make a change. Our current coucil is to wrapped up in there own battles that they've forgotten about our City Of Safford and Citizens. All this fighing is old already ! "




Are you kidding me? wrote on Jan 23, 2008 5:34 PM:

" You said it bro, there are requirenments that ADOT may put in place before a development is approved to mittigate traffic impacts. Now, return and read the remarks by Councilor Richard Ortega again. "




Wake Up Children wrote on Jan 23, 2008 5:30 PM:

" Hey JS, are you reading challenged or what? Don't put words in my mouth. Simply read what I wrote, it stands as I wrote it. If you can't comprehend my meaning, then that's your problem. "




to are you kidding wrote on Jan 23, 2008 3:54 PM:

" You may be ignorant to the laws yourself, I don't mean dumb but uneducated on certain matters. If the legal access to a property is the Highway, which is maintained by ADOT, there are laws in place governing certain requirements that ADOT may put in place before approval on a development. Please don’t start calling people dumb, especially when you don’t know what you are talking about?
"




Historian keeps tabs wrote on Jan 23, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Lets review the past year. At first talk was for a combined Police and Fire Emergency Facility. Unfortunatly, the Firemen and the Policemen don't play well together and neither club liked that idea. Then we heard about tearing down historic city hall and putting a new fire station on that site. That idea flopped. Next we began to hear about the "new" Government Complex and Police Facility. Then, the 'government complex' morphed into the Safford Commerce Park with a 22,000sf police facility. SPD? Be proactive not reactive please. "




js wrote on Jan 23, 2008 1:49 PM:

" To Wake Up Children, Are you saying those Award Ceremonies aren't important and that the Officers' aren't deserving of recognition for hard work? Are you also saying that Ron is not a Strong enough leader to address the REAL issues inspite of having an Awards Ceremony? If this is what you're saying, I would agree that Ron is not a LEADER at all to handle much anything. "




Tail gunner wrote on Jan 23, 2008 1:45 PM:

" I agree with Ron v. Van 2008, Who cares let's vote for J T COTTER. "




Chief Justice wrote on Jan 23, 2008 12:58 PM:

" New Police station---for what, they do not need a nice place to kick up their feet and patrol or streets less then what they do now. A cops station and office is his/her patrol unit. How about they get visible and make our streets safe again. They don't need a cozy little state of the art Police Station, they need to hit the beat. Take the money wasted on a new police station and hire more officers and sheriffs that spend most of their shift at the Manor House fighting crime while eating. "




Wake Up Children wrote on Jan 23, 2008 9:47 AM:

" js... is it that easy to please you? Awards and trinkets? Maybe it hasn't crossed your small mind, but there have been exactly two "awards" ceremonies held by the Chief AND both times they were put on the council agenda to overshadow something that the city council didn't want attention drawn to. When are you going to learn politics? From January 2001 to August 2007 how many award ceremonies? And since August 2007 how many? Its all about politics; flood the council chamber with cops and overshadow any opposition to the nights agenda. "




Dear Give me a break wrote on Jan 23, 2008 12:03 AM:

" Quote "Just because an officer has a badge does not mean you can trust him" Ron Green. Yes.... I am sure our law enforcement community supports Ron Green "




dj wrote on Jan 22, 2008 11:19 PM:

" With regards to Ron's speeding tickets. It makes one wonder if or how long he'll get to keep his own drivers license. ASK RON GREEN TO EXPLAIN WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON! I'll bet he'll give you a lame excuse. Oh, I forgot he's above the law because he's the MAYOR. Ask the Officers if they support him. You might be surprised. Of course they have to support the position, not necessarily the man in the chair. "




js wrote on Jan 22, 2008 11:14 PM:

" Ron is the Mayor. If he can't unite everyone for a common purpose instead of trying to stir up trash, and get everyone working as a team, then he should give it up to someone more capable of leading the City. Quit fighting your jealous school yard fights. Right now, everyone has a bad taste in their mouth with him whining, and threatening their jobs just to satisfy his whims. GIVE IT UP RON!!! "




js wrote on Jan 22, 2008 11:10 PM:

" To Give Me A Break, you've got to be out of your head. You apparently don't know the grief Ron stirs up. As far as Rhetoric, this is not just talk. Just look for yourself at the stuff he's causing the City. You don't see Ron handing out awards, commendations, uniting a group of people together like Chief. What's Talley got to do with any politics anyway. Talley's a businessman now. Ron is Mayor. "




Forward Observer wrote on Jan 22, 2008 9:48 PM:

" dj- You've proved it...you're an idiot.Personal speeding tickets have nothing to do with public officials' ability to handle business. If that's the case, you nor any other American citizen would have the right to due process and a fair trial, right? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm??

Also, many cops lie about actual events in court. Some of our law enforcement officials have already proven that they're willing to destroy their family lives. Don't tell me they'll tell the whole truth in court. It's one man's word over another's. A speeder is innocent until proven guilty....unless, dj, you live in Afghanistan. "




SPD wrote on Jan 22, 2008 9:05 PM:

" I implore all mayor Green fans to name one city of Safford Police officer who supports him. I do not know of any. "




Are you kidding me? wrote on Jan 22, 2008 8:49 PM:

" Danny-boy ... I was quoting your recorded remarks from Paragraph five of this article. Bottom line: Without the city (or other large space user) as an anchor tennant, Safford Commerce Park will not proceed. As for the City of Safford's space needs? Why not ask Mr. Porter for a complete land inventory? The city owns its own space for new facilities, there is no financially sound reason that the city would have to rent or lease commercial space in a real estate speculation project (such as the Safford Commerce Park).

"




dj wrote on Jan 22, 2008 7:24 PM:

" Forward Observer, I'm speaking with regards to the trouble that your wonderful Mayor has gotten himself into. Ask HIM about his appeal that presently pending over tickets or maybe that's TOO PRIVATE. I thought that Elected Officials lived in glass houses like President Bush. Apparently Ron doesn't. Hmmm. "




Give me a break! wrote on Jan 22, 2008 6:04 PM:

" "Police for Green", you're way off base. Don't kid yourself, there are plenty of law enforcement officers who support Ron and his efforts. They're excited they have a Mayor interested enough in Homeland Security to be appointed to a governor's committee. He's worked with them to slow trucks down through town since the mine opened up. You guys need to back up your comments with something more substantial than hollow rhetoric like Van keeps using. "




Forward Observer wrote on Jan 22, 2008 5:56 PM:

" js- Yes, let's open up the DPS officer records and publish what you find. Sexual misconduct by two officers while ON DUTY! And you're paying for that with hard-earned tax dollars. Are you crazy or just plain stupid? Grief for DPS? How about some accountability? In fact, two officers were fired very soon after that misconduct, and it serves them well. The others are oustanding officers. Don't let a few spoil it, though...
Yes, let's open up those records. And what's up with the TapOut thing? Is everyone on the police force an "ultimate fighter?" "




Forward Observer wrote on Jan 22, 2008 5:51 PM:

" "Blah blah blah" is right...it's unfortunate that Ron is accused of new and outlandish things. Guess who has a track record of doing this? Yep, Van Talleyban. Ron works extremely hard to make the best decisions possible for our citizens & the community. Name some accomplishments from the Talleyban. Any that come to mind? Not one for me. Taking local business out of downtown? He should be ashamed of himself, and the citizens here should not put up with that. "




Forward Observer wrote on Jan 22, 2008 5:46 PM:

" dj- Safford's Police Chief is very two-faced. I don't want anyone taking leadership lessons from him. If the police believe the Talleyban has their interests in mind, they better think again. Plus, as far as the police go, I know several personally, some of whom stole car stereos, cheated on wives, etc. etc. Is a person with that type of personal character worthy of the title "Officer?" No way. I believe the majority are outstanding...but a few can make the rest look bad.An investigation might do the City good.Clean out the bad, keep the good. "




Forward Observer wrote on Jan 22, 2008 5:32 PM:

" Ron has not retired with a pension from the city yet, smart guy.If he does, he deserves it for fighting the Talleyban and his goons the whole time.Van Talleyban is the jealous one and he can't let it go. JS-Ron and Ed are well off enough to worry about the money.Ed is a retired businessman himself.The path the city was on for 7 weeks would have given us more mistakes, just like an apartment complex with no fire suppression system.Will your mother live there?? "




dj wrote on Jan 22, 2008 9:36 AM:

" Green could learn a few lessons on positive and productive leadership from Safford's Police Chief with the actual work and stats to back it up and how to unite a good group of people to work hard for a City. "




js wrote on Jan 22, 2008 9:27 AM:

" To Forward Observer, Do you know for a FACT that the Allegations against Green are False. I doubt it. I believe Green would threaten people with their jobs. I do believe he thinks he's above the law and that he believes himself to be the LAW. I've heard him speak myself out of both sides of his mouth. Just look at the records for DPS and all the grief he's cause those Officers. "




Safford Police for Ron Green wrote on Jan 22, 2008 7:27 AM:

" O.........wait.. there are not any. "




Safford Police for Ron Green Unite! wrote on Jan 21, 2008 11:18 PM:

" O.........wait.. there are not any. "




Ron vs. Van 2008 wrote on Jan 21, 2008 11:08 PM:

" Who cares. Vote for JT Cotter. "




Please hurry Professor wrote on Jan 21, 2008 11:06 PM:

" Professor! Where are you? Citizens for better government? Where are you? Lets get behind our candidates Ken Malloque, Jason Koutz and Jason Foutz now. What are we waiting for? "




Blah Blah Blah wrote on Jan 21, 2008 11:04 PM:

" So Ron is accused of new things by Van Talley. Who cares? I feel bad for the rest of the poor saps (city council) and the city staff that have to listen to this garbage. "




Location, Location wrote on Jan 21, 2008 11:01 PM:

" At this meeting Ron Green mentioned that he wants to consider building a new fire department south of Safford. I guess you don't have to be mayor or a former fireman to know that the fire station must be located north of the RR tracks. Fireman for Ron unite! Please fill him in. Anyone? anyone? anyone? "




Good idea Ron wrote on Jan 21, 2008 10:57 PM:

" You suggested a path the City of Safford had already been on for 7 weeks. Great idea! I am sure everything will run smooth now. I am sure your school yard tussle with Van Talley is over and that you have many good things you have accomplished as Mayor. "




Pension plan sounds familiar wrote on Jan 21, 2008 10:53 PM:

" Did Ron Green and Ed Zappia vote to give others a pension? They accept a pension from the City while they ran on a platform that they would not. EA Courier 1/28/2004 "I will not accept a pension plan and will work for the elimination of the existing pension plan" -Ed Zappia. EA Courier 1/21/2004 "I will not accept retirement" -Ron Green. Either they don't remember signing their names to this or they have a serious character flaw. At least Ed Zappia had the decency to not run again. "




You need to realize wrote on Jan 21, 2008 10:43 PM:

" Our community and the Safford City Council are bystanders in a 2 decade long feud between Ron Green and Van Talley. I wish they would leave our community out of their squables. Van Talley can build his development and Ron Green can try to stop him. Who cares? There are alot of other issues the council needs to concentrate on. I think the rest of the council just wants to do their job. "




Danny Smith wrote on Jan 21, 2008 10:38 PM:

" Dear "are you kidding me?": Although your quote is incorrect, yes it is true Safford Commerce Park can be built without any tenant agreements from the city. Whether the City needs any space from Safford Commerce Park will be determined. I do not believe you are "dumb" or "stupid". I do know that you are bitter and are afraid to use your name. I love Safford and work very hard to make it better. Please call me if I can help. cell 520-668-7964 home 428-7798 "




js wrote on Jan 21, 2008 10:19 PM:

" Ron has made similar land deals. How come they're not out in the open for any conflict of interest issues? Ron is in the real estate business too. He's a party pooper because he's not as successful, or making as much money. What gives? If you think he has the City really at heart, I pity you. I believe he's jealous and is throwing a fit. "




js wrote on Jan 21, 2008 10:16 PM:

" Forward Observer, you're not making any sense. The two Council members you mention positive direction, I for one would like to know exactly what forward direction that would be. It doesn't appear they led any positive or forward direction. It's been backwards. As far as your bitterness and jealousy because a former mayor, now turned successful businessman is now making money, I feel sorry for you. If I were a businessman making money like that it would be great! It's bringing positive growth to Safford. So what's Ron & Ed griping over just because they're not making money. "




Geez wrote on Jan 21, 2008 6:45 PM:

" Heck with Hillary and Obama..... We got good ol Safford politics to keep us entertained. Haha. "




Forward Observer wrote on Jan 21, 2008 3:03 PM:

" Mayor Ron Green: Thank you! You and Ed Zappia were the only two council members who clearly outlined a logical plan for the advantage of the Citizens of Safford, not yourselves.Due to your leadership, the City has decided to move in a positive direction.If it were up to Van Talleyban (the sore loser for years now), he, his goon-squad (Smith, JT, Ragland) and the “yes men” (Ortega & Hoopes), would have approved stupid decisions without looking at the consequences, just like in years past.False allegations & rhetoric is the best the Talleyban can do. "




Are you kidding me? wrote on Jan 21, 2008 2:17 PM:

" Ortega said, “. . . a developer can put a development wherever they want. Then it’s up to ADOT to address the traffic problem..." Huh?

Councilor Danny Smith told the council that the commerce park would probably be built with or without any tenant agreements from the city...Huh?

How dumb can city councilman be? Maybe these two examples should be explained, but I'm betting the average reader has more intelligence than these two members of the Safford City Council and can see the stupidity of both comments themselves. "