Art Chapa was an overpaid lobbyist for Pima County for many years, and was involved in many shady dealings as a bag man for the Eckstrom machine. The fact that Chapa (and Flores) "gave" Eckstrom "his" job several years before he died -- without following any procurement rules at the college -- says it all. In fact, it was the procurement scandal at Pima County in 2000 that exposed the Eckstrom/Chapa deals that were investigated by the Feds (FBI) which lead to Eckstrom's resignation from the Board of Supervisors. But obviously that did not stop him from continuing his antics. He makes even more now than he did as a board member.
It should also not be forgotten that Eckstrom also dominated the Rio Nuevo district before the state took it over. We are all still looking for that $230 million of taxpayer loss. He was also instrumental in the hiring of Mike Hein as City Manager, and we know how that turned out. And Eckstrom still dominates not only the Board of Supervisors, but the PAG/RTA through Ramon Valadez who hired Eckstrom's daughter who is the mayor of South Tucson.
Woody Gutherie once said "Tucson ain't nothin' but a rich man's bitch." This obviously still holds true today.
El Rio Bakery has been a Barrio Hollywood hidden secret to many who do not live on the Westside, but perhaps no more with the deserved attention the Weekly is giving it. Great food (and not only the baked goods) and a great atmosphere. I will never understand why Tania's does so well across the street, when El Rio is so clearly superior.
The mural inside is a must see -- but you can also hang out at a picnic table outside and watch Grande Avenue traffic go by. Sunday's can get crowded from St. Margaret's church-goers across the street, so you may have trouble parking then.
And don't forget the other two great restaurants right on Grande: Maricos Chihuahua and El Sabrosos. Along with El Rio, Grande Avenue has a "Holy Trinity" of fantastic eats.
What is really amazing is the almost complete lack of coverage by the mainstream media over what is happening in the City of South Tucson. Thank you, Tucson Weekly, for shining some light on this terrible situation. This square mile incorporated "city" is still a part of our community and the plight of its residents -- and the corruption of its political leadership -- should no longer be ignored. But I can certainly understand why "Mayor Eckstrom" is always unavailable for comment.
Tim Vanderpool is the Weekly's best reporter. I don't always agree with his "slant" -- but he gets the idea of what a reporter is supposed to do and I don't expect the Weekly to be totally objective. I like Leo Banks too, who comes from the other direction totally. Both these guys are a pleasure to read, even if the topic's they choose are hard to deal with.
Interesting, comprehensive, informative. and relevant on both a local and national level.
OK, Chris Limberis is gone and he was a great investigative journalist who would have given us a real insight into the city council, which one got their credit card cancelled, conflict of interest violations, and other "inner workings of the bumblefest that has led Tucson to its current predicaments."
Obviously, Mr. Danahey is fully aware of each of these foibles. How about YOU reporting on them, and if you are too defensive about disparaging remarks from you Democratic friends, then get someone else to act as a real reporter. Perhaps Chris would sleep better in his current rest-site if someone would pick up the banner and run with it.
Well, nobody can ever say that Danehy doesn't stick up for his friends... even at the expense of the truth. Mike Hein, in spite of all the glorious acolades thrown at his feet by the Star, Citizen, the Weakly, and the business community, was the CEO in charge of Rio Nuevo. To suggest that he was it's savior is like saying Madoff gives a good impression for ponzi schemes.
You think Hein was the best City Manager ever? Wow. I guess Al Capone was the best thing Chicago has ever had to offer as well.
Recent Comments
Thank you for this article Mari.
Now watch out for horseheads in you bed.
Art Chapa was an overpaid lobbyist for Pima County for many years, and was involved in many shady dealings as a bag man for the Eckstrom machine. The fact that Chapa (and Flores) "gave" Eckstrom "his" job several years before he died -- without following any procurement rules at the college -- says it all. In fact, it was the procurement scandal at Pima County in 2000 that exposed the Eckstrom/Chapa deals that were investigated by the Feds (FBI) which lead to Eckstrom's resignation from the Board of Supervisors. But obviously that did not stop him from continuing his antics. He makes even more now than he did as a board member.
It should also not be forgotten that Eckstrom also dominated the Rio Nuevo district before the state took it over. We are all still looking for that $230 million of taxpayer loss. He was also instrumental in the hiring of Mike Hein as City Manager, and we know how that turned out. And Eckstrom still dominates not only the Board of Supervisors, but the PAG/RTA through Ramon Valadez who hired Eckstrom's daughter who is the mayor of South Tucson.
Woody Gutherie once said "Tucson ain't nothin' but a rich man's bitch." This obviously still holds true today.
The mural inside is a must see -- but you can also hang out at a picnic table outside and watch Grande Avenue traffic go by. Sunday's can get crowded from St. Margaret's church-goers across the street, so you may have trouble parking then.
And don't forget the other two great restaurants right on Grande: Maricos Chihuahua and El Sabrosos. Along with El Rio, Grande Avenue has a "Holy Trinity" of fantastic eats.
Interesting, comprehensive, informative. and relevant on both a local and national level.
Thank you.
Obviously, Mr. Danahey is fully aware of each of these foibles. How about YOU reporting on them, and if you are too defensive about disparaging remarks from you Democratic friends, then get someone else to act as a real reporter. Perhaps Chris would sleep better in his current rest-site if someone would pick up the banner and run with it.
You think Hein was the best City Manager ever? Wow. I guess Al Capone was the best thing Chicago has ever had to offer as well.