Things for which we should all be thankful:
• Tim Vanderpool’s impressive reporting. Be sure to check out
his story on the Pima Animal Care Center on Page 18. It’s a
heartbreaking piece examining the successes and failures of
PACC—and our society as well. The bottom line: We’re letting
many, many thousands of animals per year get killed that don’t need to
be killed.
One thing for which I am decidedly not thankful: The attitude
of Pima County Health Department director Sherry Daniels. After Tim
asked to view euthanizations at PACC, and she said no, he asked a
reasonable question: Why was his request denied?
Her response (through a spokesperson): “Because I said so.” Such an
arrogant response from a public servant is appalling.
• Jim Nintzel’s political analysis. On Page 11, he breaks down
the voting in the recent city election by ward, precinct and polling
place. His conclusion? Tucson’s a divided city. Those divisions are
only going to become more apparent if/when Tucson moves to a system in
which the City Council is elected by ward, and not citywide. (This
isn’t necessarily a bad thing … but it’s worth noting.)
• Our wonderful arts and music writers. Even during one of the
deadest weeks of the year, events-wise, our culture crew found plenty
of things to spotlight.
• Informed, active media consumers. By that, I mean you readers
of the Tucson Weekly who take the time to give us constructive
feedback and participate in conversations, whether that’s by phone or
e-mail, through one of our social-networking presences, or at TucsonWeekly.com. Sincerely: Thank
you.
This article appears in Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2009.
“…Because I said so..”, ah Jimmy, yet another prime example of bureaucrats who confuse their constituents with their employees. Maybe this is tax supported Tough-Love? A parental-child relationship gone too far? Open and transparent governing behind a wall, methinks. At least Tim got an answer, often one’s requests or inquiries are met with silence or obfuscation. Amazing is it not, that in these days of unparalleled communications; emails, faxes, twittering, cell phones, websites, and all the rest, that real communication is often ephemeral. Subsequent to your article, I would advise Tim to repeat his request and give the Ayatollah Daniels a second opportunity to demonstrate her understanding of the politico-citizen relationship. Make the request on a Friday night, I’ll bet she’s just waiting to be asked.
Chapo