News Release, June, 2008
Branch-Gilby Fuming about Roger Road Treatment Plant
Donna Branch-Gilby, Democratic candidate for Pima County Board of Supervisors, District 3, came out fuming from today’s Board of Supervisor’s meeting, where the 2008-2009 budget was adopted.
“I’ve talked to people who live downwind from the Roger Road treatment plant who say they are still holding their noses from the stench coming from the plant. They’re still waiting for the County to provide up-to-date sewer services.”
“I find it astounding that in these days of shrinking County revenues, the Board majority saw fit to adopt a budget that includes money to organize volleyball and softball teams at Sportspark, but not enough to complete the upgrade of our sewer system here in Pima County,” Branch-Gilby said.
“The Pima County Board of Supervisors betrayed their responsibility to the people of Pima County today when they adopted this budget for fiscal year 2008-2009.”
Branch-Gilby sees the Board’s actions as another example of business as usual. “My opponent herself has said that there is a projected $28 million reduction in revenues to the County for this fiscal year. Despite this, she continues to vote for things that are nice to have but that result in inadequate funding for the basic functions of County government: sewers, solid waste, roads and public health and safety to name a few.”
Branch-Gilby further noted that no study sessions were held on this most challenging budget and no citizens’ budget oversight committee was functioning to provide taxpayer input into the review. “The secrecy which my opponent supported for the election process appears to also apply to the budget process. She seems to forget that it’s taxpayer money that’s being budgeted.”
“This illustrates a desperate need for a change on the Board,” Branch-Gilby added. “My opponent continues to get her priorities mixed up. Once again, her vote on the budget shows that she votes to help her special friends whenever possible. In this election year, she is putting funding for essential services at the end of the line.”
