By Anne Gibson
A contingency of seasoned residents of Vail proper came together concerned about the future of Vail, as the City of Tucson has annexed closer and closer.
“We met informally for several months until we were advised to file with the Arizona Corporation Commission and form a 501(c)(4) (civic organization) non-profit corporation. This allows us to apply to the IRS for exemption and not be taxed on any contributions made to the Organization while studying the possibility of becoming a city,” said David Hook the spokesperson for the corporation.
The Mission Statement of the corporation is an accurate description, “To explore, with community input and participation, the interest and viability of incorporating Vail.”
“The Mission Statement doesn’t mean the members of the corporation will support incorporation, unless it proves to be financially feasible and the majority of the residents want it,” said David Hook. “Our goal is to listen to the residents, and to be transparent in the movements of the corporations with articles in the Vail Voice, social media, polling, focus groups, and community town halls.”
“A focus will be placed on hearing, from residents, what amenities they would like to see in the area, such as bike paths, hiking trails, parks, land use planning, and other desires,” said President Hook.
The Articles of Incorporation lists the following caring neighbors: David Hook, President; MaRico Tippett, Vice President; Pam Kelty, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary; Elaine Schmerbeck, Secretary; and Directors-at Large Peter Backus, Linda Broadwater, Anne Gibson, Allison Pratt, and JJ Lamb. Two new directors were elected after incorporating, Greg Kempi and Jon Stough.
Should the members decide incorporation is what the majority of the residents residing within the dedicated community boundary want, a Political Action Committee (PAC) would be established. The residents of the neighborhoods who have expressed an interest in being a part will have input into whether their neighborhood is included within the boundaries of the City of Vail.
“It is important to remember there is no decision being made. This is a study and only a study. We are in a process of listening to what the residents want,” said David Hook.