President, first VP resign from GVCCC

The president and first vice president for the Green Valley Community Coordinating Council resigned Thursday and a nominating committee was named to recommend replacements.

Russ Symes, president for almost a year, and Tom Ward, first vice president for the same period, announced their resignations at the monthly board of representatives, Symes for health reasons, and Ward because of an increasing personal workload.

Because of a quirk in the bylaws, Second Vice President Bill Copeland won’t move up.

Executive Director Joyce Finkelstein, asked why the second vice president wouldn’t move up, said, “The bylaws are silent on that.”

Both Symes and Ward have been active in the operation of the communitywide coordinating council that sometimes serves as a de facto city government.

Since Green Valley is not an incorporated part of Pima County, most government action here is handled by county offices.

Symes, 74, said he resigned “Because of an increase in symptoms from my sleep disorder, I find that I can no longer wholeheartedly serve the Green Valley Community with the same dedication and commitment as previously.”

His resignation is Sept. 18.

Before his election as president last May, he had served as the organization’s second vice president.

The Green Valley Community Coordinating Council consists of 66 homeowners’ associations, representing more than 90 percent of Green Valley’s residents.

Ward, 75, said his consulting company, IsaiahOne, and other obligations are taking more and more of his time. A GVCCC statement said he will also serve as a consultant to Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll.

A GVCCC statement said the nominating committee will probably make its recommendations at the April 17 board of representative meeting and it will probably select the two new officers at the May 15 meeting.

In his annual report to the board of representatives, Sheriff Lt. L.T. Pratt said Pima County has more of its deputies on the streets and doing investigative work than the national average.

Pratt, who commands the location station located at the Government Center on La Canada, said the national average is 47 percent, while 57 percent of the Pima County deputies are on the roads and streets and are investigating.

In a year’s time, said the lieutenant, Pima County receives $14.9 million in drug-related forfeiture funds.

Some of that money was part of the upgrading of patrol cars.

“All vehicles now have mobile data computers,” said Pratt.

He praised SAV, Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers, on helping prevent crime in Green Valley, handing the neighborhood watch program and making 2,000 home checks a month among other things.

One way to combat disasters, Pratt said, is to have plans for them.

“Do you have a plan for evacuation?” in case of a fire, he asked.

He asked if his listeners had water and food in their homes for several days in case they’re confined there for security during a communitywide disaster.

He also urged listeners to visit SAV headquarters at the Government Center for information on how it works and for information on home protection.

SAV’s telephone number is 351-6744, he said.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749