Past President HUGH THOMPSON gave the inspiration drawing upon an assignment for school children where they came up with ads to describe the qualities of God. New member LUCY HOWELL led us in the pledge and song “America the Beautiful” accompanied by GARY HIRSCH on the piano. New member SARA GAAR EHRENS introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians - a longer list than usual due to the august nature of our speaker.
We had three Birthday Rotarians:
ROBERT O’BRIEN thanked his sponsor Past President DICK DOBRAN and made a contribution to his daughter’s Paul Harris. BOB’s daughters will appear at a future meeting to demonstrate their skills at Irish Dancing.
SCOTT EHRSAM is a former student body president and homecoming king at Palo Verde High School who once met John Belushi and Dan Akroyd at a college event. SCOTT made a donation for his birthday, followed immediately by a donation for his cell phone.
KEN LIGHT is the past president of the Jewish Community Center who is going back to skiing after 40 years at the request of his grandkids. KEN made a donation to Polio Plus in honor of his birthday.
MARGARET HIGGINS introduced our latest new member TOM CAMPBELL. Tom has a background in marine biology, and expert in stapling (surgical stapling), and swing dancing. TOM thanked MARGARET his sponsor and his mentor BOBBY LARSON.MARK IRVIN introduced FLETCHER MCCUSKER as our newest honorary member. MARK described FLETCHER as someone with no off button, frequently sending texts at 3 AM, who has an interest as a musician and a
collector of classic cars, and no interest in running for Mayor.
collector of classic cars, and no interest in running for Mayor.Sergeant at Arms BOBBY LARSON recognized SEAN FURRIER for winning the Reader’s Choice award for the umpteenth year (what is it about no hidden extras and valve stems included?)
We had the following announcements:
CHUCK SAWYER reminded everyone to wear Rodeo Attire at our next meeting on 2/20 and reminded everyone of the blood drive from 10 AM to 2 PM next meeting.
BRETT STEIN asked for existing and possible new leaders of fellowship groups, and he invited everyone to the first meeting of the Fine Beer Fellowship on 3/15.
SHARYN FELTON introduced My Lam who is in her second year of a Rotary Scholarship majoring in Business and Nutritional Sciences with a minor in East Asian Studies.
Our very own County Supervisor STEVE CHRISTY introduced our speaker, Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry. Mr. Huckelberry talked in detail about several initiatives to benefit citizens of the county, including:The proposed extension of I 11 to the Mariposa Port of Entry to promote trade (timeframe 20 to 25 years.)
A Sonoran Core Connection from Sahuarita to Rita Road (timeframe 5 years.)
The reauthorization of the Regional Transportation Authority in the next year or two with an increase from half a cent to one cent.
Increases to road repair funds of almost $20 M due to savings from the RTA budget.
Additionally, Mr. Huckelberry talked about County efforts to encourage economic development and increase the tax base. The County plans to focus on existing employers such as Raytheon as well as cultivating new ones like Caterpillar. Even though almost 75% of the County budget goes toward criminal justice, Mr. Huckelberry highlighted some other achievements such as the renovation of the historic courthouse, expansion of the Kino soccer facility, construction of PACC as a 90% non-euthanasia facility, and finally the near completion of the Loop which he described as the best thing the County was ever forced to do. Mr. Huckelberry signed a book for our lending library: “The Kiss That Missed”
President CHUCK closed our meeting with a quote from Peter Drucker: Leadership is defined by results not attributes.
