Something I heard about Tucson's entrenched leadership (growth related) (Phoenix: live in, young professionals)

[Kabluey]

I moved here in 2002. This month I heard from a native that Tucson's entrenched leadership (political and business) has long sought to put a ceiling on growth here, to keep it and its aspirations small, and direct the growth to Phoenix. I guess the story goes that a generation ago, Tucson's leaders started to fuel Phoenix's growth, and that that's a big reason why many of the legislative leaders have been Tucsonans (a testament to their power and control over things happening in Arizona). Now, their hopes have crashed against the realization that, despite their efforts, Tucson has still grown beyond their hopes (although perhaps not as much as others would like), and in ways they were unprepared for (families and young professionals). That's the story, at least.

I wonder 1) is this a myth? If not, then 2) will there be an end to this attitude, in a way that will make Tucson competitive for drawing young professionals to town, to fuel a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere here?

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Kabluey

I moved here in 2002. This month I heard from a native that Tucson's entrenched leadership (political and business) has long sought to put a ceiling on growth here, to keep it and its aspirations small, and direct the growth to Phoenix. I guess the story goes that a generation ago, Tucson's leaders started to fuel Phoenix's growth, and that that's a big reason why many of the legislative leaders have been Tucsonans (a testament to their power and control over things happening in Arizona). Now, their hopes have crashed against the realization that, despite their efforts, Tucson has still grown beyond their hopes (although perhaps not as much as others would like), and in ways they were unprepared for (families and young professionals). That's the story, at least.

I wonder 1) is this a myth? If not, then 2) will there be an end to this attitude, in a way that will make Tucson competitive for drawing young professionals to town, to fuel a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere here?

Hey, in the ol' communist/socialist days in the former Eastern Block there were those so to speak "right of residency" city ordinances - people could live in certain bigger and attractive cities only if they happened to be born there or married somebody there (very similar to immigration laws). Considering where this country is going nothing would surprise me anymore, including some ideas like that. Just look how popular the originating in Nazi Germany anti-smoking bans have been! Tomorrow you may very well be told where you could live. It's only a matter of time... Social engineering does take time. The minds of those pesky somewhat rebellious sheeple take decades of propaganda to be altered after all...

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by Kabluey

I moved here in 2002. This month I heard from a native that Tucson's entrenched leadership (political and business) has long sought to put a ceiling on growth here, to keep it and its aspirations small, and direct the growth to Phoenix. I guess the story goes that a generation ago, Tucson's leaders started to fuel Phoenix's growth, and that that's a big reason why many of the legislative leaders have been Tucsonans (a testament to their power and control over things happening in Arizona). Now, their hopes have crashed against the realization that, despite their efforts, Tucson has still grown beyond their hopes (although perhaps not as much as others would like), and in ways they were unprepared for (families and young professionals). That's the story, at least.

I wonder 1) is this a myth? If not, then 2) will there be an end to this attitude, in a way that will make Tucson competitive for drawing young professionals to town, to fuel a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere here?

Never EVER heard of such a thing. TOTAL storybook, fairytale myth. The "native" you spoke to obviously got his/her MISinformation from a grapevine with root rot.

Phoenix has its own way of doing things and so does Tucson. Two totally different entities. Two totally different animals growing separately and apart from each other in too many different ways. One group of people cannot control things that way. Too simplistic. Way too many variables.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by ZonyPony

Never EVER heard of such a thing. TOTAL storybook, fairytale myth. The "native" you spoke to obviously got his/her MISinformation from a grapevine with root rot.

Well, Zony, it's not like it's not a public knowledge that all old-timers like you want their ol' Pueblo to remain small, dusty, and backwards...

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Well, Zony, it's not like it's not a public knowledge that all old-timers like you want their ol' Pueblo to remain small, dusty, and backwards...

Yep! We the Brotherhood of The Preservation of Century 19 meet every Wednesday at the downtown public library!

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by ZonyPony

Yep! We the Brotherhood of The Preservation of Century 19 meet every Wednesday at the downtown public library!

My personal favorite is a woman who went to some anti-growth meeting 6 (six!) days after moving here! Same with immigration - once I'm here, immigration should stop. We humans are such amazing disgusting selfish critters!

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

My personal favorite is a woman who went to some anti-growth meeting 6 (six!) days after moving here! Same with immigration - once I'm here, immigration should stop. We humans are such amazing disgusting selfish critters!

Its human nature for one to begin getting involved in one's community once one get's one's bearings regarding one's area which one has chosen to reside in.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by ZonyPony

Its human nature for one to begin getting involved in one's community once one get's one's bearings regarding one's area which one has chosen to reside in.

Gimme a break! She hadn't unpacked yet! Some involvement!

I guess if it were up to you Tucson should’ve stopped growing as soon as you were born!

[ZonyPony]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Gimme a break! She hadn't unpacked yet! Some involvement!

I guess if it were up to you Tucson should’ve stopped growing as soon as you were born!

How'd you know that?

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by ZonyPony

How'd you know that?

I'm a prophet! That's the mentality of all ol'-timers here.