About Chris
My name is Chris DeSimone and I am running to be a member of the Oro Valley town council. Oro Valley is a special place for folks to live, play and work. It’s a town where its super engaged citizens want and appreciate the basics of good government:
- A professional, responsive and properly staffed police department
- Great parks and recreation facilities that are properly maintained.
- Smooth and safe roads for vehicles and cyclists
- A town that has great curb appeal that inspires all of us to do their part keeping Oro Valley beautiful
Why am I running?
As a citizen of Oro Valley since 1995, I have seen many political battles that have pitted one side of the town against the other: Vestar OV Marketplace incentives, Golf Course purchases, Park Bonds, and off and on, the rate of development. You may see a slate v. slate dynamic again in 2026. I want to show my fellow citizens that there is a way forward that will be effective and appeal to a huge variety of OV voters and citizens.
I have two big priorities: making sure that the town is moving in a way that maximizes revenue and keeps the budget working the most efficient way possible, all while maintaining those basics that we love about our town. We have to start annexing unincorporated land to the south of us that already has established tax generating real estate assets. It is the best way through. Increase sales tax collection for OV without having to over-develop our existing town footprint. The new annexed areas will be a welcomed addition to the OV family.
Why Chris DeSimone?
Oro Valley Resident since 1995
Former AYSO 922 Coach
Former CDO LL and Coronado LL coach
Radio/Podcast Host “Wake Up with Chris DeSimone" for 17 years
(THE show for local government talk. I have learned the what to do and what NOT to do)
Inside Tucson Business Columnist- Local Government Affairs
Served on Tucson Convention Center Commission (Appointed by Steve Kozachik)
Served on the Pima County Transportation Advisory Board (Appointed by Ally Miller)
Served on the Inaugural Board for the Leman Academy of Excellence Schools
Served on the Visit Tucson Marketing Committee
Creator of Visit Tucson’s “Best Mexican Food City” strategy
Currently Serving on the Oro Valley Tourism Advisory Commission
There are some great advocates out there, no one knows local government better than Chris.