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Veterans Day Celebration
 Each year Maricopa County pays tribute to employees who have served in the armed forces. I was proud to participate in this year’s ceremony that honored veterans of all generations and am grateful for the sacrifice of our servicemen and women.
At the event, Supervisor Clint Hickman
unveiled the County’s new veterans’ services website that provides important
information about employment, housing, education and other services to
returning veterans. I applaud the innovation of this Board and commend Supervisor
Hickman on this important initiative. For more information about the website,
please visit www.maricopa.gov/veterans.
Fountain Hills Community Meeting
 In November, Sheriff Arpaio and I attended a meeting with Fountain Hills and Rio Verde constituents to discuss law enforcement needs in the area. Ensuring residents have access to public safety resources – especially in the more rural areas – remains a top priority for me as we begin the New Year. I look forward to future community meetings in all areas of my district in 2014.
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Leisure World Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting
Leisure World Arizona is located in my district in Mesa and is home to thousands of my constituents. Several weeks ago, I participated in a ribbon cutting event for a new recreation area on the property and hope it will be a place for residents to enjoy for years to come. |
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Junior League of Phoenix Event
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The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
had several police cars and tanks on display for children and their families at
the Junior League of Phoenix’s Touch-A-Truck event this fall. Here, my sons
Will and Grant are pictured with an MCSO K-9 deputy. |
Consular Corps of Arizona
 Last week, the Consular Corps of Arizona held its Annual Ambassador’s Gala. This year’s event paid special tribute to former Arizona Governor and United States Ambassador Raul Hector Castro.
Here, I’m pictured with Bob Greninger, President of Arizona Sister Cities, and Enrique Melendez, Honorary Consul of El Salvador.
The CCAZ does great work in the state through their efforts to promote tourism, trade, and educational exchanges between a multitude of countries and Arizona. I am honored to serve on the organization’s advisory board.
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County Supervisors Association Annual Legislative Summit
In October, county supervisors from all 15 counties met to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming session at the state capital and federal legislation that impacts local government entities here in Arizona. The conference was an opportunity to dialogue on initiatives important to our respective counties and state as a whole and I will continue to be involved in those issues.
Strategic Planning Meetings
 In December, the Board of Supervisors
participated in several strategic planning sessions with other county elected
officials. These meetings were designed to encourage communication among
elected officials in an effort to reach consensus on the development of a
long-term plan for the future of the County. The Board serves a vital role in
the process, but so do all of our county elected officials – it’s the
collective “we” working together to advance the best interests of Maricopa
County and our taxpayers.
(Photo Courtesy of Michelle Lee Hee Yee of the Arizona Republic)
Last Board Meeting of 2013
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The
Board held our last formal meeting of 2013 on December 10th. Supervisor Andy
Kunasek closed the meeting, ending his year as Chairman of the Board. I am
grateful for Supervisor Kunasek’s leadership over the past year and look
forward to continuing to serve with him.
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Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community IGA
This month the Board approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community that will allow the County and the tribe to co-locate communication equipment for public safety and government-related purposes. I will continue to support collaboration among governments that reduces redundancies in a cost-effective way to benefit the taxpayer.
Air Quality Department No Burn Campaign
 After months of stakeholder outreach and input, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department officially launched its No Burn Campaign in December. Designed to reduce emissions from wood-burning fires that result in serious health issues and more costly and burdensome regulation, the Air Quality Department will issue “No Burn Days” throughout the holiday season when conditions warrant. During a No Burn Day, MCAQD asks residents to not light a wood-burning fire or use wax logs; however, alternatives such as gas or electric fireplaces are allowed.
To find out if today is a No Burn Day, visit www.cleanairmakemore.com or call (602) 506-6400.
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