Report to Citizens - Spring 2014

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District 1 Newsletter

Spring 2014

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Election to Chairman

chairman

In a unanimous vote on January 8, 2014 Denny Barney was elected as the new chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for 2014.

Chairman Barney cited regulatory reform, fiscal management, and economic development among his top priorities, as well as transparency and the adoption of a new, three-year strategic plan.

In outlining the five major priorities Barney recognized there is a lot of work to be done to achieve these goals. However, “excellence can be achieved,” he said, “If we care more... risk more ... dream more and expect more.”

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Regulatory Reform Effort

We all expect good customer service from our county government and a months-long review of Maricopa County’s Planning & Development regulatory processes aimed at improving just that.

Chairman Barney greatly appreciates the 26 key stakeholders comprised of business owners, engineers, architects, attorneys, and project managers who did a huge amount of research and devoted two full days a month in hearings and negotiations to make county operations more “applicant-friendly.” Through their intense efforts, a total of 22 improvement initiatives were identified and adopted by the Board late January. 

Some recommendations include:

  • Eliminate early and redundant zoning and drainage plan reviews.
  • Create a single, simplified document containing subdivision regulations and guidelines.
  • Increase public outreach and educational workshops.
  • Reorganize certain planning operations to allow more “one-stop shop” opportunities for applicants.
  • Improve coordination and collaboration.

Read the full Ad Hoc Task Force Report.

A similar process with our other regulatory agencies is already underway and we look forward to seeing similar results. 

These efforts have supported Supervisor Barney’s overall goals of eliminating or reducing unnecessary regulation, refraining from adding any new regulations, streamlining current processes, and focusing on practical and effective means to solve issues.

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Strategic Plan

The purpose of strategic planning is to present a vision for Maricopa County’s future, and outline County government’s role in achieving that future.

chess

Maricopa County is operating under a Strategic Plan that was adopted in June of 2010. Since that time, much has changed in terms of our economy, our demographics, as well as the needs and expectations of our residents.

In consideration of this changing environment, under Chairman Barney and county manager Tom Manos’ leadership, Maricopa County is currently working hard to update its strategic plan to ensure that county government continues to deliver mandated services to the public and provide accountability and transparency while remaining in sync with the needs of our residents for the coming years.

Supervisor Barney is working hard to include sound, private sector business principles in the County’s strategic plan, and to limit county regulatory involvement to the minimum necessary in order to carry out our constitutionally and statutorily mandated duties.

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In the Community

Over the last few months Chairman Barney has been an active presence in the community. He continues to look for opportunities to work with other elected officials in reaching out to our shared constituencies.

Queen Creek Town Hall

Supervisor Barney served as moderator for a Queen Creek Town Hall with Congressman Matt Salmon and Mayor Gail Barney (pictured left).

In support of our great local Mayors, he attended the Tempe State of the City, Chandler State of the City, Gilbert State of the Town, Queen Creek State of the Town, and Phoenix State of the City addresses.

Recently it has been a privilege for him to personally speak at the Scottsdale Rotary, Mesa Rotary, Chandler Chamber Elected Officials Breakfast, Legislative Districts 12, 18, and 26, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Arizona Management Society, and to an ASU Management of Urban Government class.

KXXT

On February 6, Supervisor Barney, along with Supervisor Kunasek, was a guest speaker on the Men's Health Talk Program on KXXT 1010 AM with Fred Taylor. The topic, "Future Plans for Maricopa County and Health Related Issues,” discussed some key issues related to taxes, an ordinance allowing medical-marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas, and health related issues that impact the county.

Maricopa County Service Counter within Phoenix City Hall

Co Location

On February 3, Maricopa County opened its own service counter within Phoenix City Hall, a move designed to create a convenient, “one-stop shop” to make it easier for residents to obtain permits and do business with governments.

In addition to permitting services for the city, the Maricopa County Environmental Services and Air Quality departments will now be available at city hall for various permitting services, including restaurants, special events, dust control, and burn permits.

The county counter will be open during city business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located on the second floor of Phoenix City Hall, 200 W. Washington St.

Power Knowledge Corridor sign unveiling

Power Knowledge Corridor

As the east valley has grown, more and more educational institutions have been established along Power Road creating a concentrated corridor for multi-generational learning, the foundation of the new “Power Knowledge Corridor”. Supervisor Barney joined Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, Mesa Councilmember Scott Somers and Gilbert Mayor John Lewis April 3 as they unveiled new street signage that both recognizes the work that has been done and, more importantly, invites others to be part of this learning corridor.

Robson Library event

Janet Mills

On March 17, Chairman Barney participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate a new hearing induction loop system at the Sun Lakes Ed Robson Branch Library.

The $14,000 state-of-the art system was a gift from the Robson Friends of the Library to aid hearing-impaired guests during events, programs, presentations and other activities.

(Pictured above) Supervisor Barney with constituent and Library District Citizens' Advisory Committee member Janet Mills.

Chandler Chamber Public Policy Meeting

Chandler Chamber Public Policy

Issues… Influence… Impact... Chairman Barney and Representative Jeff Dial spoke at the Chandler Chamber Public Policy Meeting on March 28.

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.
Abraham Lincoln

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Maricopa County Facts

Since being elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2012, citizens often ask “What can you tell me about Maricopa County?”

In the next few newsletters we will highlight a few interesting facts you might not have known about Maricopa County.

  • To this day, more than half of all the roses grown in the United States come from Maricopa County, specifically a few farms in the Northwest Valley. Millions of bushes are grown here and shipped to nurseries and big retailers like Wal-Mart and Home Depot.  
  • In land area, Maricopa County is about the same size as Vermont. Maricopa County is larger than El Salvador, Israel, and seven states.  
  • If Maricopa County were a state, it would have seven electoral votes, as many as Oklahoma, Oregon and Connecticut and we are gaining on Kentucky and Louisiana.

Please let us know how we can better serve you.

Best Regards,

Denny Barney, District 1
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
www.maricopa.gov/dist1/
602-506-1776