Melissa Gable is known by many as the spokeswoman for Animal Care and Control. She is visible on news stations and present at every Board of Supervisors meeting, with a dog in tow, to educate the community about adoption.  What people don’t see is how Melissa goes above and beyond behind the scenes.  On January 23, a Chihuahua named Rosie was picked up by Glendale PD when they found her wandering near the scene of a car accident.

Rosie’s owner suffered a stroke and was placed in ICU, so Melissa fostered the dog. When the owner was finally responsive, Melissa brought Rosie in for a visit and all her owner could say was “Love you. Love you. Love you.” Rosie is still living with Melissa and the two of them visit Rosie’s owner every week.

The owner is still in rehab and it will probably still be a while until he is recuperated enough to care for Rosie. This was not in Melissa’s “job description” but is just one example of the kind of heart she brings to her work each day.  We are so lucky to have people like Melissa Gable working at Maricopa County.

The Governor issued a proclamation recognizing county governments and how they serve the residents of Arizona. I know county government doesn't seem like the most exciting topic…but here are 10 Random County Facts that might interest and surprise you!

1. 59% of the state’s population lives in Maricopa County
2. Over half the County budget is spent on public safety
3. Only 12% of your property taxes fund county government
4. Maricopa County maintains 120,000 acres of park land
5. Approximately a third of our budget is property taxes we collect on behalf of other entities
6. The County maintains 121 flood control structures
7. The Medical Examiner’s Office handles about 8,600 cases a year
8. Nearly 300,000 of residents live in unincorporated areas of Maricopa County
9. The County has 17 public libraries
10. 76% of persons in our jails are awaiting trial, sentencing or appeal. The remainder are serving a sentence for a crime.

Dick Shaner – Appointed to the Flood Control District Citizens’ Advisory Board

Dick most recently worked for the Town of Queen Creek from 1995 – 2009 serving as their Town Engineer and CIP Director. Dick oversaw intergovernmental agreements for the financing, design and construction of all infrastructure projects for the Town. These included working with the County Flood Control District on the Queen Creek Wash and Sonoqui Wash.

Nancy Marion – Appointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee

Nancy is the Executive Director of House of Refuge in Mesa, AZ.  House of Refuge provides transitional housing for homeless families for up to 24 months. They have 88 homes and have a 91.4% success rate in transitioning families into permanent housing. Nancy is a self-proclaimed “farm girl from Idaho” and has a deep passion for taking care of her neighbors.

Jacki Taylor – Appointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee

Jacki is the Chief Executive Officer for Save the Family Foundation in Mesa, AZ. Save the Family is focused on ending the cycle of homelessness for families through transitional and permanent housing. Jacki has also served as the executive director for Arizona’s Statewide Homelessness Coalition and the Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness.

Judi Nelson – Appointed to the Travel Reduction Program Regional Task Force

Judi is the Transportation Manager for all four campuses at Arizona State University. She is also the chapter President of the Valley’s Association for Commuter Transportation and the Regional Director on the National Board of Commuter Transportation. Needless to say, Judi brings a ton of experience to this board and will make a great addition.