• Board Action
• Good Government
• Community Update

Board Action

Board Adopts a Conservative FY2016 Budget

On June 22, the Maricopa County Supervisors adopted a conservative $2.2 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The vote was unanimous. Our citizens can believe in this budget which reflects our needs, not our wants. It is a collaborative effort that delivers a strong criminal justice system, invests in the County’s long-term infrastructure needs, and provides quality services.

I was honored to speak on Arizona Horizon hosted by Ted Simons to discuss the County budget for FY2016. See the full interview.

Animal Care & Control Task Force

On May 4, the Board received a presentation of the final report and recommendations of the Maricopa County Department of Animal Care & Control. We appreciate the time the members of the Task Force took to share their recommendations. The final report is available on line at the Citizens for Pets website.

Good Government

Bill Signing

Governor Ducey held a Bill signing ceremony on June 1 for an important County Bill, HB 2063-County Personnel Reform. Thank you to Governor Ducey and to the bill sponsor, Representative Doug Coleman. (Also pictured is Supervisor Denny Barney and Maricopa County Manager Tom Manos)

Personnel Reform

The Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted revised rules for our personnel system. This will allow us to work together with other County elected officials and our County Manager to define at-will positions. Among many changes, we ensured that vacancies will be filled with qualified candidates, not simply by promotion. We also expanded causes for dismissal and discipline.

We are moving the County forward, focused on what is best for the future of our workforce and what best serves our taxpayers.

National Association of Counties (NACo) Awards

I often talk to County residents about Maricopa County becoming “First-in-Class,” the best, a national leader, in the delivery of necessary public services. Being named the top County in the nation by the National Association of Counties (NACo) Awards Program embodies that spirit and sets the standard to which we will strive. As the 2015 Chairman of the Board, I am very proud of this accomplishment. Not only did we receive the recognition for the top County in the nation, Maricopa County government agencies received 47 individual achievements awards.

One of the County’s winners was the program titled “Wag ‘n’ Walk Adoption Hikes.” Due to its exceptional results and unique innovations, the Wag 'n' Walk program also received the honor of "Best in Category" for Parks and Recreation. Watch a video regarding this unique program. The County also won a "Best in Category" for the "Integrated Health Care Enrollment for the Adult Criminal Justice Population" in the Health category.

Economic Development

I was honored to be part of a panel with Don Smith, Chairman of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and President and CEO of CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company. On June 3, we spoke to a group of 80 Orlando business leaders from the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission moderated by Metro Orlando EDC Chair, Tom Sittema. We discussed best practices in economic development and how the Phoenix region has pushed forward to create an innovation-based and trade focused economy. The panel was part of a multi-day conference that brought together business leaders from Orlando, Florida and focused on how they can apply business practices that have worked in our local economy to their own counties. Maricopa County is one of the best run counties in the nation and it is an honor to share my views on the important role the county plays in creating a thriving local economy. GPEC Mission trip to Washington D.C.

I had the opportunity to participate in the Greater Phoenix Economic Council executive mission to Washington, DC. As part of the New Global Marketplace International Business Development Track, I met with the Canadian Ambassador to the U.S., Gary Doer, at the Canadian Embassy. Canada is Arizona’s second largest trading partner. We are striving to continue and enhance our relationship with the Embassy of Canada and the Canadian Ambassador for the advancement of economic development objectives.

Community Update

Monsoon Season

June 15 -19 was Flood Safety Awareness Week. After last year’s record-breaking monsoon season, Maricopa County urged valley residents to be “flood smart” (Watch video). It is important that all residents understand the risks of flooding and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their property this summer. Below are some actions one can do to prepare for a flood.

Take Action Before a Flood:

1. Create a communications plan to stay in contact with your family and friends in the event of a disaster and determine a meeting place in case people become separated.
2. Assemble an emergency kit that includes food, drinking water, a first aid kit, necessary medications and supplies for your pets.
3. Identify an evacuation route. Where is water likely to collect on the roadways you most often travel? What is the fastest way to get to higher ground?
4. Check the weather. The media and the National Weather Service provide alerts and forecasts. The Flood Control District of Maricopa County also has flood forecasts and weather information at www.fcd.maricopa.gov.
5. Prepare your home:

• Obtain required building permits from the proper local authorities to ensure your structures are built to withstand the drainage conditions impacting your site.
• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, and plastic sheeting on hand for protection from floodwaters and to make quick repairs after a severe storm.
• Clean out drainage ditches, gutters, culverts and pipes.
• Secure or remove personal property that is in an area where storm water flows
• Move your animals and livestock to high ground.
• Have a professional install check-valves to prevent floodwaters from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Contact your insurance agent to check your flood insurance coverage.
• If it is likely your home will flood, don't wait to be ordered to leave; evacuate yourself.

For more information on preparing for floods, visit www.fcd.maricopa.gov or floodsmart.gov.

Operation Welcome Home

I had the distinct honor of participating in the Welcome Home Ceremony for Sgt. Preston Pico. The Town of Gilbert hosted a special patriot’s welcome home ceremony for Sgt. Preston Pico and his family. We appreciate our military service men and women and the sacrifices they make every day to guarantee our freedom. Welcome home Sgt. Preston Pico!

Farm Breakfast The 23rd Annual Farm/City Partnership Breakfast was held at the Greenfield Citrus Nursery in Mesa. Each Spring, the Maricopa County Farm Bureau organizes an event in my district to include local farmers, members of the agriculture community, elected officials, and others to discuss issues of importance to the farming community.

Helen's Hope Chest

The Grand Opening of Helen’s Hope Chest took place on April 30. Helen’s Hope Chest fulfills the dreams of foster children from throughout the East Valley and beyond by providing them with clothing, school supplies, books, gift cards, and toys at no cost to the foster parents. Please consider helping this worthwhile organization as it will benefit children, foster parents, and our community. Donations may be dropped off at Helen's Hope Chest, 126 E. University Drive, Mesa, 85201, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Phone: 480-969-5411.

Phoenix Forward

I had the opportunity to participate in the official launch of Phoenix Forward, which is a collaborative and strategic approach to economic development with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the City of Phoenix, and Maricopa County. Collaboration is the key to success for the Phoenix Forward economic development initiative. We support Phoenix Forward’s mission to foster a pro-business environment focused on the creation of quality jobs, robust business retention, expansion efforts, and increased capital investment in the region. To learn more about Phoenix Forward, visit www.phxforward.com.

Chase Field is the new home for the Cactus Bowl

The Cactus Bowl will be returning to Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona! On May 4, I participated in a Press Conference announcing Chase Field as the new home for the Cactus Bowl. It was a great day for Phoenix, Maricopa County, and the Cactus Bowl. This event represents a great collaboration between the public, private, and non-profit sectors and is a tribute to the professionalism of our teams as well as the will and determination of our leadership.

For more information about tickets to the upcoming Cactus Bowl game, contact CactusBowl.com or call (480) 350-0911.

Maricopa Trail Links to Usery Mountain Regional Park

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department has announced the addition of a new segment to the eastern portion of the Maricopa Trail, a 310 mile trail system that encircles the county and will eventually link all 10 of the County‘s regional parks together. The mile-and-a-half of new trail links the Tonto National Forest Service’s Bulldog Trailhead on Usery Pass Road to Usery Mountain Regional Park.

As our County continues to grow at an amazing rate, it becomes increasingly important to preserve a portion of our natural desert as open space. As good stewards, we have an obligation to leave a legacy for future generations.

The trailhead primarily serves off-highway vehicle use; however, the new segment of trail is the only non-motorized trail leading from the Bulldog Trailhead. The four foot wide trail maintains a grade of 10 percent, or less, throughout creating a trail that may be easily navigated.

In addition to the new segment, work has been completed to rehabilitate a mile-and-a-half of trail on the Pass Mountain Trail inside Usery Mountain Regional Park.

The Maricopa Trail is a vast trail system, and the Department is always looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time and expertise to help maintain the trail. If you, or your organization, are able to assist with routine trail maintenance, please contact the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at (602) 506-2930, or visit the Volunteer page on the Parks website.

New Workout equipment at Usery Mountain Regional Park

New outdoor fitness equipment was installed in the park near the Merkle Trailhead. Now, park visitors can exercise under a shaded structure while enjoying the scenic backdrop of the park or enjoy a hike or run along their favorite trail. Usery Mountain Regional Park is located at 3939 N. Usery Pass Road in Mesa, AZ.

Read more about this great addition to the park at the Mesa Independent website.

70th Anniversary of WWII

We were honored to have Brigadier General Gregory J. Melikian, U.S. Air Force Retired, with us on May 6 as we celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII. Gregory Melikian served as the telegraph radio operator under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. On May 7, 1945, then Sergeant Melikian, was chosen to announce the unconditional surrender of Germany and the end of WWII in Europe. This telegraph is on display at the Arizona State University Hayden Library.

Brigadier General Gregory Melikian honored us with his presence at the Maricopa County Board of Supervisor's Formal Meeting and shared his historical narrative with us. We want to thank him for his service to our Country and the significant role he had in shaping our history books. See Brigadier General Gregory Melikian recount his momentous role marking the end of WWII at the May 6 Board meeting.

Maricopa County Teen Leadership Experience

Maricopa County Teen Leadership Experience gives teenagers the opportunity to see County Government in action. On June 24, our future leaders attended the Board of Supervisors Meeting. After the meeting I had the opportunity to speak with them and share why I wanted to be a community leader. For more information on the Maricopa County Teen Leadership Experience please visit: http://bit.ly/mcle2015

Pillars of Honor

Each year the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors hosts the Pillars of Honor Ceremony. The Maricopa County Pillars of Honor consists of three categories; Service, Sacrifice, and Salute. 1) The Service Pillar recognizes county employees who have retired with 30 years of county service. 2) The Sacrifice Pillar honors county employees who have died in the line of duty or killed while serving on active military duty. 3) The Salute Pillar honors county employees who have received national recognition for a county-related purpose.

This year, on May 27, we added 31 employee names to the Pillars of Honor, 30 names were added to the Service Pillar and one name to the Salute Pillar. I appreciate the service of these men and women who worked so diligently on behalf of the residents of the County. The Pillars are located in front of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisor’s Auditorium located at 205 W. Jefferson in Phoenix.

Food for Fines Waiver

This summer we have an exciting new program through the Maricopa County Library District called “Food for Fines”.  During the week of July 12-19, 2015, the Library District will give customers an amnesty period where customers will receive a $2.00 waiver in overdue fines for every nonperishable item they donate.  All collected food items will be donated to local food banks via the Maricopa County Human Services Department. In conjunction with the Food for Fines program the 2015 Summer Reading Program is in full swing!  Check out the exciting events at a library near you or visit www.mcldaz.org/summer.

Sincerely,

Steve Chucri, Chairman, District 2
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
www.maricopa.gov/steve
602-506-7431