• Good Government
• Community Update
• Collaboration

Good Government

Chairman Chucri’s year in review

It was a great year serving as Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.  We were able to accomplish personnel reforms, smart justice and technology initiatives and received 47 NACo awards. Today, we can pivot from the past and look to the future, confident that the direction we have started to take will lead to a more transparent, engaged, data-driven focus on efficient delivery of services people actually need. Maricopa County is open to change and collaboration. We are finding better ways to serve you because that is what you elected us to do. To read my article in the AZ Republic, click here.

Last Formal Board Meeting as Chairman for 2015

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Testimony

EPA Hearing on December 8, 2015

Arizona taxpayers should not have to pay the bill to prove to the EPA that a dust storm caused air quality concerns. I spoke to a rare EPA Arizona-only listening session, affording key stakeholders the opportunity to put forth directly to the EPA, their insights and priorities with regard to a revision of the exceptional events rule. Arizona is an appropriate location for this hearing as our unique desert environment poses many of the challenges that the EPA rule is designed to address. Natural sources in the desert play a significant role in the generation and formation of air pollution in this region. More specifically, very few other locations in the U.S. experience dust storms like we have here.  It is not an efficient use of public and private resources to prepare expensive and complex demonstrations for events beyond our control. I applaud Senator Jeff Flake for advocating a commonsense approach to exceptional events that maximizes predictability for states, tribes, and local governments; and minimizes the regulatory and cost burdens those governments should bear in excluding such events.

Chairman Chucri with Lindy Bauer, MAG Environmental Director
and Philip McNeely, Director of Maricopa County Air Quality.

Veterans

There are more than 530,000 veterans in the State of Arizona; approximately 1 out of every 10 residents has performed military service. Our veterans are heroes every day, and we are forever grateful.

I am proud to have worked with our Human Services Department and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community on a grant to help several local veterans with service-connected disabilities. These funds will retrofit homes to allow veterans to live independently in a safe and suitably adapted home. We are proud and deeply honored to work with veterans in our community that have sacrificed so much to serve our country.

At the Formal Board of Supervisors Meeting on November 4 we recognized our Veterans within Maricopa County and thanked those who served and continue to proudly serve our country in the military.

In addition, we were excited to launch our new “Pets and Vets” program. The Maricopa County Animal Care and Control waived veterans’ adoption fees through the “Pets and Vets” program. Through the new program we will ensure our Veterans have the adoption fee not only waived for one day but throughout the year.

Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority – 2015 Outstanding Regional Contribution Award

The Maricopa County IDA was selected as the 2015 Outstanding Regional Contribution Award winner. They were honored at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council Annual Dinner on October 8. This is indeed a prestigious honor for our county.  When you look at the 40-year history of the county IDA, you are amazed at its impact and efficiency. It is self-supporting, operating without taxpayer subsidies and with minimal staff. The county’s IDA is making a difference in the lives of our citizens.

Maricopa County Leadership & Education Advancing Public Service (McLEAPS)

We just celebrated the 3rd year of the MCLEAPS Internship Program. MCLEAPS is an opportunity to take the best and brightest college students and infuse their energy, thoughtful inquiry and innovation into County government. MCLEAPS exposes college students to the vast array of County programs and services through hands-on, real world experience. Stakeholders from ASU and other County Offices and departments were in attendance at our recognition event where the interns had the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, skills and experience gained during their semester at the County.

Three Medical Examiners honored as “Community Organ Donation Champions”

Three staffers of the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner have been honored by Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) for their outstanding contributions as partners in organ donations.

According to DNA, 427 lives were saved in 2014 because 158 Arizonans contributed organ donations. Tissue and cornea donations also helped and healed many lives through 933 ocular donors and 1224 tissue donors.

For more information go to: www.DonateLifeAZ.org or call 1-800-94-DONOR.

Strategic Planning Session

We held a strategic planning session with Maricopa County elected and appointed officials, working together to plan for the financial future of our county. This is one of the reasons Maricopa County is the best county in the nation!

Sheriff Deputies – Sworn Class 137 Graduation

I was honored to be the welcoming speaker at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Sworn Basic Training Academy Class # 137 graduation for 19 Sheriff’s Deputies, 3 Salt River Officers and 2 Gila County Deputies. The class motto is “Standing Tall, Together we Serve”. We appreciate our law enforcement officers and the crucial role they play to keep us all safe. 

Congratulations Class #137

Community Update

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Chairman Chucri and Governor Doug Ducey

In October, I was honored to participate in the official launch for Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Governor Doug Ducey, Vice Mayor Daniel Valenzuela and my colleagues. Maricopa County, the State of Arizona and the City of Phoenix partnered to bring awareness, education, outreach, and support to victims of domestic violence. It is important to bring awareness to this issue not only in October but throughout the year.

County administration building lit purple to bring awareness to domestic violence.

Foothills Caring Corps

John Crane, Vice Mayor of Carefree and Debbra Determan,
Foothills Caring Corps Executive Director with Chairman Chucri

I had the opportunity to visit Foothills Caring Corps in Carefree, AZ. This is a nonprofit organization enabling older adults and persons with disabling conditions to live independently. Foothills Caring Corp provides services and support for basic needs such as food, medical care and activities that promote physical, mental and emotional health. They are currently serving over 700 neighbors through 593 volunteers who have contributed over 40,000 hours of service. I was impressed with how the staff and volunteers of this organization were striving for ways to improve the quality of life for others within their own community. I want to thank the Executive Director, Debbra Determan and the staff and volunteers at Foothills Caring Corps for inviting me to tour and learn more about their organization. For more information, please visit Foothills Caring Corps online.

Meeting with staff and volunteers at Foothills Caring Corps

Code Club at the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert

Supervisor Barney and I stopped by the Code Club at the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert. The mission of the Code Club is to introduce young people between the ages of 8-13 years old to computer programming. This will help them gain useful technical skills while encouraging self-confidence, critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving.

Coders of all skill levels can hang out, create apps, share, and learn. For more information visit the Maricopa County Library District online.

It's encouraging to see these young people interested in learning such a key skill

“One in Five Opportunities for Youth” initiative

The Board adopted a proclamation joining the “One in Five Opportunities for Youth” initiative.  The collaboration includes the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, Maricopa County Community Colleges, Arizona State University, and the Opportunities for Youth Board.  This provides opportunities for youth between the ages of 16-24 who are neither in school or have a job.

We can talk about how troubling the high school drop-out problem is, or we can do something about it.  Part of our strategic plan is to help increase the high school graduation rate, the labor force participation rate and raise per capita income in the county.

The One in Five Opportunities for Youth initiative sponsored an all-day Opportunity Job Fair & Forum on Friday, October 30 at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix with over 20 national and local companies ready to hire.

According to Opportunity Fair and Forum organizers:

• More than 1,300 interviews were conducted
• More than 500 hired and 1,700 connected to resources
• 160 computers were available for youth to complete resumes and job applications
• More than 250 Arizona State University students volunteered
• More than 80 volunteers conducted mock interviews
• 25 coalition companies and 9 local businesses were ready to hire youth
• More than 25 community based organizations offered support and resources to youth
• 5 workshops ran all day to help youth set goals, impress their new boss, learn about college, update their resumes, and remove employment barriers
• County Workforce Development partnered with Genesis City to provide courses, conduct outreach, and connect with youth at the fair.
• County Workforce Development recruited, navigated, and mentored youth
• Opportunities for Youth board members volunteered at the fair and recruited youth to attend fair.

 For more information, go to http://1.usa.gov/1jU37HH

At left, Howard Schultz, Chairman and CEO of Starbucks and Chairman Chucri

Rio Verde Community Meeting

Town hall meeting with the Rio Verde Community

I had the opportunity to have a town hall meeting with my constituents from Rio Verde. We had a great turnout of almost 100 people attending with great ideas and constructive conversation by all. Thank you to everyone who attended and to the county staff that spent the evening with us. I look forward to continuing the positive dialogue and working together to keep Rio Verde the special place that it is as it continues to grow.

Tonto Verde Association

I had the opportunity to visit with the Tonto Verde Association members. Thank you for inviting me to see your beautiful community.

Town of Carefree

Enjoyed meeting with Carefree Mayor Les Peterson, Vice Mayor John Crane, and Town Administrator, Gary Neiss.  I look forward to collaborating on many local issues.

Collaboration

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety DUI Enforcement Campaign

I was honored to participate in the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety 2015 Holiday DUI Enforcement Kickoff. During this holiday season it is important to remember to not drink and drive. Please help keep our roads safe not only through the holidays but throughout the year.

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Meeting

At the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs meeting I had the opportunity to talk about the county implementing personnel reform, transparent government and quality services at a lower cost to the taxpayer.

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Roundtable

Enjoyed meeting with the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce CEO Roundtable about why I decided to run for office and how my business background has helped bring a different perspective to a government role.

Valley Partnership Breakfast

I spoke at the Valley Partnership breakfast regarding Maricopa County’s accomplishments this last year.

Upcoming Park Events

Visit our Maricopa County parks! For more information on our parks and other events visit the Parks website.

"Just for Kids" Desert Scavenger Hunt
On December 31 at 10:30 am join us on this exciting scavenger hunt as we solve riddles and find things in our desert. Free posters will be given to the top five winners. The 1-mile Merkle Trail offers universal access and the hard-smooth surface of this trail will accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Please bring water and closed-toe shoes. Location: Meet at Area 6.

Usery Mountain Regional Park
3939 N. Usery Pass Road
Mesa, AZ 85207
Ph: (480) 984-0032

New Year's Eve Fitness Hike
On December 31 at 8:00 am, what better way is there than to end 2015 with a hike on one of our scenic trails? Meet the Ranger at the Nature Center. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes and seasonal fitness clothing, including a hat. Happy New Year!

Cave Creek Regional Park
37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Phone: (623) 465-0431

Sunset Over Spur Cross (easy)
Come with us on January 2, 106 at 3:30 pm for a casual stroll along the Metate Trail as the sun sets over the hills of the conservation area. Late afternoon is a prime time to watch for wildlife and take pictures so bring some binoculars and a camera.

Desert Wash Walk (moderate)
On January 9, 2016 at 9:00 am discover the fascinating world of a desert wash. This hike will feature the exploration of one of the large drainages in the conservation area. Along the way we will discuss desert washes and mesas and how the ecosystems differ. No dogs on this hike please.

Spur Cross to Cave Creek Maricopa Trail Hike (moderate/difficult)
On January 16, 2016 at 9:00 am join Ranger Kevin from Spur Cross and Ranger Mark from Cave Creek Regional Park for a park to park hike on the Maricopa Regional Trail. The plan is to start with a group at each park and hike through to the other park meeting half way and exchanging rangers for the remainder of the hike. The hike will be approximately 11 miles in length and should take about five hours to complete. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation to and from each park. You may start from either park. If you wish to start at Cave Creek, meet Ranger Mark at the CC Nature Center and if you wish to start at Spur Cross, meet Ranger Kevin at the Spur Cross trailhead. Bring plenty of water and a snack. No dogs on this hike please.

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
44000 N. Spur Cross Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Phone: (480) 488-6601

Sincerely,

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