 In recent weeks, our country has endured a seemingly endless
string of emergencies. We know Harvey,
Irma, and Maria by name and we’ve seen the destruction left in their wake. We have heard about North Korea’s nuclear
weapons testing. We have mourned the deadliest shooting in
modern U.S. history, one that targeted music lovers in a public square.
We watch all of this unfold and sometimes wonder what we can
do.
In Maricopa County, the Department of Emergency Management
(MCDEM) plans and practices year round to ensure our county and municipal
response agencies are prepared to respond to a variety of natural and man-made
emergency situations. But there is nothing that can take the place of personal
readiness. Are you ready?
Personal preparedness is as simple as having a plan, having a home emergency supply kit, or being ready to leave home
with a “go” bag if needed.
You never know when an emergency will happen here. So be smart, be proactive, and be
practiced. It's good to be prepared!
Our Department of Emergency Management can help.
Click here to
learn more.
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The
Maricopa County Stadium District (MCSD) Board of Directors approved a contract
that paves the way for $3.75 million of additional improvements to Chase
Field. The work is taking place during the 2017-2018 off-season.
The contract approved by the Board covers steel and concrete
repair work. This work is in line with MCSD’s long-term, systematic
approach of assessing and addressing needed capital repairs at Chase Field.
No taxpayer money is used in funding stadium maintenance.
For more information about the county’s
commitment to Chase Field,
visit our FAQ page at bit.ly/ChaseFieldDeal.
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Space that was once used as part of Tent City Jail is getting a
new purpose – rehabilitating inmates battling drug addiction and behavioral
problems. With the new space, MOSAIC, administrated by Correctional
Health Services, will be able to expand to serve an additional 250 people.
Funds to convert the former Tents dayroom came from an existing special revenue
fund and will require no new tax dollars or additional staff.
I am a strong supporter of smart justice initiatives like MOSAIC that
help us rethink our approach to incarceration. Reducing the number of
repeat offenders is good for public safety and for taxpayers. Expanding
MOSAIC is a good step in that direction.
We have been coloring the county purple this month as part of
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. More than 800,000 women and more
than 450,000 men in Arizona will experience domestic violence in their
lifetime. The goal of our efforts, which include a public information
campaign and events for employees, is to shine a light on the problem and
point to places where individuals can get help.
If you are a victim and need help right now, you can call A New
Leaf’s 24-hour crisis hotline at 480-890-3039.
 Rep. Jill Norgaard and Valley of the Sun United Way Representatives
I’m proud to work with Valley of the Sun United Way to support
“Project Connect.” Project Connect is a public-private
partnership that connects those who are homeless or at risk for homelessness to
vital human services. Individuals receive help with things such as
housing, meals, clothing, and ID’s to get them back on the path to stability and
independence.
 Too
many kids don’t know where their next meal will come from. That’s why I
lent my support to the Battle Against Childhood Hunger. In September, grocery
stores across the Valley joined forces to benefit local food banks and
nonprofits that contribute to weekend backpack programs and emergency childhood
hunger situations. A big thank you to all those individuals who donated at Bashas’,
Albertsons, Food City and Safeway grocery stores.
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With Congressman Andy Biggs |
With Maricopa County's newest Planning & Zoning Commissioner Jimmy Lindblom |
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 It's always great to be with Legislative District 17. Thanks for the good discussion!
 I was honored to be a part of this special Operation Welcome Home ceremony recognizing Sergeant Kevin Patton for his 11 years of dedicated service to the United States Army. Welcome home Sergeant Patton!
Carol Johnson
Planning & Development Director
Carol Johnson took over leadership of the Planning &
Development Department in late May 2017. Other than a few years spent in a
highly regulated state to our west, Carol spent the majority of her
professional career here in Arizona working for municipalities from Cave Creek
to Phoenix. Motivated by a sense of fairness and a desire to improve
quality of life, Carol was drawn to the profession of city
planning.
Having
made the transition from technical expert to leader, Carol is now focused on
sharing her three P’s – Passion, Professionalism and Performance with the staff
of the Planning & Development Department.
Over the next
year, she will be focusing on building a healthy management team, developing a
core purpose, and communicating that purpose to the public.
In
her free time, Carol likes to hike (stemming from her years as a Girl Scout!).
She also loves chocolate-hazelnut ice cream and roasted brussels sprouts.
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 Veterans
Day is just around the corner and we are indebted to those brave men and women who
served our country and
put their lives on the line so that we could live in the land of the free. To the veterans, to
their families, to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice: I thank you for
your devotion to our
country.
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