May 2023 Maricopa County District 2 Newsletter

Maricopa County, Arizona sent this bulletin at 05/17/2023 12:57 PM MST

Message from Supervisor Thomas Galvin

Hello Neighbor:

Memorial Day is coming up soon. We pause to remember, thank, and mourn those who gave their lives for our country. Ronald Reagan said, "I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world."

As we head outside to enjoy Maricopa County's beautiful lakes and hiking trails I want to remind you to be careful. If you are on the water, please use a life vest. If you are hiking, please go with at least one buddy and bring plenty of water. And always use alcohol responsibly. I want to thank our brave Sheriff Deputies who answer the call to those in need.

Thank you.

Maricopa County Bans TikTok from all County Devices

I led the effort to protect privacy data that Maricopa County may possess. Last week, Maricopa County was the first jurisdiction in Arizona, to vote for a TikTok ban on government devices. Of the five largest counties in America, Maricopa County is the first to ban TikTok on government devices. I believe the privacy of our residents - and the security of their government - necessitates a ban on TikTok from Maricopa County’s devices.

In our recent board meeting my colleagues and I voted to ban the TikTok app from all County devices. We did this for three main reasons.

TikTok is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a Beijing technology firm named ByteDance. We know that in China, what the government wants, the government gets. If the communist government tells ByteDance to hand over the sensitive data of TikTok’s American users, who will stop them? We can’t risk that.
TikTok has been found to have security vulnerabilities that could expose County-owned or County-leased devices to malicious actors. These vulnerabilities are unique to this app.
We are a proactive government. When something needs to get done, we don’t wait. We take action.

To hear my full statement on this very important issue click on the video link above. For a copy of the resolution voted on by the County Board click on the information link below.

Read the Resolution

District Highlights

Supervisor Galvin Highlights Title 42 Problems in Letter to President Biden

I wrote to President Biden due to concerns about the lifting of Title 42 and its impact on Maricopa County. The Biden administration has procrastinated and failed to deliver a policy that streamlines due process, addresses security concerns, and preserves human dignity. Maricopa County's cities, towns, and communities need and deserve to be safe and secure.

Read/Download the Letter

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Memorial Service: They Served Well

Earlier this month County leaders and I joined Sheriff Paul Penzone for the annual "They Served Well" ceremony, to make sure families who've lost loved ones know how much they mean to us. It was a moving experience. Please watch and share the video with law enforcement families in your life.

Additional Remarks Board Meeting Video

St. Vincent de Paul Breaks Ground for New Facility

I was honored to attend a wonderful event, the groundbreaking of Ozanam Manor II, a facility for senior citizens that will be operated by St. Vincent de Paul a nonprofit organization with a long history of serving Maricopa County's needy.

I am proud that Maricopa County contributed $6 million to help build Ozanam Manor II, also known as “Oz II.” St. Vincent de Paul will provide a range of services, including food assistance, wellness, and other support services to help seniors re-establish permanent housing and connections to resources to help them exit homelessness.

The most poignant words came from Skip, a military veteran who needed St Vincent de Paul’s services. He said, “They believe in a second chance.”

For more information on The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

For more information on programs available to help Maricopa County residents, visit MC Help with Bills

Homelessness & Heat Relief Video

Mesa Ribbon Cutting: Let's Go Recovery

I was honored to attend the ribbon cutting for Let's Go Recovery in Mesa. Congratulations to founder Tracy Tingue. The great event was hosted by Sally Harrison, President and CEO of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

Let’s Go Recovery is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping men and women on their journey of Recovery. The Opposite of Addiction is Connection!

More Information

Plant Trees to Help Stay Cool

Did you know that some trees are better than others for our desert environment? Learn which trees are best for your yard to keep it cooler and find recommendations from Maricopa County Air Quality that are low-water friendly, good for our pollinators, and good for our air!

Best Tree to Plant

Annual Fire Ban in Maricopa County Parks Began May 1st

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department implemented a fire ban starting Monday, May 1^st lasting through September 30^th.

In an effort to limit the possibility of starting a brush fire that threatens park visitor safety, damages park resources, and poses a danger to homes near many of the parks, this ban is put in place every year.

Learn More

Happy Tails from Animal Care & Control

"I adopted Cyclone (formerly Peppermint Patty) on January 29, 2023. He has since begun obedience school, started hiking regularly, is learning to paddle board, and loves herding his three fur siblings. He is such a happy boy and is always ready for an adventure. He’s the perfect fit for our family."

Wolfersteig Family

Adoptable Pets