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Supervisor's Message
October Is Bringing The Heat!
Whether you're enjoying a hike, a pumpkin patch visit, or simply soaking in the changing leaves, make sure to prioritize your comfort and safety. Enjoy the season, but stay aware of the heat and listen to your body!
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On September 12, I was graciously invited, and honored, to participate in our County Attorney Rachel Mitchell's Fentanyl Forum. As many of you know, one of my main priorities as Supervisor is to help shine a spotlight on the growing threat of the fentanyl crisis. Over the past few years, I’ve enlisted County leaders and elected officials to help inform our communities about the dangers of fentanyl, overdose prevention and treatment, and how law enforcement is tackling the issue.
Families are being devastated by the fentanyl crisis, as it ravages people in all our communities. From teens to seniors, it doesn’t matter your age, race, or socio-economic situation. No one is safe from fentanyl.
Here are some current numbers on what is happening in Maricopa County:
- Fentanyl deaths have increased by 5,400% since 2015.
- 63% of all drug-related deaths involve fentanyl.
- On average, almost 4 people die every day due to fentanyl.
We have a long way to go to combat this horrible drug, but Maricopa County is committed to keep pushing forward. Our Department of Public Health has been funding drug treatment partners to help people recover from opioid addiction. The Medical Examiner’s Office has been tracking fentanyl deaths to provide vital data to policymakers and health partners who are at the frontlines of this fight. The Sheriff’s Office has been arresting drug dealers and seizing millions of fentanyl pills. And lastly, the County Attorney’s Office has been prosecuting thousands of fentanyl cases and putting fentanyl dealers behind bars. If you’re interested in learning more, the next Fentanyl Forum will be taking place at Ironwood High School on October 9 at 6pm.
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Voter Registration Issue
On Monday, September 30, the Arizona Secretary of State's Office announced that the group of voters affected by an MVD data coding oversight issue has grown from 98,000 to 218,000 people. This newly expanded group will receive a full ballot in the upcoming election, in accordance with the Arizona Supreme Court's decision on September 20. Most of the affected voters are between the ages of 45-60 years old and are longtime Arizonans who first received a driver's license or state ID prior to 1996. About 36% are Republicans, 28% are Democrats, and the remaining 35% are either Independents or third party voters. Impacted voters will need to prove their citizenship before voting in future state and local races.
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Regional Parks Fire Ban Extension
Due to extremely dry conditions and a relatively dry monsoon season, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department will extend fire restrictions through October 31, 2024. This includes the continued restriction of campfires, fire pits, charcoal grills, and smoking outside of vehicles or campers. The use of gas and propane grills in designated areas is acceptable. This decision is meant to prevent the outbreak of any more dangerous wildfires. Several parks have been impacted by recent fires, including the Rose Fire in the Hassayampa River preserve and the McDowell and Gates fires in the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. If you have questions regarding the Fire Ban , contact the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at 602-506-2930, or visit www.maricopa.gov/parks
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2024 Monsoon Recap
September 30 marked the last day of Arizona's monsoon season. Countywide rainfall was 1.43", making the 2024 monsoon season the third driest on record, right behind 2023 and 2020. Between 1981-2004, the County received a mean of 2.97" of rainfall between June 15-September 30. You can see the Flood Control District's recap of the last 44 years of monsoon rainfall here.
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month
To commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month, all 15 Maricopa County Library District branches are collecting items for local shelters between October 1-October 31. They are looking for new toiletry items, non-perishable food items, basic household items, baby needs, school supplies, and pet supplies. Please visit this page for more information or contact askalibrarian@mcldaz.org or 602-652-3000 with any questions.
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Library Updates
For the many of you who enjoy our libraries, finding your next favorite read just got a little easier this year, thanks to Maricopa County’s new book-sharing service, MAX. The service is operated and funded by the Maricopa County Library District, which created a book borrowing and lending partnership between 14 public library systems across the County. With MAX, a customer can borrow a book from a different library system using their current library card account. Using a courier service, the book will be shipped to the customer’s desired pickup library at no cost to them. The service was dubbed MAX, alluding to its goal of providing maximum library access to all of Maricopa County regardless of where they live. Since launching the service earlier this year, more than 12,500 books have been shared!
- More information: https://mcldaz.org/about/community
- MAX partner libraries include Avondale Public Library, Buckeye Public Library, Chandler Public Library, Desert Foothills Library, Glendale Public Library, Maricopa County Library District, Mesa Public Library, Peoria Public Library, Scottsdale Public Library, Surprise Public Library System, Tempe Public Library, Tolleson Public Library, Wickenburg Public Library, and Youngtown Public Library.
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Animal Care & Control Updates
Don't miss the Bissell Adoption Event. From October 1-October 15, adoption fees for all dogs six months and older will be waived during the Bissel Pet Foundation's "Empty the Shelters" adoption event. Interested adopters can enjoy the benefits of this adoption event by finding their fur-ever friend at Animal Care & Control's East Shelter (1920 S. Lewis in Mesa), West Shelter (2500 S. 27th Ave. in Phoenix), or Heidi's Village (600 N. 40th St. in Phoenix). Visit Maricopa.gov/Pets to learn more about the adoption event and how you can support Animal Care & Control's mission.
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Elections Updates
Election officials are reminding voters that lines are normal in a presidential election year, especially with a two-page ballot. Make a plan by researching all voting options, including voting early, either by mail or in-person.
Here are some interesting facts about the 2024 General Election ballot:
- Election workers are working on 21,534 different ballot styles.
- Ballots have an average of 79 contests on them.
- The first page will have federal, statewide, county, and local contests.
- The second page will be the same for all county voters and contain statewide and countywide ballot propositions.
- Per statute, partisan candidates are listed in order of which party received the most votes for governor in that county in the previous General Election.
- Early voting begins on Wednesday, Oct 9. A sample ballot will be made available at BeBallotReady.Vote
- View these FAQs for more information on how to forward your ballot, where/how to vote, and how to find out when your ballot is counted.
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A Special Thank You to MCSO Lt. Martin Overton and Lt. Kevin Thomas
I was privileged to have MCSO Lieutenant Martin 'Marty' Overton lead our Formal Board of Supervisors meeting with the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Unfortunately, Lt. Kevin Thomas was not able to attend due to a prior commitment. It's wonderful to recognize the dedication and service of these men who have devoted over 25 years to their community. Their commitment to upholding the values of honor and integrity is truly commendable. Celebrating their courage to protect me and my family adds a personal touch to their remarkable careers. My family and I are incredibly grateful for their support and the lasting friendship we formed since that troubling night in December 2020. Sept. 25 Formal Meeting – Supervisor Hickman
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When you work for Maricopa County, you will be providing vital services to a diverse population in the fourth-largest county in the nation. You'll work with a dynamic group of diverse and talented professionals who are passionate about serving the community to make Maricopa County the best place to work, live, and play.
With over 50 different departments, there is ample opportunity to start your career in one department and advance to another. Our positions vary from entry-level through executive level. View all postings here, or below.
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