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BNSF Update
In response to the many calls and emails I’ve received regarding BNSF Railway’s current construction activity for their planned intermodal facility in Wittmann, I sent a letter to the Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) on March 30, 2026, to request information about federal permitting, approval, and environmental review requirements. During a recent meeting with BNSF officials, they told me that no federal approval is required for this type of project due to federal preemption rights. I wrote to the Federal STB to verify if that was correct. While the STB did not formally respond to my letter, additional information was provided and can be viewed by clicking the link below.
Sup. Lesko Letter to STB
STB Response to Sup. Lesko
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The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted to seek a stay in a recent court ruling affecting our elections. A stay of proceedings is a legal tool that pauses a case for a period of time. If the stay is denied, the Board authorizes our attorney to file an appeal. I voted yes and here’s why:
Since early voting starts this week for the May 19th jurisdictional elections and the primary election was moved up to July, now is not the time for unclear or rushed changes. Conflicting state statutes between the Recorder’s and Board of Supervisor’s election duties still remain and have created uncertainty about roles in election administration. Long-time election employees fear they are at risk of being held in contempt of court for merely carrying out election duties that are essential to running secure and smooth elections. Dividing up an intertwined IT system between the Board and the Recorder’s office takes time. Rushing changes in the midst of an election cycle risks confusion and litigation.
A stay gives us time to clarify responsibilities and ensure any changes are implemented thoughtfully.
If the lower court judge denies our motion for a stay, the only other viable option is to file an appeal.
The Board of Supervisors has tried in good faith to settle our differences with Recorder Heap outside of court. It is Recorder Heap that chose to sue the Board last June.
The goal is simple: secure, efficient elections that voters can trust. I will continue to work toward that goal.
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Glencroft Modern Aging Facility Meeting
I was honored to speak with my constituents at Glencroft Retirement Facility. As always, it was a great visit with the residents here.
SW Valley Women's Club Meeting
 Had a great time speaking at the Southwest Valley Women's Club meeting. Thank you for having me!
Sun City West Club
 What a fantastic turnout at the Sun City West Club meeting! I really enjoyed connecting with everyone and having such engaging conversations.
State of the City
Thank you to Avondale and Surprise for inviting my office to attend your State of the City events. We enjoyed learning about your recent accomplishments and hearing your vision for the future.
Team Lesko Snipping Ribbons and Building Connections
 I was honored to speak with my constituents at Glencroft Retirement Facility. As always, it was a great visit with the residents here
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Exceptional Workers Summit
I was very honored to attend and say a few words at the Exceptional Workers Summit held at the ASU West campus. The Maricopa County Workforce Development Exceptional Workers Summit was a half-day event focused on educating and empowering employers to embrace neurodiversity. It brought together business leaders, HR professionals and workforce partners to highlight the benefits of hiring individuals with autism and address common misconceptions about inclusion. Click the play button above to learn more.
Formal Meeting Closing Remarks
 Take a moment to hear highlights from the recent community events I attended. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Maricopa County staff, who work tirelessly to navigate complex issues and deliver efficient, high-quality service to our residents.
MCSO Sponsored Community Meeting
 On April 23, I joined Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan for a Town Hall meeting in Youngtown to discuss community concerns like public safety and the Melendres court order. Thank you to MCSO for facilitating an informative session, the community for trusting us with their concerns, and Discover U Elementary School for hosting us.
Supervisor Lesko Spends Time with Bark Ranger, Shadow
 I had a great time visiting White Tank Mountain Regional Park with our Bark Ranger, Shadow. During our visit, we explored many of the park’s unique features, including petroglyphs, local wildlife, and native vegetation.
To learn more, click the play button above and be sure to check out our parks’ social media pages to discover all that Maricopa County Parks have to offer.
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Library Update
Maricopa County Library District Rolls Out New Tools
The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) has rolled out a series of improved tools to make your library experience smoother and simpler. Updates include a new online browsing experience that features a more user-friendly interface, search results that list every format of an item, a more intuitive search experience, and smart suggestions that are connected to your search results.
In addition, MCLD has debuted a new events calendar that has a more accessible and modern design, easy event discovery and filter, related event recommendations, and enhanced communication capabilities.
If you have questions as you explore the new system, call (602) 652-3000 or visit your library for help. Learn more about the updates here.
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Public Health Updates
Public Health Confirms First Heat-Related Death of 2026
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has confirmed the first heat-related death of the 2026 season. MCDPH urges residents to take this tragic loss as a reminder to prioritize heat safety, know their riskfor heat illness, and look out for one another, especially older adults, children, and people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.
Heat illness can affect anyone regardless of age, health status, fitness level, or how long they’ve lived in Arizona. Take precautions like staying hydrated, dressing for the heat, staying cool, and never leaving anyone in a parked vehicle can help prevent serious illness.
The Maricopa County Heat Relief Network will launch on May 1, offering hydration stations, cooling centers, and respite centers across the county.
Maricopa County is partnering with Clear Channel on a billboard campaign that will launch on May 4 and display heat resources. Beginning May 5, MCDPH will post preliminary data on confirmed deaths, deaths under investigation, and heat-related hospital admissions for the 2026 season on its heat surveillance dashboard. Updates will be posted each Tuesday.
For more information and resources, read this press release or visit gov/Heat.
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Planning and Development Updates
Take Part in Upcoming Comprehensive Plan Adoption Process
Maricopa County is undergoing an update to its Comprehensive Plan looking 10-20 years into the future.
The Comprehensive Plan is a vital document that will serve as the roadmap for county-level decision-making on future growth, development, and preservation through 2040. The plan covers topics like land use, transportation systems, parks and open spaces, water resources, energy, economic growth, environmental planning, and more.
On April 23, the Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider recommending the Comprehensive Plan for Board of Supervisor approval.
Visit com to review the current draft and add your input.
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Elections Updates
Maricopa County Elections Department continues planning for the 2026 Primary and General Elections. Officials anticipate a 34% turnout for the Primary and a 65% turnout for the General, the highest turnout since 1970.
They are preparing by staffing up, organizing necessary supplies and services, and setting up Vote Centers across the county to ensure easy voting access. Visit BeBallotReady.Vote to ensure you’re ready to participate in upcoming elections.
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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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