• Community Update
• Good Government
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Community Update

Tour of Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

I had the pleasure of touring the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) in Rio Verde, AZ. I met with Linda Searles the Executive Director along with her staff and was briefed on all of the wonderful services and programs Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center provides. It is a beautiful accredited sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitating, and when possible, releasing native wild animals back to their natural habitat. SWCC is critical to our community. I encourage you to visit their website at: http://www.southwestwildlife.org/ I fully support their request for a Special Use Permit and will continue to work with my colleagues on the Board and the planning department to complete this process as quickly as possible. The Special Use permit will be heard before the Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission on May 5th. After May 5th, it is scheduled to go before the Board of Supervisors on June 8th. You can see a video of the brief press conference we had with SWCC supporters on Facebook.

Vets’ Community Connections

The Vets’ Community Connections Kick Off Meeting included community leaders throughout Maricopa County. Maricopa County was selected as one of the pilot communities for this nationwide initiative.  Vets' Community Connections is a community-based initiative designed to help residents participate in veteran reintegration efforts. This initiative provides real answers to citizens and organizations who want to do more than say “thanks for your service” to our vets and their families. Our veterans deserve community support and assistance and I am honored to part of this important initiative. If you are interested in being part of this community-based initiative please visit their website at: http://www.vetscommunityconnections.org/

Fix, Adopt, Save

The Fix.Adopt.Save. Campaign has decreased the number of euthanized animals by more than 70%! Read more at: http://bit.ly/22gujl2

KFNX 1100 IndependentTalk

I had the opportunity to be a guest on KFNX 1100 Independent Talk radio show with Tracy McEnaney with TNT Property Group and Nikki Jackson the CEO of Keller Williams Realty East Valley. We discussed my accomplishments last year as Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. You may listen to the broadcast here: www.maricopa.gov/dist2/ChucriKFNX1100.mp3

Dr. Seuss’s Birthday/National Read Across America

In honor of National Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’s birthday, I took the opportunity to read “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” to children at our Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert. Early reading prepares our children for academic excellence. Thank you to our libraries for providing a great place to gather as a community today and every day.

Town Hall with Congressman Matt Salmon

I had the opportunity to be the emcee at Congressman Salmon’s Town Hall meeting in Mesa where he discussed national and local issues with our shared constituents. Within the same week I received a phone call from Congressman Matt Salmon with news of his retirement. As a long-time friend and one-time employer, I have direct knowledge of his dedication to his work, constituents and family. His conservative principles and integrity are top-drawer and I am proud to have worked with him on behalf of our shared constituency the past three years. I will be forever grateful for what he has done for Arizona.

Welcome Home Veterans Park

I had the privilege to attend the Ground Blessing and Ceremonial Ground Breaking of the Welcome Home Veterans Park in Gilbert. This will be the future home of the Welcome Home Veterans Park, the Vietnam Wall replica, and the Education and Resource Center located at 85 E. Civic Center Drive in Gilbert.

Good Government

Tom Manos - Outstanding Service Award

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors honored our County Manager, Tom Manos with the “Tom Manos Outstanding Service Award.”  Tom is the first recipient of this service award which bears his name and will recognize county employees who show an outstanding commitment to service in the same manner Manos has exemplified throughout his career in public service.  Manos has dedicated his life to helping his community and those in need.  Tom Manos will be retiring at the end of this month. We thank him for his years of community service and his dedication to Maricopa County.

County Industrial Development Authority grants funds to keep overflow shelter open

The Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority granted $170,000 to the Valley of the Sun United Way to fund operational costs for the temporary overflow homeless shelter at the Human Services Campus. This grant will help fund the program through June 30, 2016. I commend our IDA for their continued commitment to protecting our homeless population by providing this funding. Now county, city and local agencies can continue to collaborate in providing critical housing services where they are most needed.

Phoenix Business Journal article "If not for a $170K grant, 500 people would be roaming the streets in Phoenix"

National County Government Month

National County Government Month is celebrated every April by counties across the country.  Maricopa County plays an essential role in keeping communities safe and secure by preserving public health and well-being, ensuring public safety and promoting local economies.  In recognition of the leadership, innovation and invaluable service provided by all Arizona Counties, Governor Ducey proclaimed April County Government Month.

Collaboration

Judge Barton and Mayor Petersen of Carefree

Thank you to Judge Janet Barton, Judge Stephanie Olohan, Carefree Mayor Les Petersen and Vice Mayor John Crane for coming together to talk about North Valley justice issues.

Town of Fountain Hills Culvert Construction

The Town of Fountain Hills and the Maricopa County Flood Control District are working on a joint project to expand the culverts at the Ashbrook Wash crossing at Saguaro Boulevard and Bayfield Drive. The photo below shows steel reinforcement rods being placed with the forms for the concrete pour at Saguaro Boulevard. The work is scheduled to take place through April.

Animal Care & Control and HALO Animal Rescue Partners with Idaho Humane Society

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and HALO helped nearly 60 small-breed dogs by transporting them from the Scottsdale Airpark to the Idaho Human Society. We are grateful to find homes for our homeless pets and appreciate our partners.

Alerts and Activities

Wilflowers at the parks

With the lovely weather this is a great time to visit our Maricopa County Parks and see the beautiful wildflowers in bloom.  For more details visit our new Parks and Recreation website at  http://www.maricopacountyparks.net/

Tag Your Wag

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control launched a Tag Your Wag campaign. Licensing your dog or cat will help ensure you will be reunited with your pet if they are ever lost. You may go to www.TagYourWag.com to get a new license, renew your current license or make a voluntary donation. Help spread the word to Tag your Wag!

Sincerely,

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