Written by Bryan Martyn Pinal County

August 2009 End of Month District 2 Update- Enjoy…

The temperatures may be over 110, but nothing is slowing down in Pinal County.

As the month began I found myself in the cool pines of Williams, AZ at an environmental/energy conference. Tucson’s Sonoran Alliance hosts an annual think tank to explore issues that affect all of Arizona. Multiple mayors, state officials and academic experts interact over three days. Pinal County’s issues of growth, energy and water quickly became the focus. There is no doubt that the leadership of Arizona is starting to recognize Pinal County as the key to the state’s growth.

On the environmental front, we are working towards establishing the Pinal County Green Advisory Committee. The committee will focus on environmental best practices and explore new green technologies available to the county. The goal is to provide cost effective energy saving measures where they make sense. Additionally, they will work to bring about economic drivers within the green community. Head of household income jobs for our citizens remain a priority.

The Superstition Wilderness Area is a true treasure of the state. Every year thousands of people enjoy hiking through some of the most beautiful landscape in America. Unfortunately, there is a level of danger associated with venturing out into our deserts; especially in the summer. Pinal County is blessed to have an all volunteer organization that specializes in rescue and recovery. The Superstition Mountain Search and Rescue is the premier rescue agency in the state. This month I had the pleasure to meet with their leadership and Sheriff Babeu to explore how to maximize their effectiveness.

The town of Superior, home of the planet’s second largest copper deposit, continues to be the focus of much attention in Washington, D.C. This month, I had the rare opportunity to meet with Senator McCain and Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, to discuss the merits of allowing Resolution Copper to begin the underground mining of the area. It was a great opportunity to showcase Pinal County and Superior and to demonstrate the dire need for jobs in the community.

This month new legislation has been signed into law that allows the exploration of public-private partnerships relating to transportation needs. This is a huge step forward as we in Pinal County recognize the desperate need for improved transportation. I recently met with a group out of Chicago which arranges financing for large transportation projects. This company has recently coordinated the financing for a 17 billion dollar project. The company itself is not important. The importance is the fact that Pinal County’s transportation needs are being recognized outside of Arizona. Only with national attention can we gather the tools we need to effectively provide for the needs of today’s citizens…and tomorrow’s.

The American Legion has a proud history in America. San Tan Valley started Post 97 this month. Thanks to Larry Moore and Alan Pease for pulling it all together. The Legion provides opportunities not only for our veterans, but for the youth of the community. From American Legion Baseball, to oratory skill development, to leadership training in the form of Boy’s State and Girl’s State, the American Legion is a very welcome and much needed member of San Tan Valley.

The Peralta Trails community in Gold Canyon has popped up on the radar this month. The new traffic light should be operational by October. But, traffic remains an issue in the community. Our good friends at the Sheriff’s Office have increased the patrol presence of the County’s new motorcycle unit in the area. It’s good to see our tax dollars at work keeping our citizens safe…be careful.

This month’s employee in the spotlight is Clerk of the Court’s own Dyane Ceal. Dyane demonstrates fantastic service to our public with professionalism and a smile. We’ve been lucky to have her with the county for almost ten years. Way to go, Dyane!

Do pass this update along to your friends. If you’d like to be added to the email list, please send an email to Bryan.Martyn@pinalcountyaz.gov or call 480-982-0659.

Remember, strive to be a part of the solution!

Neighborhood Meeting Notification

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu to Host Town Hall Meeting Featuring Congressman Jeff Flake Florence, Ariz.

- Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting featuring 6th District Congressman Jeff Flake on Monday, August 31st at 7:00 PM at Poston Butte High School. The new high school is located at 32375 N.Gantzel Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.

Town Halls across the nation and have focused largely on health care reform, proposed by President Barak Obama. Sheriff Babeu helped organize a Town Hall Meeting for Congressman Flake at Basha High School in south Chandler in early August, attended by an overflow crowd of 1,500 citizens. Over 500 additional residents were denied access for capacity concerns.

The Pinal County Town Hall with Congressman Jeff Flake is being held in Arizonas newest and largest high school gymnasium, with a capacity of 3,100 people.

Lieutenant Tamatha Villar, spokesperson for the Pinal County Sheriffs Office said, Sheriff Babeu understands the need and importance for citizens to speak directly to their Congressman. The Sheriff wanted to help organize this first Town Hall meeting with Congressman Flake in Pinal County. Many Pinal County residents have felt left out of the discussion and we are extremely excited that Congressman Flake is coming to hear us.

Sheriff Babeu said, Voters are angry and need to be heard on issues that affect our families and our safety. I want to ensure that Pinal County residents voices are heard in an orderly and organized setting. The last Town Hall we hosted was an amazing example of our democracy in action. I will go over the ground rules of the Town Hall and expect another very positive exchange. Congressman Flake listens to his constituents and then thoughtfully responds to their frustration, anger and concerns.

Past Town Hall meetings have largely focused on concerns over national health care reform, yet have also included discussions on the bailout of the auto, banking and insurance industries. Sheriff Babeu invites citizens to have their voices heard and to attend this Town Hall meeting.

Pinal County Assessor Paul Larkin Warns of Offer to Reduce Property Taxes

FLORENCE Pinal County Assessor L. Paul Larkin has joined Attorney General Terry Goddard in warning residents to be wary when receiving a notice offering them a chance to reduce their property taxes.

First of all, Assessor Larkin stressed, the time to appeal 2010 property taxes passed nearly three months ago. Second, when the time is appropriate to appeal, residents can file for free. There is never a fee to appeal. A press release from the Arizona Attorney Generals office said the notice will arrive by mail claiming a property has qualified for a property tax reduction review. The mailer comes with a notice number along with a deadline for filing. The press release also said the solicitation does not come from a government recognized entity.

We have received a few calls about the notice, Assessor Larkin said.

He went on to add that once an appeal is filed, an appraiser will personally visit the property. If the property owner has any questions, the appraiser will be happy to answer them.

We pride ourselves on the service we provide to the public, the Assessor said.

If you have any questions about property taxes or the notice, please contact the Pinal County Citizen Contact Center at 520-509-3555 or 888-431-1311

The 2009 Fall Season will begin September 26-November 21.

Free Soccer Clinics will be offered on Saturday, September 5 and September 19 at 8am, Pathfinder Field across from Indigo Sky Pool.

All games will be held in Johnson Ranch on Saturday mornings. Spots fill up fast, so register soon!

You may register online starting August 7th at www.gilbertsoccer.com, click on the Johnson Ranch Academy link.

All Ages 4-12 years 9 week session $90 per player 2nd child $75 3rd Child $60 Additional family members are discounted Includes: shirt, soccer ball and insurance

The last day to register is Wednesday, September 2nd.

A $15 fee will be applied for late registration.

Central Arizona College Small Business Development Center Learning Seminar Series

How to Start or Buy A Business

A Free Learning Seminar by the CAC Small Business Development Center July - December 2009 Starting a business can be relatively easy. Operating a profitable business can be extremely difficult.

Attend a FREE 2-hour program and learn what it takes. CAC San Tan Center

The Shops at Copper Basin 2474 E. Hunt Highway7, Suite 100 July 7 September 8 November 10 Tuesday 6-8pm

Advance Reservations Required. Voice: (520) 494-6610 Email: sbdc@centralaz.edu www.centralaz.edu/biz