In the August 29, 2008 CSA Update:
CSA County Outreach Schedule
CSA will continue with its county outreach tour in the following locations:
-
Mohave County - September 2, 9:30 a.m.
-
Santa Cruz County - September 10, 9:30 a.m.
-
Yuma County - September 15, 9:00 a.m.
CSA Thanks Representatives Alvarez, Konopnicki for Outstanding Service
This week, CSA was honored to recognize two outstanding officials for their consistent service on behalf of county governments across the state. Representative Manny Alvarez (D-25) received the CSA County Advocate award at a presentation in Cochise County, and Representative Bill Konopnicki (R-5) was named CSA County Champion during a legislative breakfast in Graham County.
"These legislators are long-standing county advocates, and are very deserving of the awards," stated CSA Executive Director Craig Sullivan. "Their understanding of rural issues is equaled by their knowledge of the legislative process, and their constituents benefit greatly from their ability to pull together groups that stand for local priorities."
This year, Representatives Alvarez and Konopnicki helped fight numerous mandates that would have shifted the state's budget deficit onto the backs of counties. They led the charge against a proposal to move hundreds of state prisoners into already-overcrowded county jails, and protected county resources for public health and flood control.
"The state shifted significant costs to county governments because of their budget problems, but it would have been much worse if we had not had these leaders standing up for us," stated Graham County Supervisor and CSA President Jim Palmer. "They were able to prevent changes that would have made the cost shifts to our region a permanent state 'solution.' Every county in Arizona benefits from their efforts, and we are grateful for their support."
Both recipients expressed gratitude to their county officials for the work done at the local level. "As a rural legislator, I understand the important role county government plays in the lives of many Arizonans," stated Representative Alvarez. Representative Konopnicki agreed, and said county leaders were instrumental in helping state leaders understand budget impacts. "We can come out of this [economic downturn] better and stronger than we were going into it," he stated. "But it's going to take focus and discipline from our leaders in this state."
U of A Provides Online Resources for State's "Changing Landscape"
A new effort by the University of Arizona's Cooperative Extension provides valuable information related to Arizona's changing rural landscape. Our state has more than doubled its population and tripled its employment between 1969 and 2003, and is the country's second fastest-growing state, with a population expected to top 14 million by 2040.
This change in rural demographics and land use patterns has resulted in new challenges to local government, planners and ultimately the general public, and the new U of A website strives to be a community resource, toolbox and gateway to the latest and greatest in land use and economic data, news, design tools, maps and publications related to our changing rural landscapes.
Click here to view the many resources available for your county.
ADEQ Ponders Next Steps for Solid Waste Rule Changes
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has wrapped up an unofficial input process on its proposed changes to solid waste rules, and is reviewing and evaluating the comments that have been received. No final decisions have been made on what the final proposal will include, but ADEQ expressed gratitude for the input and work county staff and other stakeholders have provided throughout the process.
Solid waste experts from every county have been involved in the rule change evaluation, and have cooperated with numerous other stakeholders to fully understand the impacts that could arise from the many changes proposed to ADEQ rule.
To view the latest draft of the rule change or to view comments and recommendations received by stakeholders, visit the ADEQ website.
CSA is grateful for the knowledge and leadership of Larry Hawke (Pima) and Karl Moyer (Santa Cruz), and the other county experts who have served every county with their knowledge of these important county issues.
