by 
Pinal County Attorney Lando Voyles
Superior Sun
Criminal investigations involving children are always tough on the victims and those investigating. The Pinal County Attorney’s Office will soon open an advocacy center in San Tan Valley that should help in those situations.
The new center, Pinal County Attorney Lando Voyles told the Superior Town Council last week, will serve to assist victims of sexual assault and aid in the prosecution of offenders by insuring the victim receives dignity, respect with forensic interviews and medical exams in a child friendly and safe environment. This will help to reduce some of the trauma and re-victimization of several exams. Currently the closest Family Advocacy Center is in Mesa where victims would need to travel over an hour for services and care. In reality, far too many sexual assault victims go unreported due to the distance required for them or a family member to drive.
Voyles has spent a great deal of time working with various organizations to plan for a family advocacy center in San Tan Valley.
“The grand opening of the facility is scheduled for Oct. 1,” Voyles said, inviting the council, mayor and public to attend.
Call to the public
During the call to the public, several members of the audience spoke about the Resolution Copper agreement with the town and the ongoing debate in Washington, DC, about the proposed land exchange.
Former Mayor Michael Hing urged the council to consider the land, air and water issues that could affect the town and should be part of the language in the Congressional bill. Hing cited flooding in the 1990s that washed away some of the tailing ponds onto Pinal Street.
At the time, Hing said, there was an initial clean up and BHP claimed more than 100 properties needed further clean up. “It took BHP almost 20 years to complete the clean up and still to this day there are levels of arsenic around,” Hing said. “There are many health issues that concern the community members and even with children. We have been exposed to airborne contaminates from the uncapped tailings for years.” The Town of Superior wanted to thank all the many contributors for helping make this a special 4th of July a truly special one! There were many people, organizations and businesses that helped make this possible.
In other business, the council:
• Discussed and approved Special Event Liquor Licenses for the Superior Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening event on Aug. 15, 2014 and Prickly Pear Festival event on Aug. 23, 2014.
• Approved health insurance through Health Net for the town employees.
• Gave its permission for Public Works Director Anthony Huerta to obtain a certificate for noxious weed control.
• Adopted the residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan for 2015 as required by the Community Development Block Grant program.
• Appointed Police Chief Mark Nipp and Public Works Directory Anthony Huerta to the Resolution Copper Community Working Group.
• Thanked the contributors for helping to make the Superior July 4th celebration so successful.
• Took no action following an executive (secret) session for the Resolution Copper agreement and staffing and contracts at the Superior Police Department.
The next meeting of the Superior Town Council has been set for Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. The second August meeting has been cancelled. The members of the public are invited to attend.
Nina Crowder is a resident of Mammoth. She volunteers in several local organizations. She covers events throughout the Copper Corridor and Superior Town and School governance.
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