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It appears that Ron Thompson doesn’t understand that when someone corresponds with multiple email recipients that you are in the public domain. How else would I have proof of what he wrote and accused the Board of violating?
I give my Tri-Community constituents more credit than Thompson does when it comes to finding my office. Over the many years that I have represented my many constituents, they have never had a problem finding my office. Whether it’s issues with flooding, road-grading, burn permits, tax issues, garbage vouchers, etc., they have always found my “open door.” I can’t help it if Ron Thompson is new and doesn’t know his way around this county.
As to his lack of knowledge vis-à-vis my public appearances, I am always available to folks to address constituent concerns at both the micro and macro level. Mostly recently (today) meeting and greeting children and their parents in Winkelman as they arrived to be tested for lead and arsenic in their blood. Last week meeting with a representative of the San Manuel Airport Pilots group. A few days ago resolving an Oracle issue revolving around a new county fence built too close to the Oracle helipad. Meeting with the San Manuel Senior Citizens group. Addressing a leadership class at Aravaipa CAC campus, etc., etc., etc. Not to mention appearances in the Pinal County Valley Communities, also part of District 1.
I was also recently INVITED to address the Oracle Neighborhood Watch group, of which Ron Thompson is a member. I accepted and a time and date was set. A few days later I received an email UN-INVITING me. I don’t suppose Thompson had anything to do with me being un-invited?
Meeting with constituents throughout the district does not necessarily have to be in a town hall format, although I have done those as well.
As for the unaccompanied minors from Central America, I can say that I was part of Open Hearts Group from Oracle that attempted to keep the peace and allowed “cooler heads” to prevail. I took an oath of office to support the laws of this State and this country. Placing these children at the Sycamore Canyon Academy was a decision made by the federal government, that as an elected official I am obligated to uphold.
Ron Thompson is correct, I was NOT part of the group, picketing, demonstrating, inciting community fear and concern. A group that at the end only succeeded in in scaring a busload of U.S. American school kids from Marana, Az. on their way to summer camp.
Respectfully,
/s/ Pete Rios
Pinal County Supervisor & Vice Chair Dist. 1
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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