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Dear Editor and Oracle and Area Residents:
Just a few points on issues and activity for the area. First I want to report that I have been working with the Sheriff’s Office to attempt to secure a School Resource Officer for the San Manuel Jr. and Sr. High School. Two incidents have occurred recently that involved weapons. One incident was at the school and the other on a school bus. Although the weapons may have not been real deadly weapons, at the time no one could have known for sure. Since the San Manuel Schools are removed and isolated from other communities and the highway and have no local police department in close proximity, I believe it is prudent to fund an SRO officer for the school. Sheriff Paul Babeu concurs. Our job is now to convince the majority of the Board of Supervisors of the need.
Secondly, I would like to thank our Economic Development Director, Tim Kanavel for assisting me with the permit for Arizona Eco Zipline Tours that was eventually unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors. Tim worked closely with Charlie Goff and Brandon Luthy and area residents to bring this project to fruition. Visitors to Ziplines Tours should help the area economy.
Next, I thank Kent Taylor, Open Space and Parks Director for working with different area residents to help plan for improvements and maintenance of our two county parks in Oracle.
Finally, I continue to appreciate the work performed by Rite of Passage, Sycamore Academy with the Unaccompanied Minors from Central America. As a few more children arrive at the Academy in Pepper Sauce Canyon near Oracle, the staff quickly provides services to address immediate needs. More importantly they, in short order, process the necessary paperwork to place many of these children with relatives, saving taxpayer dollars. The Federal Courts will eventually determine the final disposition for these children.
Sincerely,
Pete Rios
Pinal County Supervisor District 1
Pinal County Supervisor Pete Rios
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