My Life

New years resolutions that show you care

2009-12-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when we start to think of resolutions for a healthier happier new year. As drug and alcohol abuse continue to damage the lives of teens across the country, I hope we all add to our list of resolutions taking more time for conversations about this problem with our children. Research shows that kids are 50% less likely to try drugs when their parents talk to them about it. When kids know you care they will respond. Here is a great list of ways to show you care and will help build dialogue.

1. Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.

2. Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.

3. Ask teens what they need from you – and do whatever you can to meet those needs.

4. Listen to your teens, a lot. Avoid interrupting.

5. Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.

6. Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.

7. Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.

8. Answer your teen’s questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.

9. Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.

10. Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.

Have a safe and healthy new year.

Partisan budget cuts negatively effects public safety

2009-12-18T13:54:00.000-08:00

Attorney General Terry Goddard released the following statement regarding H.B. 2001, General Appropriations, Reductions and Transfers, as passed by the Arizona House of Representatives Appropriations Committee early this afternoon.

“The present budget proposal is a direct assault on public safety in Arizona. By seizing additional money from key funds through excess budget transfers - far above and beyond the across-the-board cuts - the budgets of public safety offices, particularly the Attorney General’s Office, are hurt in a vastly disproportionate way.

“This proposal will jeopardize my efforts to fight organized crime, stop border violence and provide for the safety of Arizona’s citizens. In particular, the anti-racketeering fund, which funds many criminal prosecutors and investigators, is decimated under this proposal. The consumer fraud fund, also hit by this proposal, pays for enforcement against those who prey upon the vulnerable in our society and protects our citizens against mortgage fraud, predatory lenders, fraud by pharmaceutical companies and a growing number of consumer scams.

“Recent budget cuts have taken more than a fair share of funds from this Office. The Attorney General’s Office represents less than 2/3rds of 1 percent of the State’s budget. Under this proposal, we are taking 5 percent of the overall cuts and over 10 percent of the excess budget transfers. The total cut to the AG’s budget is over 14 percent - almost double the 7.5 percent, across-the-board cut to state agencies.

“The cumulative impact of recent budget cuts to the AG’s Office has been severe. The total of 482 fulltime employees at the start of this fiscal year was 129 fewer appropriated fulltime positions than a decade ago. Dollars to the Office from the State’s general fund for this fiscal year were fewer than any year since 1995. This new round of cuts would take us back to the level of funding in 1990. General fund appropriations to this Office are down 23 percent in the past 18 months.

“I urge the Legislature act in support of protecting all Arizonans and not continuing the attack on public safety and the Attorney General’s Office. It is not only fundamentally fair, it is the right thing to do for the people of Arizona who count on us to protect them.”

Anti-Crime University for West Valley Seniors

2009-12-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Attorney General Terry Goddard will host a Senior Anti-Crime University on Wednesday, January 6, in Sun City West. The program will start at 8 a.m. at the Sun City West Foundation.

Goddard will be joined by local leaders and experts in consumer scams, investment fraud, personal safety, elder abuse, financial exploitation and other issues affecting seniors.

The Senior Anti-Crime Universities are a statewide series of forums designed to teach attendees to detect frauds and other consumer abuse commonly perpetrated against seniors. Each university offers a half-day of classes in consumer fraud and scams, identity theft, life care planning/health care directives, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, financial exploitation, elder abuse and neglect, Internet safety and charitable giving.

"Keeping Arizona seniors well-informed provides the best defense against frauds and scams," Goddard said. "The Anti-Crime University will present a wealth of useful information to identify and prevent all manner of schemes and rip-offs. Protecting seniors ranks as a top priority for the Attorney General's Office, and this program moves our efforts up another notch." Learn more about the anti-crime universities from Goddard in his video message available at http://www.azag.gov/seniors/sleuths/sacu.html.

Space is limited, so advance registration is required. To register online or get more information, go to the SENIORS tab at the Attorney General's Web site (www.azag.gov) and click on ‘Senior Anti-Crime University’ or email SeniorSleuths@azag.gov.

Event Information

What: Northwest Valley Senior Anti-Crime University
When: Wednesday, Jan. 6
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Goddard will speak at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Where: Sun City West Foundation
14465 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd.
Sun City West, Ariz.
Note: Event is open to the media.

The Senior Anti-Crime University is part of the Attorney General’s new Senior Sleuths project. Senior Sleuths is a volunteer program to help Arizona seniors protect themselves and prevent others from becoming victims of fraud and abuse. The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting senior volunteers and will be training them to identify and report scams and fraud and to use their knowledge to educate other seniors.

The Senior Anti-Crime University and Senior Sleuths project are partnering with AARP, DES Division of Aging & Adult Services, SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol), Arizona Area Agencies on Aging, Duet, All Arizona School Retiree Association, local police departments and other retiree and senior organizations.

Statewide Domestic Violence Prevention Campaign

2009-12-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

Attorney General Terry Goddard; Michael Bender, Regional Vice President of Walmart; and Allie Bones, Executive Director of the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, today announced a new statewide domestic violence prevention campaign, “End the Silence, End the Violence.”

This campaign will provide women with information on how to find help and keep themselves and their families safe from domestic abuse. It is expected to reach as many as 455,000 women each week.

Starting this week, Walmart will display End the Silence, End the Violence awareness posters in the women’s bathrooms of all of its 91 stores statewide. The poster features information on the 24-hour domestic violence resources available to Arizonans. This includes access to emergency shelter services as well as legal assistance, case management and counseling.

“I am committed to a system of justice that holds offenders accountable for their actions as well as remembers and respects the victims of crime,” Goddard said. “The End the Silence, End the Violence campaign says domestic violence is unacceptable and that we as a community and State will not tolerate it.”

"Walmart is committed to helping people live better. Through these posters we want to let our customers know that if they, or someone they know, are living in an abusive situation, there are resources available to help them make a change for the better," said Michael Bender, Regional Vice President of Walmart.

“The Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence is proud to be a part of the End the Silence, End the Violence campaign,” Allie Bones, Executive Director, exclaimed. “As an organization committed to raising the profile of the issue of domestic violence and ensuring that victims know of resources available in the community, we embrace opportunities that convey to a broad audience that lifesaving services are available for victims of domestic violence.”

Law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem of domestic violence. Early intervention and appropriate services are also needed to stop abuse from continuing. This is especially critical because when abuse continues, there is a tendency is for the violence to escalate. Access to information about services available is a barrier that isolated and abused women face. Partnerships that bring private, community and law enforcement resources together to help victims find the information and community support they need are critical for addressing this tragic and all-to-common crime.

The End the Silence, End the Violence campaign is uniquely positioned to reach women suffering in an abusive home. The hope is that by having information available in a non-traditional space, such as Walmart stores, it will reach those who otherwise might not have an opportunity to know that help is available. This campaign has the potential to truly save lives.

Additional Information & Statistics
This is the third state in which Walmart has partnered with an Attorney General to prevent domestic violence. Recently, the national retailer partnered with the Kansas and Oklahoma Attorneys General.

The Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence was formed in 1980 so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite through this statewide organization to increase public awareness about the issue of domestic violence, enhance the safety of and services for domestic violence victims, and reduce the incidence of domestic violence in Arizona families. Since its inception, the Coalition has served as an advocate and a voice representing the needs of domestic violence service providers and the victims they serve throughout Arizona.

The End the Silence, End the Violence campaign is one of many resources provided by the Attorney General’s Office to victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes. In 2005, Attorney General Terry Goddard, the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology established the CUT IT OUT program in Arizona. This national outreach program draws on the cosmetology community's unique skills and access to women by providing salon professionals training and information on how to spot the signs domestic violence.
The Attorney General’s Office of Victim Services provides services to facilitate justice and healing for Arizona’s crime victims as well as to support criminal and juvenile justice system entities statewide in the administration of victims’ rights laws. These include the Victims’ Rights Program which provides financial assistance to criminal justice agencies, the Victims’ Rights Enforcement Program and Victims’ Rights Training.
In fiscal year 2009, the National Domestic Violence Hotline received 22,358 calls, and the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s Legal Advocacy Hotline received 2,354 calls from victims/survivors of domestic violence.

Also that year, 11,209 Arizona adults and children received services from 32 shelters in 13 counties. The average length of stay in emergency shelter was 33 days. A total of 373,601 nights of shelter were provided to adults and children during the year. Forty-seven percent of those who received emergency shelter services were children.

Approximately 125 women die every year in Arizona as a result of domestic violence. In addition, 15-25 perpetrators commit suicide each year in Arizona. There have been 103 domestic violence-related homicides in Arizona so far in 2009.

In Arizona, every five minutes a law enforcement officer responds to a domestic violence call. An estimated 4.5 million physical assaults are committed against U.S. women by intimate partners each year.

2009-12-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

Last week I touched briefly on the private school tuition tax credit that we have in Arizona. Basically it allows individuals to contribute $500 a year, in a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, to private organizations called STOs (school tuition organizations) that keep 10 percent and give the rest in scholarships for private schools to children regardless of income. These organization basically work without over-site, and in an investigation the majority were found to be operating outside the law. Unfortunately there are no ramifications for an STO found to be operating illegally. In response to this criticism the House speaker formed an ad hoc committee to investigate STOs. One of the recommendations made by the Republicans on the committee is (wait for it) to increase the yearly contribution amount from $500 to $750. Only in Arizona could the sollution to no oversite and illegal activiity be allow a larger contribution. Lets look for this one passing through the legislaute this year.

ASBA

2009-12-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

This week the Arizona School Board Association hosted a three day conference in Phoenix. Here are a few highlights.

Race to the Top Grants: The U.S. Department of Education has 4.5 billion set aside for states to apply for grants. States must have teacher pay tied to performance to qualify. I think this may be a great opportunity for states to move the teaching profession into the 21st century.

Information on private school tuition tax credits: Right now in Arizona people can take a dollar per dollar tax credit for money contributed to an organization that provides scholarships to private schools. This law is currently under review, since the East Valley

Tribune reported on abuses and complete lack of oversight. (more on this as it develops)

Tony Wagner: Harvard Education Professor, was the keynote speaker on the final day. Very good, very troubling information on how we are preparing our children for the competitive job marketplace of the 21st century. check out his link for more information www.schoolchange.org

A bunch of saints

2009-12-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Friday I woke up bright and early to speak to a parents group at All Saints day school in Phoenix on internet safety. This a dynamic group of mothers (and one father) that took the time before work in the morning to come and speak about the safety of their children on-line. The presentation went extremely well, wit the only issue being that they had so many questions and comments that we spoke for over an hour and a half. I happy to see that there are groups of parents out there willing to take the time to learn more about this issue.

Following that, I went directly across the campus to speak with the middle school kids on the same issue. Once again it was a great presentation, with the kids being fully engaged and concerned about being safer online. As with their parents, they had so many questions that we went over on time. All Saints has a fantastic staff that I look forward to working with in the future. Thanks Michele

Sacaton

2009-12-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

Last night I was fortunate to go south to Sacoton and speak with parent regarding internet safety. This was my second time speaking to the members of the Gila River Reservation, and topic could not be more important. Most of the parents in this community do not have regular access to computers. This lack of access makes them feel as tough their kids are leaving them behind with regards to technology. Based on the questions asked, it was pretty clear that they are. I was able to give them a basic understanding of socuial networking and potential dangers. It is events like this that make my job worth while. Speaking to the groups that need the most assistance is what public service is about.
I appreciate the hard work of my friend John Timons in organizing these great parent education events. I am looking forward to my next trip there.

RX Summit Day 2

2009-12-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of the RX summit was an amazing day. They focused a little more on prevention. One of the highlights of the day was the presentation by the 3 Moms. This is a group of 3 moms that have lost children to prescription drug overdoses. They each spoke separately about their children and gave the details of each death. this was a very powerful presentation, that moved many people and encouraged me to work more diligently on community education.
Another great presentation was put on by several community groups and law enforcement on prescription drug take-back programs. Many people do not know that in Arizona there is no good place to dispose of unused prescription drugs. Very few police stations will take them, and you can not return them to the pharmacy. Instead we are dependent on community groups to organize take-back events where people can drop off medications and police officers will take them to get destroyed. These are great programs, but we need to find a long-term solution to this problem. We need to be proactive

HiDTA Conference Day 1

2009-12-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first full day of the HIDTA prescription drug abuse epidemic conference. HIDTA (high intensity drug trafficking area) is responsible for coordinating law enforcement in geographical areas to combat illicit drugs. RX drug abuse is consistantly on the rise in Arizona, making it the 3rd most abused drug behind Alchohol and Marijuana .
Day one was focused more on the enforcemnt side of the propblem, where we heard form DEA and other local law enforcement.
My role Is more in the prevention side. I am working with other non-profits to educate parent and children on thi issue. There will be more on that for day 2. All and all this has been a great conference, I have been working on this issue for over a year, so it is encouraging ot see the coordination that is happening this week

Happy Black Friday

2009-11-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

No turkey sandwiches, no shopping, back in the office after a nice day off with the family. The Friday after a holiday is a great day to get things accomplished, nobody is here to interrupt my work. I am finally getting organized after some very busy weeks. So today I get to set up a task list for the interns coming next week. They get to research new national laws on cyber issues for me, and maybe cal back some constituents. I leaned in my leadership class that you can't just dump all the worst assignments on the interns, so I will have to think of something interesting for them to do.
Also today, I get to start planning for a conference next week on RX drug abuse. HIDTA is sponsoring a two day conference on expanded collaboration between law enforcement and the Medical community on fighting the increase in prescription drug abuse. I have been working on this issue for the past year, so I am excited to be part of the larger conversation.

New poll shows Arizona voters are actually insane (or maybe just confused)

2009-11-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

A new poll released yesterday by Rasmussen asked 1200 likely voters who they would vote for in hypothetical match-ups for Governor of Arizona. When asked about a race between Attorney General Terry Goddard and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Arpaio wins 51%-39%. This is amazing to me, Goddard has been polling very well and winning hypothetical match-ups against Jan Brewer and Dean Martin. What is it that pushes Arpaio so far ahead? I am genuinely confused by this poll. The issue of illegal immigration aside, Arpaio has been an abysmal Sheriff.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/page/reasonable_doubt

Please read the Tribune's investigative report on the negative outcomes Maricopa County has incurred due to Arpaio's leadership.

2009-11-24T08:18:00.000-08:00

I Love Northern Arizona, such a beautiful, diverse landscape. Last week I spent two days in Eager/Springerville AZ speaking to middle school students, high school students, and parents on the subject of Internet Safety and social networking. It was a very receptive group, where afterwards I was surrounded by students and parents wanting to thank me and tell me how much they enjoyed my presentation. I want to thank the Administration and Round Valley middle and high school for inviting me to speak. In just two days I was able to educate approximately 800 students on this vital issue. I look forward to returning next fall.

Bullhead

2009-11-13T17:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, November 12th, I traveled to Bullhead City for a crime prevention forum. This forum was hosted by Mayor Jack Hakim. There was a pretty good turnout, as residents came and heard for the Chief of police, The Attorney General, and the county Sheriff speak on law enforcement related issues. The panel also took questions form the audience on all kinds of issues. people came and spoke about the cities budget, county law enforcement, mobile home issues, caregiver registration, and fire dept issues. Hosting forums like this allows local, county, and state law enforcement to get the pulse of the community and address direct issues.

Law School?

2009-11-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
This week I spoke with director of admissions for O'Conner law School, she gave me some great information about what I need to do to get myself ready to apply. It is very exciting to think about attending in 2011. This has been a dream of mine for many years. The process starts next year, LSAT prep, LSAT in the summer.
Wish me luck

Friday

2009-11-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

Wow where does the time go, I can't believe its Friday already. I had two great opportunities to discuss social networking with kids at the SADD conference. SADD stands for students against destructive decisions. This is a great program that brings young leaders form high schools all around the state for a day of workshops. I love to see youg people making the rigt decisions. I was also able to present at the Parent Univeristy in Peoria, I'm looking forward to returning to speak to the students.
Tomorrow, Saturday, I will be participating in the Public Safety Day sponsored by Scottsdale PD. If anyone is interested in attending:
When: November 7th
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Target parking lot
15444 N Frank Loyd Wright Blvd.

Hope to see yo there

Going South

2009-10-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

Another busy week on the road. This week I traveled to Sierra Vista to educate parents on Internet safety and social networking. It was a great turnout, with many parents concerned about their teens use of social networking sights and releasing their person information. This is one of the highlights of my job, I love discussing this topic, and assisting parents in becoming more comfortable with the cyber world.
Thank your to Mr Leigh who works tirelessly to educate and protect the kids of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca.

Protecting seniors

2009-10-12T14:24:00.001-07:00

For the past couple of weeks we have been planning an education event for seniors. In Arizona senior citizens are consistently the target of scams, fraud, and financial exploitation. To fight this troubling trend we have organized Senior Anti-crime Universities around Phoenix, and through out the state. They are a great opportunity for seniors to hear about the most prevalent scams targeting their population and learn skills to protect themselves and their communities.

There will also be classes on financial exploitation, elder abuse, Internet safety, smart charitable giving, and Identity theft. For those that know anyone that may wish to attend, it will be held at Beatitudes living center on 17th Dr and Glendale, in Phoenix, on Thursday October 15th, form 8:00 am to 12:00 pm .

On the road again

2009-09-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

What a busy few weeks I have been having. I have been spending much of my time on the road in Navajo County. This is such a great place, beautiful weather and great people. I have been working with some elected officials in the area to support them as they fight drugs and other crime, and make the county a safer more dynamic place to live. Thank you to the Navajo County Sheriff and Attorney for all you that you do, keep up the great work.

welcome

2009-09-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

This is my first post regarding my work in the public sector. I work in on office in the Arizona State Government. I am fortunate to work with driven dynamic people that are passionate about making Arizona a better place.
This morning I got to have breakfast with two of my senior volunteers at a east valley senior center. They are help me by being my eyes and ears in the community, and working with me on educating people in their neighborhoods. With out my volunteers my job would be much more difficult. I am fortunate to know so many great Arizona seniors that give their time for a great cause.