GREENLEE COUNTY Talking Points in Washington D.C. Feb 24 to March 1
2017 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
PROVISION OF FULL, LONG-TERM FUNDING FOR PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES PROGRAM (PILT)
The PILT program was established in 1976 to help offset losses in property taxes due to the tax-exempt status of federal lands and to partially reimburse for the costs incurred by counties for services provided on or associated with, federal public, lands including education, law enforcement, search and rescue, firefighting support, parks and recreation and other community services.
Greenlee County is comprised of 1,182,080 acres of which 907,852 acres, or 76.8%, is held by the federal government and unavailable for economic development and not part of the property tax base. Over 2/3 of Greenlee County lies within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest boundary with the balance being Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
Greenlee County received $973,144 last fiscal year which assisted in providing the necessary services on the federal lands. The national forest draws large numbers of visitors which require services not provided by the federal government.
It is critical that Congress work with state and local governments to fund a long-term solution for PILT funding and provide local government with budgetary stability.
SHORT-TERM REAUTHORIZATION OF THE SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY SELF DETERMINATION ACT (SRS) AND A LONG TERM LEGISLATIVE SOLUTION FOR CONTINUED REVENUE SHARING PAYMENTS TO FOREST COUNTIES
In 1980, a revenue sharing agreement was enacted so that 25 percent of Forest Service revenues from timber sales, mineral resources, and grazing fees were returned to counties and states that have national lands, because they do not have the opportunity for economic development. With the listing of the Mexican Spotted Owl, the timber industry in Greenlee County was decimated. Our payments under this formula fell from over $700,000 to under $70,000.
In 2000, the Secure Rural Schools Community Self-Determination Act was enacted to stabilize payments to counties including stabilized education and road maintenance funding. Between 15-20% of the funds are directly invested back into projects that benefit the national forest. Under this formula, we have averaged receiving approximately $650,000.
SRS was reauthorized for one year in 2013 as part of the Helium Stewardship Act but since then it has been funded for 2014, 2015 and 2016 through other mechanisms.
Without action by Congress, counties and schools will once again be faced with serious budget shortfalls for education and roads.
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 2.0 RULE
In December 2016, BLM issued its final Resource Management Planning rule, known as Planning Rule 2.0. Throughout the rulemaking process, counties expressed concern that the rule as written will dilute local government input into land management decisions and hinder their ability for consultation and collaboration with the BLM. The rule will have substantial impacts on how the BLM engages with state and local governments and how it manages the 245 million acres of public lands and 700 million acres of subsurface minerals. Almost 14% of Greenlee County is under the jurisdiction of the BLM. Restricting and encouraging certain land uses, federal land management decisions will have a significant impact on our local economy. The Congressional Review Act (CRA) gives Congress the authority to roll back this rule which will provide the BLM, counties and public lands stakeholders the ability to work together to improve the regulations and ensure robust coordination with local government.
Passage of H.J.Res 44 is absolutely necessary to ensure that the BLM is required to work with intergovernmental partners on policy that has benefited from meaningful local collaboration.
FOUR-FOREST RESTORATION INITIATIVE (4-FRI)
The Four Forest Restoration Initiative is a business model that was developed utilizing the knowledge of the environmental community, industry leaders and local governments. It has been seriously underused. With over 1,054,000 acres of NEPA ready land, the Forest Service should be aggressively releasing contracts to thin the four forests within the region. With the continued environmental pressures on these precious resources, it is imperative that the Forest Service apply the 4-FRI model to the fullest extent possible.
MEXICAN GRAY WOLF
Current ongoing concerns with the program include the latest proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, BLM, USDA-Wildlife Services, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the tribes as well as county government including Greenlee County and all counties within the ECO region. The proposal completely removes the ability for the counties to participate in the Executive Director meetings. The only provision is to have one representative from all other signatories outside of the lead agencies (Arizona and New Mexico). In addition, the USFWS has excluded local government from any participation in the development of the Recovery Plan citing the court ruling mandating a completion date. The counties will not have the ability to see the document until the public comment period. This is unacceptable. At the same time, we are being requested to assist with hosting public meetings on potential initial releases and translocations.
Local government must be included in the Recovery Plan development and allowed continued participation at all levels of management of the program including the Executive Meetings and Middle Management meetings. Funding for the impacts to the local ranching community continues to be a serious issue. This is a federal program and the financial impacts must be mitigated.

By Mayor Felix Callicotte

The Clifton Town Council must address challenges in a systematic fashion, and must seek the maximum amount of public input in that process. We understand that decisions that have been made or future decisions that will be made will not sit well with a particular faction or group. The Council cannot and will not please everyone and also recognizes that the Council must represent the current residents of Clifton while trying to forecast the interests of those of us who will live here in the future. We believe the Council has made decisions that are sound and that respect the wishes of the majority. The Council listens carefully and only makes decisions after seeking information and input.

As always, we appreciate your responses to this column and are pleased by the many who have commented on their thoughts and issues. To our knowledge all have been addressed and there are happier people out there because they shared their concerns with us. We cannot resolve an issue if we are unaware of it. Traffic problems, noise nuisance, animal control issues and uneven sidewalks … Whatever is irking you … let us know.

Public Works ~ Parks and Recreation

Clifton’s Public Works personnel perform their job functions within the Town’s confines. Public Works crews are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all town vehicles, buildings, streets and sidewalk maintenance. Department personnel also perform residential trash removal services as well as landscape debris pickup and removal.

The Town of Clifton also utilizes the “Clifton Cleanup Crew” comprised of ADOC inmates who work hard maintaining the RV Park, maintaining town owned green spaces and in the cleanup tasks around the town. We have received many compliments on Tony Ortega’s crew on their on-going efforts keeping the RV Park and the Town’s public parks clean in addition to assisting the Town’s Public Works crews when called on.

We want to thank both Larry Barela and Tony Ortega along with their charges who are keeping Clifton clean to get the proper recognition for a job well done.

Community Block Grant

The Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] is one of the longest-running programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD]. This grant funds community facilities, housing, public services and infrastructure and economic development activities. CDBG, like other block grant programs, differ from categorical grants, made for specific purposes, in that they are subject to less federal oversight and are largely used at the discretion of the local government.

CDBG funds flow annually from HUD to the state. From the state, funds go through regional councils of governments then are distributed to rural, local and county governments. Local and county elected officials decide which projects to fund locally.

The Town of Clifton is expected to receive approximately $100,000 in FY2017 Federal CDBG funds. The town may also apply for the next or all future CDBG from the State special projects [SSP].

We invite and encourage the town’s residents to attend the public meetings to gather additional citizen input on the use of CBDG funds.

Distracted Driving ~ Millennials:

Teenagers have always had the reputation of being the most reckless drivers on the road, but there is now new evidence that shifts that line of thinking. Millennials are now considered the worst motorists, according to a study and survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Results found that millennials are more likely to do the following while operating a vehicle: exceed the speed limit by 10 to 15 miles per hour; run a red light; read or send a text message; and finally, be high on marijuana.

Within the last 30 days, over 88 percent of the millennial drivers admitted they had either run a red light or texted while driving. In comparison with other age groups, it had been found that millennials were 1.6 times more likely to read or send a text message or email, and more than twice as likely to speed in a school zone.

In 2015, the number of people killed in car crashes was a staggering 35,092, which is a 7.2 percent increase of the previous year. “Some of the drivers, ages 19 to 24, believe that their dangerous driving behavior is acceptable.” David Yang, Executive Director of AAA Foundation for Traffic and Safety. Yang also stated that, “It’s critical that these drivers understand the potentially deadly consequences… and that they change their behavior and attitudes in order to reduce the number of fatalities on U.S. roads.”

So, next time you hit the road, please be cautious and aware at all times. Do not text and drive. Do not speed or run red lights. Be smart and alert when you’re behind the wheel, because your life could be changed in a single instant.

Definition of Community

A group of people interacting with others united and living in close proximity

Take Pride in Clifton!

By Mayor Felix Callicotte

We have good laws on our books and our town code serves us well as a document that is designed to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare. However, without enforcement, it is a meaningless document.

In Clifton, we have an exceptional police force under Chief Omar Negrete’s outstanding leadership and they do a phenomenal job. Clifton’s Police Department works efficiently and effectively having the full support of the Town Council and Town Manager’s office but most importantly, it is our individual commitment to get involved when and where necessary.

Unfortunately, at times when we see or experience the abuse and/or repeated violations of the laws and ordinances that are designed to protect us we tend to look away and hope that someone else will call the police. The task of calling the police is not a rewarding task if the offender is our neighbor or friend, however we have to get involved if we want to maintain the quality of life in our community that we so often take for granted.

To that end, we extend a special thanks to our Chief of Police Omar Negrete, his patrol officers, Sgt. Jason Mingura, Shari Aguilar, Jamie Clark, Joseph Cota, Animal Control Officer Melodee Castaneda and the department’s dispatchers in their exceptional police work that insures Clifton’s well-being.

Avoid becoming a victim of Identity Theft/Fraud:

Identity theft and fraud is a growing problem. Many people across the country have become victims of this crime. The government and consumer advocates recommend these precautions to avoid becoming that victim:

• Do not click on links in unsolicited emails even if they appear to be from a legitimate company or government agency.
• Never reveal personal information, your account numbers, or social security number over the telephone, via email or over the Internet, unless you initiated the contact or know whom you are dealing with.
• Do not include your full birth date on Facebook or any other website. Use the month and day only if you want friends to know your birthday.
• Check your bank and credit-card statements online periodically to check for unauthorized charges. If you find unauthorized purchases in your name, call the police, contact all three major credit reporting agencies and report your case to the Federal Trade Commission. [telephone numbers are below]
• Use direct deposit instead of getting a paycheck by mail. Paychecks contain vital personal information which can be stolen and used for fraudulent purposes.
• Do not respond to calls or emails from banks or other businesses that request your personal information to “update their records.” They are almost always scams.
• Protect your PIN numbers and passwords. Use long passwords that are a mix of upper case and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid using information that can be easily obtained. (Such as your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your social security number or your phone number).
• Do not leave your receipts behind or throw them in the trash where thieves can easily retrieve them.
• Shred sensitive financial records and receipts before putting them in the trash or take your records to a business that will shred them for a fee.

 Take action if you are a victim:

1)  Financial fraud is a crime; call your local police department. [Clifton: 928-865-4145 or 928-865-2555]

2)  Contact the fraud units of all three credit bureaus: Trans Union Fraud Assistance Department 800-680-7289, Equifax Fraud Assistance Department 800-525-6285, and Experian Fraud Assistance Department 888-397-3742. Ask them to “flag” your account, which tells creditors that you are a victim of identity fraud. Once your fraud alert is implemented, if someone tries to open up a credit account in your name, the application will be delayed until the information is verified with you. The fraud alert will remain in place for at least 90 days. When this time runs out, you’ll need to reactivate the alert by contacting the credit bureaus.

3)  Notify government Agencies: Federal Trade Commission: 877-438-4338, U.S. Postal Inspection Service: postalinspectors.uspis.gov/, Social Security Administration: 800-772-1213

4)  Notify your banks. They will help you obtain new account numbers for all of your checking, savings and other accounts. Be sure to pick a new PIN number for your ATM and debit cards.

5)  Close all of your credit card accounts and re-open with new account numbers.

6)  Finally, maintain a log of all the contacts you make with the authorities regarding the matter. Write down each person’s name, title, and phone number in case you need to re-contact them or refer to them in future correspondence.

The unity of freedom has never relied on uniformity of opinion.

** Take Pride in Clifton! **

Clifton Town Council Commitment:

Your Town Council’s ongoing commitment is to reach out to the citizens of Clifton. We often receive inquiries from residents that are commonly asked “why don’t ‘you’ blankety-blank?” The “you” typically refers to Town Council or the Town of Clifton. The Town Council is the representative body that has been elected to represent you and our community at large. We do this by listening to Clifton’s residents, researching trends, and formulating policies and ordinances that will improve the Town making it both business and resident friendly.

The input from residents and other sources ranging from Town Manager contacts, phone calls, letters, email, and voiced comments taking into account any legitimate propositions or suggestions received. From there the ideas/concerns move to the Town Manager as to the viability of the idea or the validity of concern who advises the Council on his recommendation(s) formulating solutions where appropriate. Recommended proposals will be taken under consideration at monthly Town Council meetings and decisions will be made on which issues that will be pursued and/or implemented. All Town Council meetings are open to the public with the goal of serving the will of the people. So consider attending a meeting, both the Town and you will reap the benefits!

GOALS of the Mayor and the Town Council

As your Mayor and Council Members, we look forward to working with the Town’s Administrative Staff, Department Heads and all town employees to provide you, our residents, with the highest quality of services.

We will be asking for your support and input as to what your vision of the Town of Clifton should be. As a community we have many challenges ahead of us, and with your support, guidance and input, we can meet those challenges head on. We are committed to working with our Department Heads and Committees that include citizens who have volunteered their time and energy in serving our community. As we all work together as a community, we can be proud to call Clifton our home.

Together we can work to enhance what we have been given from those who have preceded us in the governing of Clifton, and leave a legacy for those who will come after us.

Goal 1: Govern with Quality, Responsiveness and Efficiency and continue to work with the Town Manager to develop a style and system of leadership that will ensure the effective provision of services, while supporting the delivery of Council goals and its objectives.

Goal 2: Focus on Economic Development for a Balanced and Stable Future making Clifton a better place to live, work, learn, and play; a more diverse community; and a more sustainable community.

Goal 3: Maintain and Improve Community Facilities and Services Sustaining Clifton’s unique spirit and sense of community; provide a safe and secure community; and support and enhance the quality of life for all our residents.

Goal 4: Set Course for a Stable Financial Future diversifying revenue sources consistent with Town values to identify and pursue internal operating efficiencies; and develop a strategic financial plan for maintaining Clifton’s future.

Goal 5: Eliminate “Apathy” and the “I DON’T KNOW AND I DON’T CARE” attitudes.

Crime Prevention Watch:

CALL THE CLIFTON POLICE DEPARTMENT or the GREENLEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity at the following telephone numbers:

Clifton Police Department: Emergency 911, 928-865-4145 or 928-865-4566

Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office: Emergency 911, or 928-865-4149

You can be the eyes of your neighborhood and remember you can always remain anonymous!

Definition of Community:

A group of people interacting with others united and living in close proximity

** Take Pride in Clifton! **

By Mayor Felix Callicotte

MAYOR’S STATEMENT

“I represent the Town of Clifton first and foremost. I will fight against anything that is not in the best interests of the citizens of Clifton because that is my job. Each and every day I try to improve the quality of life of those who have entrusted me with this position.”

Christmas Holiday Safety:

The Christmas season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors.

At Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.

• When leaving home have a family member or neighbor watch your house. Notify the Clifton Police Department if you are planning an extended absence. They will perform a security patrol for your home.

• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.

• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.

• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and/or doors of your home.

• When using lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.

• Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it fresh and green.
• Be sure your Christmas tree is in a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.

Safe Online Shopping

• Use Familiar Web Sites: Start at a trusted site rather than shopping with a search engine. Search results can get rigged to lead you astray, especially when you drift past the first few pages of links.

• Look for the Lock: The URL for the site will start with HTTPS:// ~ Never ever buy anything online using your credit card from a site that doesn’t have SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed.

• Do Not Tell All: No online shopping store is going to need your social security number or your birthday to do business.

• Protect Your Computer: You need to protect against malware, Trojan horses with regular updates to your anti-virus program.

• Use Strong Passwords: Be sure to utilize uncrackable passwords. Use a mixture of capital letters, lower case letters, numerals and special characters. It is very important to have a strong password when banking and shopping on line.

• Privatize Your Wi-Fi: Only use the wireless connection if you access the Web over a virtual private network (VPN) connection. It is not a good time to try out a hotspot you are unfamiliar with. Stick to the known networks, even if they are free, like those found at Starbucks.

• What’s Too Good to Be True ~ Is usually True: Those “Offers” can come via social media. Beware even of your friends, who might innocently forward such an offer. Skepticism goes a long way toward saving you from a stolen card number or identity theft.

Shopping Awareness

• Go shopping with a friend. There is safety in numbers.
• Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Purses hanging down by your side become an attractive target. A fanny pack can be used instead of a purse. Keep wallets in a front or inside pocket.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check, credit card, or debit card, when possible.

• When arriving at your intended destination, where do you park? If possible, you should park in a location that is highly visible, close to an entrance, and in an area that is well-lit after dark.

• When leaving your vehicle, always make sure it is completely secured.

• When returning to your vehicle, check the area for people that seem to be loitering. If someone or something does not seem right or is suspicious, do not go to your vehicle. Return to the business and request they contact law enforcement to check the area.

• Place packages inside the trunk. If this is not possible, place them on the floorboard and cover them. Never leave packages inside the passenger compartment of your vehicle that are visible to people walking by. If it catches your eye, it will also catch a potential thief’s eye.

• Look inside your car and around it as you approach and before entering. This process takes only a couple of seconds. Have your car or house key in your hand as you approach. If attacked those keys can be used as a defensive tool.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a bank, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.

• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you. Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location

Pet Safety

• Aromatic Candles or potpourri may kill pet birds which have sensitive respiratory systems. Candles are also a fire hazard.

• Poinsettias are unlikely to kill a pet, though they are not exactly healthy eating. Fresh lilies can be lethal. Keep these plants out of reach of your pets.

• Chocolate and nuts might make pets sick, especially chocolate. Macadamia nuts can make dogs sick and even cause temporary paralysis.

• Kittens and cats love shiny baubles and tend to eat tinsel or ribbon. Dangling ornaments are also tempting toys. Make sure your tree is solidly anchored to prevent tipping.

Crime Prevention Watch:

CALL THE CLIFTON POLICE DEPARTMENT or the GREENLEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE to report any SUSPICIOUS activity at the following telephone numbers:

Clifton Police Department: Emergency 911, 928-865-4145 or 928-865-4566

Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office: Emergency 911, or 928-865-4149

You can be the eyes of your neighborhood and remember you can always remain anonymous!

“Apathy” is commonly known as: That is the way it has always been done,

I don’t know and I don’t care ~ Apathy is only an excuse for non-action.”

Take Pride in Clifton!