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!

We all know that the amount of traffic that currently traverses through Clifton on any given day at times can be mind boggling. To that extent all drivers who happen to be caught in traffic that seems to be never ending the below traffic safety tips will help you to avoid a traffic mishap and keep you and your passengers safe.
Though these may seem like common sense to you, Arizona traffic rules and laws exist for a reason. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, so do not take any unnecessary risks.

1. Make the smart choice ~ Don’t Drink and Drive: Drive only when you are fully alert. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Arizona while your ability to do so is impaired by alcohol. Specifically, you may not drive when your blood alcohol level is at or over .08 nor you are not to drive if your ability is impaired by drugs.
2. Use seat belts: The impact from a collision at 30 miles per hour, when not restrained by a seat belt, is the same as falling from a three-story building. Seat belts save lives when worn properly; they prevent you from being thrown around the inside of a crashing vehicle or, worse, thrown completely out of the vehicle. You and your passengers have a greater chance of surviving if you are wearing your seat belt. Make sure everyone including children are buckled in.
3. Avoid Distractions: “Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.” Drive alert with both hands on the steering wheel. When you are behind the wheel you need to focus on just

one job, driving the vehicle. Cellphone talk/texting causes distractions. Eating/drinking, applying

makeup/shaving or interaction among passengers also diverts a driver's attention in potentially

deadly ways. Do not text and drive … pull over to talk if you are using a cellular phone.

4. Tailgating: A general rule of thumb is there should be at least a three second space between you

and the other vehicle. When traveling at night or inclement weather, leave even more space open

between yourself and the other car. When stopping make sure that you can see the entire rear

wheels of the car in front of you. This will prevent the typical rear-ender/chain reaction type of

collision; Driving too close is not only rude, but it can make the person in front of you anxious and/or

frustrated.

5. Obey the speed limits: Remember as your speed increases so does your braking distance. If you

double your speed, you quadruple your braking distance. Slow down when road and weather

conditions are poor. Always follow posted speed limits; do not exceed them.

6. Changing Lanes: Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing

lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers. Remember

that lanes go according to speed. The furthest left lane is the "fast lane," and the furthest right lane

is the "slow lane." Therefore, if cars are passing you on the right, you should move over to the right

and allow cars to pass on the left. By the same token, you should always pass on the left, not on

the right.

7. Watch Out for the Other Guy: Expect the other drivers to make the mistakes. Driving prepared

requires awareness, make sure you check your mirrors and keep an eye on side streets so you will

know which other cars are around you and how they are driving. Do not focus only on the road in

front of your car — look ahead so you are aware what is happening 50 to 100 yards up the road.

8. Reduce your risks: Practice courtesy at all times. Don't cut people off or make sudden stops or

lane changes. Obey traffic control devices. A STOP SIGN means come to a COMPLETE STOP. Be

cautious when approaching intersections. A yellow light means clear the intersection – DO NOT try

to beat the RED LIGHT. Make yourself visible. Day or night, always turn your headlights on, use

your running lights, and make sure your tail lights are working. Use your signal lights so others on

the road know what you are going to do. Do not Tailgate.

9. Share the road: When an emergency vehicle is flashing its lights/sounding its siren, all other cars

must yield the right of way, and move closely over to the right as far as possible, until the

emergency vehicle(s) have passed. Understand the Right of Way: If you approach an intersection

and there are other cars there before you, you must allow them to go first. When two drivers on

opposite sides of the intersection reach it simultaneously, a driver that is turning left has to yield to

the car that is either going straight or turning right. A driver must yield to pedestrians using

crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Be cautious of school buses, cyclists, motorcyclists,

pedestrians and the Big Horn Sheep. Always be on the lookout for and yield to these vulnerable

road users.

10. Have your vehicle serviced regularly: A well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle.

Clifton Town Council Mission:

The mission of your Clifton Town Council is to protect the quality of life for

all Clifton residents, preserve our town’s heritage, community services and

promote transparent and responsive city government through organized

support. Our goal is to guarantee these values by insuring our residents

have a seat at policy and budget formulation.

"Law enforcement officers are never 'off duty.' They are dedicated public servants

who are sworn to protect public safety at any time and place when the peace is

threatened. They need all the help that they can get.”

Take Pride in Clifton!