August 2015
NEW CONTEST! Can you find the fake ad? See page 3 for more info
Coben Teaters sits in awe at Rich Ihle’s Reptile Adventures program.
Smith takes over as city attorney
Police boost air fleet with $3.2 million helicopter
By Kenneth LaFave
Don’t let the highsounding title fool you. There’s a lot more to the position of city attorney than just running an office. “It’s not simply a managerial job. You practice law and are involved in aspects of the practice of the law,” said City Attorney Jim Smith. Smith, who took over as city attorney effective Jim Smith July 24, was approved for the position by the City Council July 1. He succeeds outgoing City Attorney Debbie Spinner. Deputy city attorney for the City of Mesa for the last two years, and
an assistant city attorney By Israel Gonzalez there for 10 years prior, Mesa police have added a $3.2 Smith was selected from million helicopter to their fleet “a diverse pool of internal to help the department ease its and external candidates,” aviation rotation and to assist Mayor John Giles said in a ground officers. press release. The MD530F-model helicop“To do this job, you have ter was purchased from Northto be a lawyer, a manager east Mesa’s MD Helicopters with and a leader, all at the same 2013 public safety bond money. time,” Smith said. “This ofIt replaces an older model that fice has had a great lawyerexperienced an emergency land- Mesa Police Department adds a third helicopter to manager-leader in Debits fleet. ing in June 2014. bie Spinner, and I intend Mesa Police Department usuMPD has flown since 1994. to keep that going.” ally operates with three helicopters Steve Berry, MPD spokesman, said The city attorney’s responsibilities but has been running with two since his department was excited to have a break down into three basic areas, acthe 2014 incident. The new model is third helicopter on board. cording to Smith: similar to the MD500E model the ...continues on page 13 ...continues on page 8
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