Community
www.SanTanSun.com
Jan. 21 - Feb. 3, 2017
7
Environmental Education Center raises air quality awareness
Denny Barney elected Maricopa County Board of Supervisors chairman
Residents driving past Chandler’s Environmental Education Center (EEC) at Veterans Oasis Park might notice green, yellow, orange or red flags flying over the park. They are visual guides for those concerned about local air quality. The EEC has adopted the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s (ADEQ) program of flying flags to signify air quality levels. The colors indicate the severity of local air quality—green for “good” quality and ascending to yellow, orange and red for “hazardous.” Days with an orange flag and above are considered “unhealthy,” and the EEC recommends modifying outdoor activities. Consider shortening exercise time or moving fitness activities indoors. It’s also important to consider carpooling, riding a bike or driving less, as these protect the community’s health. “The reason for the alerts is to help people alter their activities to reduce not only their risk to outdoor air pollution, but also their contribution,” explained Daniella Rodriguez, recreation coordinator at the EEC. “We hope the flags will engage the community, raising questions and promoting environmental education.”
Maricopa County District 1 Supervisor Denny Barney was unanimously elected chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for 2017. An occasional columnist for the SanTan Sun News, Barney pledged to focus on managing taxpayers’ money wisely, calling it “the number one responsibility that we have.” Barney was first elected to a four-year term on the board in 2012 and last served as chairman in 2014. “We’ll continue to focus on improving the budget processes and managing the fiscal side of the house,” Barney stated. Barney commended the 2016 chairman, District 4 Supervisor Clint Hickman. “The county is truly better because of his leadership,” he said. Addressing a large audience of elected officials, county employees and media, Barney outlined his priorities for the next year. They include creating a regulatory environment where businesses can succeed and families can thrive; evidence-based justice initiatives to improve a jail system that has 100,000 inmates coming through each year; and workforce development to engage and reward the best of the more than 13,000 who work for the people of Maricopa County. “Our employees are the most valuable asset we have,” Barney said. Barney also discussed plans for a new county website to be launched in
The flags are on the north side of the lake near Phainopepla Pavilion. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Director Gregory Green has recognized the EEC’s participation and commitment to protecting the health of the Chandler community and sharing information and resources on outdoor air quality. “It’s with the highest regard that the EPA acknowledges your contributions, not just locally, but collective with other participating schools and organizations across the country,” Green said. “Organizations like yours provide an excellent example of how to promote environmental awareness and stewardship.” Up-to-date information on local air quality can be obtained by subscribing to ADEQ’s Daily Quality Forecast at https://public.govdelivery.com/ accounts/AZDEQ/subscriber/new. Veterans Oasis Park and the EEC are at 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, and park hours are from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily and holidays. For more information about the EEC or Veterans Oasis Park, call 480-782-2890, or visit chandleraz.gov/eec.
“The reason for the alerts is to help people alter their activities to reduce not only their risk to outdoor air pollution, but also their contribution”
Denny Barney, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors chairman.
the coming months; an overhaul of the aging Durango Jail with a groundbreaking set for this spring; and a repurposing of the Madison Street Jail for the county attorney’s office for spring of 2019. “There’s a lot to celebrate,” Barney said. “There’s certainly a lot to do.” Barney, a Republican, leads the fivemember board. His district covers much of the East Valley including Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Tempe, Sun Lakes, West Mesa and Ahwatukee.
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