Hospital patient safety grades are in

I realize that this blog is mostly about politics but it's not all politics, all the time.

Hence, this PSA.

Earlier this week, an organization called The Leapfrog Group released a report that graded hospitals on the basis of patient safety.

Caveat: I cannot attest to the accuracy of their grades, also, that while important, patient safety is only one factor in determining the overall quality of medical care provided by a particular hospital.

They graded 50 hospitals in Arizona; running the gamut, some received "A", some "B", some "C", some "D" (No "F" grades, but Ds are still pretty bad).

25 Arizona hospitals received A or B grades, but only two of those were from outside of Maricopa or Pima counties (seven received Ds, and five of those were located in counties not named Maricopa or Pima.

Bottom line: I understand that hospitals are businesses and that they will go where people and financial wealth are, but sacrificing patient safety on the altar of the profit motive is NOT acceptable

Most of AZ is considered to be a Medically Underserved Area (MUA) by the federal government.

From the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) -

Not coincidentally, metro Phoenix and metro Tucson (the most populous areas in AZ) have few MUAs -

Not coincidentally, I think, the MUAs in those two metro areas are located in the poorer parts of those areas.  For example, Scottsdale is most assuredly not part of a MUA.

Note: twice since 2020 began, I've visited a local hospital's ER (the same hospital twice), and one of those visits resulted in surgery.  While that hospital received a "C" grade, I've never had a problem with the care there.  Hence the caveat.

Early ballots: return 'em

On 10/28, Ron Williams at Blog for Arizona published a piece urging people that have early ballots to return them ASAP

He presented an idealistic argument for doing so, and was right, but I'm going to present a more practical argument.

When you know who you are going to vote for, vote and return your ballot.

 

It won't do anything about the ads permeating our radios and TVs, or do anything about the campaigns that don’t have enough money to buy lists of who has returned a ballot, but most of the texts and emails will stop.

I received my ballot on a Friday, and as I already knew who I was going to vote for, I filled it out and returned it on Saturday, dropping it off at the post office.  By Monday, I had received a text message from Maricopa County Elections telling me that my ballot had been received.

Within a few days, the candidate texts and/or emails had all but stopped.

I still get a few from PACs (the vast majority) or out-of-state candidates (not many), bur most have stopped.

If you have one, I recommend mailing by Tuesday (due to Trump-era cuts to USPS, service may be slower).  If you cannot mail it by then, drop it off in a secure drop box or at your polling place by 7 p, m. on election day.

The link goes to a list of drop box locations in Maricopa County.

AZ receives over $11 million from the feds for Clean School Buses.

How long before Dougie "reappropriates" the funds into the pockets of private school operators?

From the EPA -

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Close to $95 Million from EPA’s Clean School Bus Program for School Districts in American Samoa, Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the Fiscal Year 2022 recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, awarding nearly $94,970,000 from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 29 school districts in American Samoa, Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada. The grants will help these school districts across our nation’s Pacific Southwest purchase over 283 clean school buses that will accelerate the transition to zero emissions vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities.

[snip]

• Arizona will receive $11,415,00 to procure 52 school buses for 8 school districts, of which more than 51% are electric school buses.

From an email sent to me -

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $11,415,000 from EPA’s Clean School Bus Program for Arizona School Districts

Historic investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law headed to all 50 states in effort to transform America’s school bus fleet

Contact: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the Fiscal Year 2022 recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, awarding $11,415,000 from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to eight school districts in Arizona. The grants will help school districts purchase 52 clean school buses that will accelerate the transition to zero emissions vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities.

“President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is accelerating our nation’s transition to electric and low-emission school buses while ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our children,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “As many as 25 million children rely on the bus to get to school each day. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we are making an unprecedented investment in our children’s health, especially those in communities overburdened by air pollution. This is just the beginning of our work to build a healthier future, reduce climate pollution, and ensure the clean, breathable air that all our children deserve.”

All eight of the Arizona districts selected met one or more of EPA’s prioritization criteria for low income, high need, rural, or tribal schools. Additionally, five of the eight selected school districts qualified under the Tribal prioritization. Over 50% of the funding will be used to purchase zero emission electric buses and charging infrastructure. Today’s announcement includes funding for buses and infrastructure for school districts in cities like Keams Canyon and Mesa, Arizona.

“We’re keeping Arizona children safe through cleaner and more reliable school transportation – giving peace of mind to Arizona parents knowing that their children are safe in these newer, safer buses,” said Senator Kyrsten Sinema.

“Traveling long distances, some tribal students spend hours on a school bus each day, many of which are outdated, breaking down, and extremely costly to operate during high gas price periods,” said U.S. Representative Tom O’Halleran. “I was proud to vote in favor of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to secure funding for new, energy efficient school buses for tribal communities, and pleased to see these incentives reach tribal school districts in Arizona.”

“I’m proud to see our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law making a difference right here in Mesa, said U.S. Representative Greg Stanton. “When we invest in our sustainable infrastructure, those dollars not only make a difference in the health of our roads and bridges, but they also make a difference in the health of our community. This funding will transform Mesa Unified School District’s school bus fleet, helping keep the air our children breathe cleaner by curbing harmful emissions.”

In May, EPA announced the availability of $500 million for its Clean School Bus Program. Given overwhelming demand from school districts across the country, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded to $965 million. The rebate application period closed in August with an outstanding response from school districts seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses across the country.

At this time, the agency has selected 389 applications totaling $913 million to support the purchase of 2,463 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states, Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks.

Those school districts who received an award can now proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.

These awards are the first $1 billion of a five-year, $5 billion program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA is also designing the next rounds of program funding to launch in the coming months, which will include an ambitious grant competition. Through future rounds of funding, EPA will make available another $1 billion for clean school buses in Fiscal Year 2023. EPA encourages school districts not selected in the first round of rebates – and those that did not apply this funding cycle – to participate in future rounds.

About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program

The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will also save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with brand new clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.

The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritize low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.

A list of Clean School Bus award recipients are available on EPA’s Awarded Clean School Bus Program Rebates webpage.

Expect a warm and dry winter in AZ

 From The Hill -

NOAA releases winter weather outlook: How La Niña will impact your state

The Climate Prediction Center’s official winter forecast has been released, and it splits the country in two: hot and dry down south, and a mystery up north.

The 90-day-outlook was published Thursday morning by the Climate Prediction Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service. It gives people a rough idea of what November, December and January will look like across the country.

[snip]

[snip]

PSA time: REGISTER TO VOTE and then VOTE!

From the website of the Arizona Secretary of State -

Election Date	Election Type	Deadline for Voter Registration	Deadline to Request Ballot-by-Mail	Early Voting Begins/Ballots Mailed if Requested

November 08, 2022

State General Election

October 11, 2022 at 11:59 PM

October 28, 2022 at 5:00 PM

October 12, 2022

The Secretary of State's Vote-By-Mail information page is here.

The AZ SOS' printable voter registration form is here.

Maricopa County's voter registration page is here.

ServiceArizona's online voter registration process starts here.

Election 2016: It's almost over

In case you haven't noticed the wall-to-wall (but oh-so selective) media coverage, the incessant TV and radio ads (and spots on other media), the late night comedy, the hate-filled shouting, or have simply avoided even opening your mailbox for the last month or so,

There's an election coming up on Tuesday.  

:)

While millions of Americans have already voted (full disclosure time: I am one of those millions), millions more will be voting Tuesday.

If you haven't already done so, please make sure you vote on Tuesday.

In addition to a race for president that features two main candidates who present the starkest difference between two candidates for that office in US history, there are scores, in fact, hundreds, of down ballot races that have even more effect on our daily lives that are also up for election.

If you don't know where your polling place is (AZ only) -

Arizona SOS' polling place locator is here (This one should include all polling places in all counties, so if your county isn't listed below, use this one. It works for me here in Maricopa County)

Maricopa County's polling place locator is here

Pima County's polling place locator is here

Coconino County Elections page, including a list of polling places, is here

Apache County Elections page, including a list of polling places, is here

Santa Cruz County polling places are listed here


Other things to keep in mind in Arizona:

If you have an early ballot, it can be dropped off at any polling place in your county on Tuesday, and it will be counted.

If you vote in a precinct other than your own, you will have to cast a provisional ballot and IT WON'T BE COUNTED.

If there is a long line at your polling place, report it to your county party, and if you want your vote to be counted, STAY IN LINE.  If an elections official encourages/suggests that you leave and come back later, this is an attempt at voter suppression.

Period.

Early voting has started in Arizona...

...and while it is a primary election, all voters, even unaffiliated ones, can, and *should* participate...

From an email from the City of Mesa -

Early voting for the Aug. 30 Arizona Primary Election began on Aug. 3 and ends on Aug. 26.

Voters on the Permanent Early Voting List and voters wishing to receive an early ballot who are not registered with a declared political party must contact Maricopa County Elections at (602) 506-1511 to request which ballot they want to receive (Republican, Democrat, Green or non-partisan if it is a ballot for [non-partisan] candidates only). Voters, not registered with a party, who plan on going to the polls to vote can request the ballot they want upon arrival at the polling site.

While this email focused only on Maricopa County (home county of Mesa), the procedure is the same in other counties, except election questions should be directed to the relevant county's elections department. 

Maricopa County's list of early voting sites is here.

Pima County's list of early voting sites is here.

Pinal County's early voting sites are the offices of the Pinal County Recorder; the list of those offices is here.

Yavapai County's early voting sites are the offices of the Pinal County Recorder; the list of those offices is here.

Yuma County - early ballots can be dropped off at the county recorder's office here.

Santa Cruz County - contact the Elections Department at 520-375-7808 for early voting information.  The full list of voting centers for the election is here.  Note: Santa Cruz County's website is vague, but I do *not* believe these are also early voting locations.

Coconino County's list of early voting sites can be downloaded here.

For the other counties, please contact their elections departments for the relevant early voting information.

Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team vs Arizona's NFL Alumni

One of the hallmarks of the two week period between the end of the NFL's conference championship games and the beginning of its league championship game (aka - "The Super Bowl"...you may have heard about it :) ) is the multitude of related events held in the the Super Bowl's host city (and environs).

Some of the events are directly related to the NFL; some are not.

Many, maybe even most, of the events are little more than opportunities for varieties of rich and/or famous people to hob-knob with other varieties of rich and/or famous people.

A few, however, are genuinely *good* things.

From the NFL's Super Bowl Media Guide -

The Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team (WWAFT) will play against a team of Arizona's NFL Alumni*

Date: Wednesday, January 28

Time: 6 - 9 p.m.

Where:

     Shadow Mountain High School 

     2900 E Shea Blvd 

     Phoenix, AZ 

Cost: Adults - $10  Children and students under 18 - Free

Tickets available here. 

The Wounded Warriors Amputee Football Team is made up of men and women who served and now need " a prosthetic device to engage in everyday life activities."  The team plays exhibition football games against current and retired pro athletes to help show that veterans, wounded and otherwise, are ready and able to live full lives.

Finish the Ballot - vote for the judges

As the above video, prepared by the Arizona Bar Association, explains, in the state's three most populous counties, judges are first selected for the job based on merit (explanation video here).  After that, they are periodically subject to "retention" election - if a judge gets more "no" votes than "yes" votes, he or she loses the job.

Most voters aren't familiar with individual judges (and that's mostly a good thing - the easiest way to become familiar with a judge is to have to appear in court).  Even politically active people (like me) are only a little more knowledgeable about the members of our judiciary, in that the names of the five justices of the state supreme court are slightly familiar.

To help voters learn how well judges are doing their jobs, the state's Judicial branch has set up the Arizona Commission on Judicial Performance Review (JPR).

One of the things that JPR does is survey the people who interact with our judges and solicit feedback on the judges' professionalism, fairness, and the way that they operate their courts.

The judges are then evaluated by JPR and given a grade of "meet" or "does not meet" performance standards.

JPR's performance reports on the individual judges are here.

One judge in Maricopa County and one in Pima County earned a "does not meet" evaluation.

If you have an early ballot, they should be put in the mail by October 31 so that they reach the county recorder by November 4.  Otherwise, bring your ballot to any polling place on Election Day.


The state bar association has created a contest for Instagram videos that encourage people to "Finish the ballot. Vote for the judges!"

More information on the contest here.

Affordable Care Act forums and town halls

...of the "real" variety, not the Republicans' "half-truths, misleading statements, and outright lies" variety...

First, the forums -

Other forums, also involving the LD19 legislators above -

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013 
Time:  6 to 8 p.m.  
Place: Desert West Community Center, 6501 W. Virginia Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85035
 

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Place: City of Tolleson Building, Parks and Recreation Center, multi-purpose room, 9555 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson, AZ 85353 

Other events can be found here, at the website of Cover Arizona.

Now, the town halls (actually, tele-town halls).  Info courtesy State Rep. Andrea Dalessandro (D - LD2) -

Call-in information:
Call 559-726-1200 and use the code 322773. 

Please note: this call is not toll free. Long-distance charges may apply.

Tele-Town Hall (English)

Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Times: 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Herb Schultz, the regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will join Dalessandro for both calls on Dec. 3.


Tele-Town Hall (Spanish)

Date: Thursday, December 5, 2013
Times: 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Dr. Betsy Thompson and Roberto Diaz with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be available for both calls on Dec. 5.


These events are open to the public and the press. To RSVP, email adalessandro@azleg.gov or call 1-800-352-8404, ext. 65342.

Open enrollment in healthcare exchanges starting next week...

Despite the many, and increasingly desperate, efforts of Congressional Republicans to stop it, enrollment in state-based health insurance exchanges created as part of the Affordable Care Act starts October 1st.

There are still many questions about the exchanges and the process of enrolling in them.

Courtesy Healthcare.gov, some answers to some questions (more information at each link) -

What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?

The Marketplace is a new way to find quality health coverage. It can help if you don’t have coverage now or if you have it but want to look at other options.

With one Marketplace application, you can learn if you can get lower costs based on your income, compare your coverage options side-by-side, and enroll.

-- Arizona-specific information:

Health Insurance Marketplace in Arizona

If you live in Arizona, you’ll use this website, HealthCare.gov, to apply for coverage, compare plans, and enroll. Specific plans and prices will be available on October 1, 2013, when Marketplace open enrollment begins. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2014.

How do I get help enrolling in the Marketplace?

The Marketplace will offer several kinds of assistance to help you apply for coverage and choose a plan that meets your needs.

• online questions and answers
• online chat — available now
• a toll-free call center—available now
• people in your community trained to help you apply and enroll

Find local help

In all states, there will be people trained and certified to help you understand your health coverage options and enroll in a plan. They will be known by different names, depending on who provides the service and where they are located. All will provide similar kinds of help:

• Navigators
• Application assisters
• Certified application counselors
• Government agencies, such as State Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Offices

Insurance agents and brokers can also help you with your application and choices.

-- Find help in your area at Localhelp.healthcare.gov.

 

What if I have job-based insurance?

If you have job-based health insurance you like, you can keep it. You're considered covered. You may be able to change to Marketplace coverage if you want to.

Any job-based health plan you currently have qualifies as minimum essential coverage. You don't need to change to a Marketplace plan in order to avoid the fee that uninsured people may have to pay for 2014. If you'd like to explore Marketplace coverage options you can, but there are several important things to consider.

How can I get lower costs on Marketplace coverage?

When you use the Health Insurance Marketplace you may be able to get lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs, or get free or low-cost coverage.

3 ways to save on health care coverage

You can save money in the Health Insurance Marketplace 3 ways. All of them depend on your income and family size.

1. You may be able to lower costs on your monthly premiums when you enroll in a private health insurance plan. These plans all cover essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions.
2. You may qualify for lower out-of-pocket costs for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
3. You or your child may get free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program CHIP. Some states will be expanding Medicaid eligibility in 2014, so you may qualify even if you have been turned down for Medicaid in the past.

What do small businesses need to know?

Small businesses may get health coverage in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace. No employers are required to offer health coverage.

Starting in 2014, businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees can use SHOP to offer coverage to their employees. This applies to non-profit organizations as well. You control the coverage you offer and how much you pay toward premium costs.

Health coverage through SHOP starts as soon as January 1, 2014. Open enrollment begins October 1, 2013. You can sign up and begin offering coverage any time during the year.

Do I qualify for Medicaid?

You qualify for Medicaid based on income and family size. If you're eligible, you get free or low-cost care and don't need to buy a Marketplace plan.

Medicaid basics

Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines, but they vary somewhat from state to state.

== AHCCCS eligibility requirements here.

What if I'm self-employed?

If you're self-employed with no employees, you're not considered an employer. You can use the individual Marketplace to find coverage that fits your needs.

How to know if you’re "self-employed"

If you run an income-generating business with no employees, then you're considered self-employed (not an employer) and can get coverage through the Marketplace. You’re not considered an employer even if you hire independent contractors to do some work.
If you have employees (generally, workers whose income you report on a W-2 at the end of the year) you’re considered an employer. Then you could get coverage for yourself and your employees through the SHOP Marketplace. Learn more about how to determine if you have employees.

New options for the self-employed

If you're self-employed, you'll have more health coverage options in 2014.

Starting October 1, 2013, you can use the Marketplace to find health coverage that fits your budget and meets your needs. You can compare important features of several plans side-by-side, all of them offering a full package of essential health benefits. You can see what your premium, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs will be before you decide to enroll.

You can't be denied coverage or charged more because you have a pre-existing health condition.
If you currently have individual insurance--a plan you bought yourself, not the kind you get through an employer--you may be able to change to a Marketplace plan. Learn more about changing individual insurance plans.

What if I have a pre-existing health condition?

Starting in 2014, health insurance plans can't refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a pre-existing health condition. (Emphasis added here)

How does the health care law protect me?

 Part 1.

Rights & Protections

Part 2.

The Health Insurance Marketplace

Part 3.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

Part 4.

Summary of Benefits and Coverage

Part 5.

Cracking Down on Frivolous Cancellations

Part 6.

Doctor Choice & Emergency Room Access

Part 7.

Young Adult Coverage

Part 8.

Free Preventive Care

Part 9.

Ending Lifetime & Yearly Limits

Part 10.

Rate Review & the 80/20 Rule

Part 11.

Your Right to Appeal Coverage Decisions

And if you were wondering about the section on death panels?  There isn't one, because they don't exist outside of the Koch-fueled fantasies of certain Republicans.

Upcoming AHCCCS/Medicaid restoration actions

First, learn about the governor's proposal at a training session on Thursday -

AHCCCS Training Session on The Governor’s Medicaid Coverage Plan

PURPOSE: The future of Medicaid is at a critical time. Support for the

Governor’s Plan is needed to ensure that over 60,000 people

do not lose coverage. Learn more about how YOU can help! 

DATE: Thursday, May 9, 2013; 6:00-7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Disability Empowerment Center (DEC), 5025 E. Washington St., Suite 202, Phoenix, AZ 85034

RSVP to: Info@azahcccs.gov

REASONS TO ATTEND:

-Become an expert on the Governor’s Medicaid Plan

-Learn how to write a Letter to the Editor

-Identify your elected officials and how to contact them

-Lead Civic Academies in your communities 

Then take your newly-acquired knowledge to a rally at the State Capitol on Wednesday, May 15.

The Medicaid Restoration Coalition is holding a rally to let legislators know that there is a large amount of support for the governor's proposal on the House lawn at 11 a.m.  Arrive early for good parking.  The best spots in the parking lots of the Executive Tower and Wesley Bolin Plaza will go quickly.

Summary:

What: Rally for Restoration

When: 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 15

Where: House Lawn, Arizona State Capitol

East Mesa Justice of the Peace resigns after shoplifting charge; replacement process announced

From the Arizona Republic, written by Jim Walsh -

An East Mesa justice of the peace accused of shoplifting resigned Wednesday from the bench, citing medical problems. 

Judge Mark Chiles resigned effective May 31, according to a letter he sent to the Board of Supervisors. He was cited by Mesa police on a misdemeanor shoplifting charge on April 3 involving the theft of a $40 speaker from a Walmart near his court. 

“Although I believe that I have never acted with criminal intent, I wish to apologize for any embarrassment that my actions have caused my fellow judges, to the judicial system as a whole, and to my family,” Chiles wrote.

 The member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in whose district the East Mesa Justice Precinct falls is Steve Chucri.  He announced the instructions for applying to fill the opening (yes, there's a typo, but it isn't mine and it doesn't affect the meaning of the statement.  As such, it stays :) ) -

Following the official resignation of Justice of the Peace Mark Chiles, effective May 31, 2013, Supervisor Steve Chucri announced the process and timeline for appointing Chiles’ replacement.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and resume (including the individual’s home address, email address, and contact phone number) to the Clerk of the Board by 5:00 PM, Friday, May 24

. All documents filed with the Clerk’s Office will become public records. 

Per state law, all applicants must live in the East Mesa Justice Court District (§11-402) and be registered Republicans (§16-230(A)(2)). The individual appointed to fill the vacancy will serve out the remainder of the term which ends December 31, 2014.

Send letter of interest and resume to:
Fran McCarroll
Clerk of the Board
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
301 West Jefferson, 10th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-506-3766
Fax: 602-506-6402
Email: ClerkBoard@mail.maricopa.gov

 The press release mentions the two legal requirements (live in the district and be a Republican, a member of the same party as Chiles), but there are some characteristics that are recommended (though not legally required) -

JPs should have rubber arms.  They sign their names.  A lot.

JPs should have thick skins.  At least half the people who appear in front of them go away unhappy, and some have been known to express that unhappiness.  Loudly.

JPs should have patience.  More than half of the people who appear in front of them know little or nothing about the legal system and need explanations.

JPs should be willing to answer their phone at all hours.  They get phone calls from police agencies for telephonic warrants day or night, seven days a week.

JPs are the highest-paid elected officials in Arizona (yes, more than even the governor.  Maricopa County JPs: `$105K; the governor: $95K).  They should have the good taste not to shop (or shoplift) at WalMart.

Recall Joe Arpaio: Send the "Pink Underwear" man a message with a Pink Postcard

Respect Arizona, the group behind the effort to recall Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, is closing in on its goal of collecting enough petition signatures to force a recall election.

It has now come up with a way to both send a message to Arpaio and to raise funds to support their efforts.

Pink Postcards.

For $2 each, or 3 for $5, people can send a message to Arpaio, letting him know why you think he should be removed from office.

Every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., the newest batch of messages from the people of the county, state, and country are delivered to Arpaio.  If you want to participate in the recall, if you want your voice to be among the thousands clamoring for justice and integrity to return to the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office, sign up and order postcards here.

Boston bombing: Pictures of possible suspects released

From the Facebook page of the Massachusetts State Police -

 

 

Also from the Massachusetts State Police -

THESE ARE THE SUSPECTS IN THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING. DO YOU RECOGNIZE EITHER OF THESE MEN? Think of neighbors, co-workers, fellow students, or other acquaintances who may fit these descriptions. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI with any information or provide tips via https://bostonmarathontips.fbi.gov/ They should be considered dangerous. Do not approach them yourself. If you see them, call police immediately.

Note: 1-800-CALL-FBI translates to 1-800-225-5324

Two weeks left to sign up for an independent foreclosure review

I listen to the radio in the morning when I am getting ready for the day ahead (shaving, showering, etc.).  Like most local radio stations, the one that I listen to most often airs advertisements to pay for the rest of the operation.

Many, perhaps most, of the advertisements aired that relate to real estate or to creditworthiness tend to sound like scams (i.e - land "deals" in rural areas of AZ with no water, roads, or infrastructure or "credit improvement" services that involve sending lots of money to complete strangers) and I tend to tune them out once I understand the subject matter of the spot.

One of the spots currently running frequently has a speaker claiming to be from the federal Comptroller of the Currency and involves an "independent foreclosure review".  At first, I ignored the ad, figuring it was a scam like most of the others, but as the spot was played again and again, I kept wondering how they could claim outright to be from a federal agency.

Turns out they can, because they are.

From the website of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board (emphasis mine):

The Federal Reserve Board issued enforcement actions against four large mortgage servicers
--GMAC Mortgage, HSBC Finance Corporation, SunTrust Mortgage, and EMC Mortgage Corporation--in April 2011. Under those actions, the four servicers were required to retain independent consultants to review foreclosures that were initiated, pending, or completed during 2009 or 2010. The review is intended to determine if borrowers suffered financial harm directly resulting from errors, misrepresentations, or other deficiencies that may have occurred during the foreclosure process. The servicers are required to compensate borrowers for financial injury resulting from deficiencies in their foreclosure processes.

 

If you had a mortgage loan on your primary residence and believe you were financially harmed during the mortgage foreclosure process by any of the four servicers in 2009 or 2010, you can request an independent review and potentially receive compensation. The four servicers are required to make the independent reviews available to borrowers as part of their compliance with the April 2011 enforcement actions.

       

A number of servicers supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) are also required to conduct independent reviews. (See below for the full list of servicers.)

 

Eligibility for Review

Borrowers are eligible for an independent foreclosure review if they meet the following criteria:

• the property securing the loan was the borrower's primary residence;
• the mortgage was in the foreclosure process (initiated, pending, or completed) at any time between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010; and
• the mortgage was serviced by one of the following mortgage servicers:        

America's Servicing Company	Countrywide	National City Mortgage
Aurora Loan Services	EMC Mortgage Corporation	PNC Mortgage
BAC Home Loans Servicing	EverBank/EverHome Mortgage Company	Sovereign Bank
Bank of America	Financial Freedom	SunTrust Mortgage
Beneficial	GMAC Mortgage	U.S. Bank
Chase	HFC	Wachovia Mortgage
Citibank	HSBC	Washington Mutual (WaMu)
CitiFinancial	IndyMac Mortgage Services	Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
CitiMortgage	MetLife Bank	Wilshire Credit Corporation

If you previously filed a complaint with these servicers about foreclosures pending during the review period, you may still seek an independent review of your foreclosure.

       

There are no costs associated with being included in the review; the review is a free program. Beware of anyone who wants payment to assist you in connection with the independent foreclosure review or any other foreclosure assistance program.

The deadline for seeking an independent review is December 31, 2012.  Full details are available at the linked website.