Page 14 May 2011 This month’s report from councilman Sal DiCiccio “A faxed message that was sent on 2/18/2011 consists of what appears to be a target with a silhouette of Mr. DiCiccio at the center. That the message was sent to Mr. DiCiccio near the time of the Tucson, Arizona, shooting; a shooting in which an elected of fi cial was a primary target, makes it of greater concern.” - Phoenix police report 4-11-11 You want to know why things don’t get done in politics? Because special interests that live off of your tax money will do and say anything to keep their gravy train - at your expense. Most decision-makers cave to the pressure. People have asked why I have been so determined to make the changes necessary to protect you and your family. It’s because I have hope, and because I believe that we can make our city a better place. And I believe the current path, the one taken by Detroit, General Motors and Greece, should move to a path that makes us economically strong long into the future and protects our quality of life. Things don’t get done because it is too easy for most to walk away and let someone else deal with the problem. The calls and the threats started to pile on when I began exposing a system in which employees can walk away with hundreds of thousands dollars of your money at retirement, that Phoenix’s 15,000 employees get an average $100,000 in total compensation, 40 1/2 days off a year (to start), free transit, $8,000 a year for education expenses, post-employment health dollars and a generous guaranteed- payment pension that allows them to retire in their 50s (plus more bene fi ts). All these are perks that your tax dollars fund for city employees, bene fi ts I’ll bet that you - the boss - don’t get. The fax mentioned in the police report above had “Aiming for you” hand- written under the image. It was one of a dozen faxes, most with city of Phoenix union letterhead and sent from a union fax machine, that made threats and called names. Previously, my car was vandalized in a secure city hall parking garage that only city employees can enter . They even faxed me a picture of the car I drive (often with my kids in it), to send the message that they watch me. And my wife got a call at home asking if she knew of any good agents for union workers. Not very subtle. OK, I get that elected of fi cials get hooted at and called names. That’s just part of the package, and I can handle that. I’m a big Continued on page 24 Independent Living Personalized Assisted Living Exceptional Experiences Every Day SM 13240 North Tatum Boulevard Phoenix, Arizona 85032 www.brookdaleliving.com LEADERSHIP MATTERS Some people just make a living on the job. Our people make the difference SM . Hire one good person, treat them well; empower them to serve others – and they will find more good people to join them. That’s our company philosophy and we take special pride in the team of friendly and caring professionals who work together to serve our residents every day. As a Brookdale Senior Living ® community, nothing is more important than ensuring all our residents enjoy comfort, convenience, security and value. And whether they are working to find you the best apartment to fit your budget and lifestyle, serve a five-star meal prepared by a professional chef, or lead you on the path to an Optimum Life ® , our people make the difference. Call (602) 953-3600 or visit our community today and let us show you why and how leadership matters. ([FHSWLRQDO([SHULHQFHV(YHU\'D\LVD6HUYLFH0DUNRI%URRNGDOH6HQLRU/LYLQJ ,QF1DVKYLOOH7186$5HJ863DWHQWDQG702I¿FH523 Steve Bakken, Executive Director WOW! ONLINE DUI ONLINE DUI SERVICES! DUI CLASSES ONLINE! ARIZONA’S FIRST ONLINE DUI SERVICES HOME • OFFICE • TRAVEL... ANYWHERE YOU CAN LOG ON! ONLINE SERVICES: MVD • SR-22 • DRUG, ALCOHOL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SCREENINGS, EDUCATION & TREATMENT Compare our rates. CALL US LAST! Home of the $30 MVD Evaluation!
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