Thread by @maricopacounty

Newly-elected Chairman @billgatesaz is outlining his vision for Maricopa County in 2022. Watch live: youtube.com/maricopacounty…. This thread will share highlights.

@billgatesaz Gates says the community has been tested “by a novel virus that has not just threatened our health, but our compassion for one another… an uncertain labor market and rising prices… and the greatest single challenge to our democracy in my lifetime and likely yours."

“Our quality of life depends on the quality of our democracy. The quality of our democracy is directly tied to the strength of our democratic institutions. And right now those institutions, including @maricopacounty government, are at risk because of widespread misinformation.”

Gates announces hearing later today on County elections: “The Cyber Ninjas claimed there were more than 53,000 questionable ballots cast in 2020. Our expert analysis found fewer than 100 out of 2.1 million with no systemic issues identified and no impact on the outcome of races.”

.@billgatesaz: “The attempt to undermine democratic elections puts at risk everything else we take for granted in a free country—speech, security, economic progress. And that’s why the County has not been silent and will not be silent in the face of lies.”

On election rhetoric: “We’ve seen what happens when people are falsely told that an election has been rigged or stolen. They storm a Capitol building. They threaten to hang or shoot election workers. They call fellow Americans traitors. The American family cannot stand for it."

Gates promises to oversee transparent elections in the coming year. “Running safe, secure elections is my #1 priority in 2022.”

Gates encourages Maricopa County residents to get vaccinated/boosted amid the recent #COVID19 surge:
"I’m grateful for Public Health staff, volunteers, and partners involved in this effort. I truly believe your work is saving lives.”

On the economic response to pandemic: "With a new round of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, our potential to help those who truly need it will be greater than ever."

.@billgatesaz cites new programs to put trained nurses directly from schools into hospitals; affordable housing initiatives; homeless infrastructure investment. Directs people to learn about all county assistance programs at Maricopa.gov/rescue.

On his goal for county government: “Our focus should be helping people get things done—with low taxes, fewer regulations, and less red tape—so we create an environment where families and businesses can thrive.”

Chairman @billgatesaz says @maricopacounty Board of Supervisors will cut property #taxes in 2022 for the second year in a row: “We can do that responsibly, so people have more money in their pockets without a negative impact on the service they get from us.”

Gates wants Maricopa County to set the bar for how governments serve by being “transparent and timely in what we deliver.”

Gates: "2 years ago, life in America changed as a pandemic hit our shores. 1 year ago, it changed again as insurrectionists stormed our most hallowed halls. Through it all, public servants from @maricopacounty have done what’s right & necessary to protect the American family."

That’s a wrap for the Chairman’s speech. Check back at 1:30 pm as @billgatesaz presides over a hearing about the 2020 election and the county’s final response to the Senate/Cyber Ninja inquiry. #azaudit

And by the way for those of you who are new around here... We’re not talking about 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 Bill Gates, we’re talking about 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 Bill Gates: maricopa.gov/247/District-3 @billgatesaz