Carefree Truth
Issue #714, December 24, 2018
Gary Neiss explained that municipalities are required per Arizona State Statute to have courts. In 2013/14, Carefree and Cave Creek consolidated their courts to gain efficiency by sharing the staff and facilities. Carefree operates the Court which is located in Cave Creek. Judge Olehan, who took over when Judge Scull retired, has been servicing the Court for the past 4 years, and was pivotal in the consolidation process. The Court has received great scores from both the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and from the auditing firm that audits the administrative arm of the Court. Kudos go to Judge Olehan, who oversees the Court. The new contract is an extension of the previous one, with identical terms.
Judge Olehan said it is an honor to work for both Towns and to be the Judge for the Consolidated Court. The Court is doing very well. She found it in good hands. The previous Court Administrator was excellent and the current one is just as excellent. They have a small but amazing team, and have become even more efficient over the past 4 years. The Judge's goal is to serve justice, and to make everyone feel their voices have been heard when they come before the Court, even if they don't like the final decision. She strives to maintain professionalism and appropriate courtroom decorum.
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer said she spent a morning at the Consolidated Court as an observer when she was first elected. It's quite an operation, and she was so impressed with the compassion shown to every person who appeared before the Judge. Judge Olehan clearly explained everything and showed touching respect. Ms. Kroyer was happy to keep Judge Olehan for another 4 years.
Judge Olehan said she loves her court. While it doesn't have the resources of some of the big courts, they do have the ability to give people time. The bigger courts are busy and must rush people through.
Vice Mayor John Crane asked Judge Olehan to talk about the Veteran's Court. She said she is really excited to be a part of that. The Veteran's Court is physically located in Tempe, but many cities and towns participate in it. Civil offenses don't qualify, but if someone has a criminal offense the Judge asks them if they have ever served in the Armed Forces. Our veterans have served and sacrificed, and they should be treated differently. The Veteran's Court is a specialty court that can offer resources not available in regular courts. It is a voluntary program, so no one is forced to participate. Cases generally last from 6 months to a year, and the veterans can sometimes earn a dismissal by going through the programs and classes. Someone from the Veteran's Administration is always there to assist them. She noted that the two prosecutors who were at the meeting are also involved and instrumental in making the Veteran's Court work.
She also noted that in the last few years, Supreme Court mandates have come down to improve security in courts. They have been working with the Town of Cave Creek to up the standards. They are always diligent about security for the safety of the court employees and for those who come before the court.
Mayor Les Peterson offered his support of the Judge. He has seen her in action. The Veteran's Court is an excellent example. Roughly 1/3 of those who have served in the Armed Forces have been to war zones and have returned with some kind of physical or mental issue which can lead to situations like drug use. The goal is not to punish those who have received problems by virtue of serving our country, but to rehabilitate them. He also noted that being in court is emotionally charged. In the 4 years that Judge Olehan has overseen the Court, the Town has received zero calls complaining about their treatment in the Court, and the audits have been sterling. He thanked the Judge for all she does.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio asked if there was armed security when court is in session. Judge Olehan said the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is next door to the Court, but armed security from them is unreliable, as they are already stretched thin. A Deputy was there when threats had been made, but MCSO is not part of the judicial branch and can't be forced to be present when court is in session. They have an incredible bailiff who screens everyone that comes into the court, and who is armed with a taser. They have also recently installed new swipe card alarms at the bench, as recommended by the Supreme Court. They hold security meetings and have a Security and Emergency Preparedness Committee that meets quarterly. Law enforcement and fire officials are part of this committee. They are always working on ways to make the Court more secure.
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked the Judge about the new level of security. She replied that the AOC had given the courts 3 years to implement certain standards, and they are now in year 3. Some are not do-able for smaller courts with limited resources, and they can petition to be excused from measures where the costs outweigh the reasonable benefits. The Consolidated Court already had screening procedures and a bulletproof bench in place. They have just installed new and improved security cameras. Mr. Hatcher asked if the Towns could do something to help improve security. Judge Olehan said they are now meeting all the mandates, but she always welcomes anyone who wants to walk through and give recommendations for security improvements. A security specialty division of MCSO had already done so, which resulted in the improved security cameras. She and the employees check the cameras, which show the areas inside and outside of the building, before leaving. No court is perfect, but they do what they can to ensure safety.
The Council unanimously approved the extension of Judge Olehan's contract for another 4 years. The Mayor thanked her for her excellent service.
https://vimeo.com/304960411
Next, Mr. Neiss reported that Tom Parascandola, who has served as the Town Prosecutor for the past 17 years, was recently appointed as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Phoenix. This requires an extensive screening process; it is unheard of to get the appointment after just one interview, but Mr. Parascandola did so. His time as the Town Prosecutor was marked by the same caring and compassion for which the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Court is known.
He worked with Manny Bustamante and Allen Kuffner on occasion, and he highly recommended them as his replacements. All 3 gentlemen have been acting prosecutors for numerous small municipalities. The advantage to a two man operation is the built-in back up. The contract fee schedule for Bustamante & Kuffner, PC, is the same as it has been for Mr. Parascandola services, and nothing is substantially changing in the new contract.
Mr. Bustamante said they have been interacting with the Court for the past 2 months and feel they are a good fit. He called Judge Olehan and the Court staff amazing. He and Mr. Kuffner met with Gary Neiss and Mayor Peterson to discuss their mutual philosophies. Both the Town and the prosecutors believe in providing customer service. Coming to court is very stressful for people. The prosecutors want to be sure they feel they have been treated fairly and with respect, have been heard during their day in court, and that justice has been done.
Mr. Bustamante and Mr. Kuffner met in law school, then worked together for the County Attorney Prosecutor's office. They started their own law firm in 2000, providing services to small towns. They appreciated the opportunity to provide services to the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Court.
Mayor Peterson said they came highly recommended by Mr. Parascandola, and have filled in for him on occasion. He looks forward to a long and productive relationship with the two new prosecutors. The Council unanimously voted to approve their contract.
https://vimeo.com/305028721
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Issue #714, December 24, 2018
Gary Neiss explained that municipalities are required per Arizona State Statute to have courts. In 2013/14, Carefree and Cave Creek consolidated their courts to gain efficiency by sharing the staff and facilities. Carefree operates the Court which is located in Cave Creek. Judge Olehan, who took over when Judge Scull retired, has been servicing the Court for the past 4 years, and was pivotal in the consolidation process. The Court has received great scores from both the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and from the auditing firm that audits the administrative arm of the Court. Kudos go to Judge Olehan, who oversees the Court. The new contract is an extension of the previous one, with identical terms.
Judge Olehan said it is an honor to work for both Towns and to be the Judge for the Consolidated Court. The Court is doing very well. She found it in good hands. The previous Court Administrator was excellent and the current one is just as excellent. They have a small but amazing team, and have become even more efficient over the past 4 years. The Judge's goal is to serve justice, and to make everyone feel their voices have been heard when they come before the Court, even if they don't like the final decision. She strives to maintain professionalism and appropriate courtroom decorum.
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer said she spent a morning at the Consolidated Court as an observer when she was first elected. It's quite an operation, and she was so impressed with the compassion shown to every person who appeared before the Judge. Judge Olehan clearly explained everything and showed touching respect. Ms. Kroyer was happy to keep Judge Olehan for another 4 years.
Judge Olehan said she loves her court. While it doesn't have the resources of some of the big courts, they do have the ability to give people time. The bigger courts are busy and must rush people through.
Vice Mayor John Crane asked Judge Olehan to talk about the Veteran's Court. She said she is really excited to be a part of that. The Veteran's Court is physically located in Tempe, but many cities and towns participate in it. Civil offenses don't qualify, but if someone has a criminal offense the Judge asks them if they have ever served in the Armed Forces. Our veterans have served and sacrificed, and they should be treated differently. The Veteran's Court is a specialty court that can offer resources not available in regular courts. It is a voluntary program, so no one is forced to participate. Cases generally last from 6 months to a year, and the veterans can sometimes earn a dismissal by going through the programs and classes. Someone from the Veteran's Administration is always there to assist them. She noted that the two prosecutors who were at the meeting are also involved and instrumental in making the Veteran's Court work.
She also noted that in the last few years, Supreme Court mandates have come down to improve security in courts. They have been working with the Town of Cave Creek to up the standards. They are always diligent about security for the safety of the court employees and for those who come before the court.
Mayor Les Peterson offered his support of the Judge. He has seen her in action. The Veteran's Court is an excellent example. Roughly 1/3 of those who have served in the Armed Forces have been to war zones and have returned with some kind of physical or mental issue which can lead to situations like drug use. The goal is not to punish those who have received problems by virtue of serving our country, but to rehabilitate them. He also noted that being in court is emotionally charged. In the 4 years that Judge Olehan has overseen the Court, the Town has received zero calls complaining about their treatment in the Court, and the audits have been sterling. He thanked the Judge for all she does.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio asked if there was armed security when court is in session. Judge Olehan said the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is next door to the Court, but armed security from them is unreliable, as they are already stretched thin. A Deputy was there when threats had been made, but MCSO is not part of the judicial branch and can't be forced to be present when court is in session. They have an incredible bailiff who screens everyone that comes into the court, and who is armed with a taser. They have also recently installed new swipe card alarms at the bench, as recommended by the Supreme Court. They hold security meetings and have a Security and Emergency Preparedness Committee that meets quarterly. Law enforcement and fire officials are part of this committee. They are always working on ways to make the Court more secure.
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked the Judge about the new level of security. She replied that the AOC had given the courts 3 years to implement certain standards, and they are now in year 3. Some are not do-able for smaller courts with limited resources, and they can petition to be excused from measures where the costs outweigh the reasonable benefits. The Consolidated Court already had screening procedures and a bulletproof bench in place. They have just installed new and improved security cameras. Mr. Hatcher asked if the Towns could do something to help improve security. Judge Olehan said they are now meeting all the mandates, but she always welcomes anyone who wants to walk through and give recommendations for security improvements. A security specialty division of MCSO had already done so, which resulted in the improved security cameras. She and the employees check the cameras, which show the areas inside and outside of the building, before leaving. No court is perfect, but they do what they can to ensure safety.
The Council unanimously approved the extension of Judge Olehan's contract for another 4 years. The Mayor thanked her for her excellent service.
https://vimeo.com/304960411
Next, Mr. Neiss reported that Tom Parascandola, who has served as the Town Prosecutor for the past 17 years, was recently appointed as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Phoenix. This requires an extensive screening process; it is unheard of to get the appointment after just one interview, but Mr. Parascandola did so. His time as the Town Prosecutor was marked by the same caring and compassion for which the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Court is known.
He worked with Manny Bustamante and Allen Kuffner on occasion, and he highly recommended them as his replacements. All 3 gentlemen have been acting prosecutors for numerous small municipalities. The advantage to a two man operation is the built-in back up. The contract fee schedule for Bustamante & Kuffner, PC, is the same as it has been for Mr. Parascandola services, and nothing is substantially changing in the new contract.
Mr. Bustamante said they have been interacting with the Court for the past 2 months and feel they are a good fit. He called Judge Olehan and the Court staff amazing. He and Mr. Kuffner met with Gary Neiss and Mayor Peterson to discuss their mutual philosophies. Both the Town and the prosecutors believe in providing customer service. Coming to court is very stressful for people. The prosecutors want to be sure they feel they have been treated fairly and with respect, have been heard during their day in court, and that justice has been done.
Mr. Bustamante and Mr. Kuffner met in law school, then worked together for the County Attorney Prosecutor's office. They started their own law firm in 2000, providing services to small towns. They appreciated the opportunity to provide services to the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Court.
Mayor Peterson said they came highly recommended by Mr. Parascandola, and have filled in for him on occasion. He looks forward to a long and productive relationship with the two new prosecutors. The Council unanimously voted to approve their contract.
https://vimeo.com/305028721
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.