GTAZ Welcome Transparency & Accountability in Government Delegation
Last month, Global Ties Arizona welcomed a Transparency & Accountability in Government Delegation representing 21 different countries: Bulgaria, Cambodia, Egypt, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Republic of Kosovo, Liberia, Malawi, Moldova, Nepal, Pakistan, Republic of North Macedonia, South Sudan, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Trinidad & Tobago, and Tunisia!
The program kicked off with a Meeting at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center. The group met with Maricopa County Recorder, Mr. Stephen Richer to explore the facility where the bulk of election administration takes place, including signature verification and ballot tabulation.
The program continued with a meeting at the Citizen Clean Elections Commission where the group met with Ms. Gina Roberts, Voter Education Director. Ms. Roberts provided an overview of the Commission, their programs, and how they help to improve the integrity of the Arizona State government.
The group then met with Secretary of State Adrian Fontes at the Arizona State Capitol’s Executive Towers to discuss the structure of the Arizona state government. Secretary Fontes graciously provided the delegation with a personalized tour of the Arizona House Chamber and the Arizona Capitol Museum. As the last engagement of the day, the delegation enjoyed a reception hosted by Secretary Adrian Fontes in the Historic Senate Chambers.
The following morning, the delegation joined Global Ties Arizona, Mayor David Ortega of Scottsdale, and local community members for a Global Citizen’s Coffee Circle hosted by GTAZ. The delegates connected with local community members over coffee and pastries.
The participants then had the opportunity to hear from the Executive Director of the Arizona Association of Counties, Ms. Jennifer Marson, to learn about the Association and how they play a role in election security and integrity all across the state of Arizona.
The group met with Maricopa County Sheriff, Paul Penzone, and other members of the Executive Team to hear how the Sheriff’s Office was involved in patrolling ballot drop boxes and polling stations to help protect citizens from voter intimidation. The group heard from members of the Executive Team to learn about their initiatives to improve MCSO’s relationship with the Hispanic and Latino communities.
The program concluded at the City of Phoenix Office of Accountability and Transparency where the group met with Mr. Roger Smith, Director of the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT). Mr. Smith discussed how the OAT addresses misconduct allegations, complaints, concerns, etc. and uses data, mediation, and transparency to rebuild trust between the Phoenix Police Department and the local community.