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In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Mark Freeman, a seasoned public servant and candidate for mayor of Mesa. With over 31 years of experience as the captain of paramedics for Mesa Fire and Medical, as well as serving as a city council member and local farmer, Mark brings deep insights into the community. During the discussion, he shares his vision for Mesa’s future, focusing on balancing rapid growth with preserving the city's unique neighborhoods, while emphasizing his dedication to public safety.

Mark talks about the decline of agriculture in Mesa, the pressing concerns surrounding water sustainability, and his innovative ideas to address the city’s housing crisis. The conversation also highlights his commitment to school safety and crime prevention, with details about the initiatives he has helped implement, such as the real-time crime center and measures to reduce teen violence. Lastly, Mark outlines his plan to ensure Mesa's fiscal health, promoting responsible growth and neighborhood revitalization. This episode provides a valuable perspective on urban development and public policy for Mesa residents and beyond.

Timeline Summary:

[1:00] - Mark Freeman’s 31-year career with Mesa Fire and Medical and his decision to run for mayor.
[4:10] - Mesa’s rapid growth, the decline of agriculture, and the importance of water conservation.
[7:30] - Addressing Mesa’s housing crisis and encouraging diverse development.
[10:15] - School safety initiatives, the real-time crime center, and reducing teen violence.
[15:45] - Public safety challenges and measures taken to reduce crime rates in Mesa.
[18:30] - Mesa’s water sustainability and infrastructure development plan.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Mark Freeman’s campaign for mayor here.
• Explore Mesa’s climate action and water conservation plan at MesaAZ.gov.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast. Don’t forget to share it with friends and stay tuned for more engaging discussions about the future of Arizona!

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In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, attorney Billie Tarascio sits down with Kayleigh Kozak, the driving force behind Kayleigh's Law, to discuss the pressing issue of sentencing for sex trafficking of minors in Arizona. Kayleigh shares her personal journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and her fight to enact stronger protections for victims. Our conversation focuses on her namesake legislation, Kayleigh's Law, which grants lifetime protection for victims of specific sex crimes. But that's not all—Kayleigh is also advocating for a groundbreaking ballot measure, Proposition 313, which could impose a life sentence on adults convicted of sexually trafficking minors.

This ballot measure aims to bring significant change to Arizona’s legal framework, ensuring that those who buy or sell minors for sex will face life in prison. We unpack why this measure is crucial, how sex trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry that’s shockingly prevalent in Arizona, and why some organizations have opposed the initiative. Kayleigh breaks down the misconceptions surrounding sex trafficking and explains why this law will make Arizona a safer place for children.

Timeline Summary:

[2:00] - Kayleigh's experience with childhood sexual abuse and her journey to creating Kayleigh's Law.
[5:30] - The importance of natural life injunctions and lifetime protection for victims.
[8:15] - Introducing Proposition 313: life sentences for adults convicted of child sex trafficking.
[9:50] - Addressing the opposition to Prop 313 and clarifying misconceptions about minors being prosecuted under the measure.
[12:30] - The scope of sex trafficking in Arizona and why life sentences are necessary to protect children.
[16:15] - Discussing the leniency in the justice system and why harsher penalties are essential.

Links & Resources:

• Kayleigh’s Law Overview.
• Information on Proposition 313.
• Learn more about sex trafficking prevention at EndSexTrafficking.org.

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Ever wonder why some serious crimes, especially those involving teens, seem to result in light sentences like probation or misdemeanors? In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio talks with Tamika Wooten, a longtime prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge who’s now running for Maricopa County Attorney. Tamika pulls back the curtain on how criminal cases are really handled, diving into everything from teen violence cases to the frustrating gaps in the justice system. If you’ve been confused or outraged by what you’ve seen in local headlines, this conversation will help you understand why things play out the way they do.

Tamika shares her perspective on the issues voters are concerned about, and high-profile cases, including the Gilbert Goons, where teens were involved in group assaults and still walked away with minimal consequences. She explains the challenges of prosecutorial discretion and how it impacts everything from sentencing to public safety. This episode doesn’t just stop at the problems—it’s also about solutions. Tamika talks about how the system can be improved, especially when it comes to dealing with mental health, addiction, and making sure justice is actually served.

Whether you’re a voter trying to make sense of the justice system or a concerned community member who wants to know why violent offenders sometimes get off easy, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tamika’s experience from all sides of the courtroom gives her a unique perspective on what’s broken and how it can be fixed.

If you want to learn more about Tamika Wooten and her campaign for Maricopa County Attorney, visit her website at tamika-wooten.com.