Arizona District 17 Representative Tom Forese brought us up-to-date on happenings at the State Capitol. He was introduced by Patrick Cassidy. District 17 includes Sun Lakes and parts of Chandler and Gilbert.Rep. Tom’s focus is on economic development.
 
 
Arizona District 17 Representative Tom Forese brought us up-to-date on happenings at the State Capitol. He was introduced by Patrick Cassidy. District 17 includes Sun Lakes and parts of Chandler and Gilbert.Rep. Tom’s focus is on economic development. 
 
He praised Rotary and its 4-Way Test, especially “Is It Fair?” He thinks Arizona will become either a giant welfare state or a thriving metropolis.
 
He feels Arizona is the most American of the 50 states. He noted many legislators have been carrying weapons because they fear for their safety. He emphasized that Arizona has to have pro-business, pro-economic growth policies.
 
Rep. Tom said that metal theft is a huge problem. We heard examples of varying types of metal theft from several of our members present.
 
He said the damage done far exceeds the retail value of what was stolen. He noted that in 2012 there were 4,260 arrests for metal theft, but fewer than 50 convictions.
 
There are four groups involved in the metal theft problem: the public, landlords, the utilities and scrap dealers. “One way to stop the problem is to keep buyers from buying,” he said. However, he also indicated that may not be a practical solution.
 
He has introduced legislation to combat the issue. His law covers damage and pubic endangerment.
 
He talked about a software program whereby theft reports are logged into the system. Reports go to scrap dealers and police departments. These can be helpful in convictions.