Dan Saban for Sheriff 2008
Campaign Kick Off Rally Speech

Today will mark the beginning of the end of Mr. Arpaio’s infamous reign!

• Numbered are the days when entire communities are denied law enforcement services because stationing deputies in their areas is not “convenient.”

• Numbered are the days when entire populations are forced to live in fear simply because of the color of their skin.

• Numbered are the days when 40,000 known felons are allowed to roam freely because this Sheriff does not think it’s a priority.

• Numbered are the days when tens of millions of taxpayer dollars are wasted defending lawsuits due to negligence.

• Numbered are the days of $1.3 million dollar liability insurance premiums with $5 million deductibles.

• Numbered are the days when members of the press and our citizens need to fear having a Sheriff who violates their Constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of speech.

• Numbered are the days when our County jails have numerous health code violations which remain unresolved.

• Numbered are the days when over 400 Detention and Sworn Deputy positions remain vacant while five full time public relations staff members are paid 100’s of thousands of dollars to promote this Sheriff in the media—including one who’s full time job is to promote him Nationally & Internationally.

• Numbered are the days when taxpayers are prohibited by every means possible from learning where their money comes and goes within this Sheriff’s Office.

• Numbered are the days when spin and public perception is more important than the truth.

• And gone are the days when we send deputies to Honduras at taxpayer expense when residents of Aguilla, Gila Bend, Sun City, Sun Lakes, and Anthem are being neglected.

Today is the beginning of a campaign that will return dignity, honor and respect to the office of Sheriff of Maricopa County.

As your next Sheriff,

• I will return cooperation, accountability, and professional law enforcement to Maricopa County.

• I will prioritize services and measure their effectiveness annually.

• I will get serious about fighting crime which does not mean putting on a show for cameras, but by being smart about how to prevent crime and to channel the appropriate resources effectively and efficiently.

• I will go after the 40,000 known felons who are victimizing our communities and not waste your valuable tax dollars investigating phantom threats and targeting anyone who disagrees with me.

• I will cooperate with federal, state, and local authorities to keep our cities safe from gangs, drug traffickers and human smugglers.

• I will overhaul the jail operations and improve the working conditions for the detention officers who are relied upon for their oversight.

• I will see to it that criminals serve their punishment without frills or humiliation and work diligently to create proactive programs which will lower our jail recidivism rates.

• I will expand the Posse Program to give more citizens the opportunity to assist with crime prevention and crime fighting techniques.

• I will make the reopening of satellite jail facilities throughout our county a priority to support our local law enforcement partners in their fight against crime by getting their officers back on the street as soon as possible.

• I will order an immediate and detailed audit of the existing finances and expenditures within this Sheriff’s office.

• I will not renew the contract for the Sheriff’s Office administrative space in the Wells Fargo building, saving all of us millions of dollars in rent and support costs.

Our current sheriff abuses his authority, jeopardizes public safety,and continually tramples over our US Constitution for his personal gain.

His malfeasance has damaged the justice system and created mistrust in law enforcement which has cost the taxpayers nearly $50 million dollars during his tenure.

This is money that could have been used to hire more deputies and increase salaries for the current employees.

His self created celebrity status may give the appearance that he is an effective lawman; however, I’m here to say the facts prove otherwise.

My professional record is one of accomplishment,
effective law enforcement practices, teamwork,
and a long history of effective leadership and resource management.

I’ve been very fortunate and blessed during my professional career.

During my 32 year police career I’ve been successful creating solutions to problems through partnerships with citizens and organizations.

I have developed several programs which promote Citizen Volunteerism and Community ownership.

I created the Holiday DUI Task Force which has become a national model to reduce traffic deaths and injuries by removing impaired drivers during our holiday seasons.

I have implemented several Anti-Gang enforcement efforts and supported our State wide Anti Gang program known as GITEM to reduce violence and fear on our streets.

I developed a full-time police academy which continues to produce highly trained police professionals.

I created a known offender tracking program called Operation CONDOR that has kept our community safer.

I created a very progressive public safety partnership with the Faith Community leaders in Buckeye which was recently recognized by the Governor’s Office and the White House.

For the past 3 years in Buckeye, I have transformed a small and ailing force into a professional and well respected department by cutting waste while improving service to our community.

I have the experience to deliver what I promise.

The taxpayers of Maricopa County deserve competent public safety services, efficient fiscal management, and highly motivated employees.

Taxpayers deserve to know how much money is being spent by their Sheriff and why.

Maricopa County deserves a Sheriff who, instead of instilling fear in its citizens, instills confidence that everyone will be treated fairly, justly, and without bias.

I have the experience.

I have the knowledge.

I have the skills and I have the desire.

I will be the Sheriff who will act as a guardian for your freedoms and security.

I will be the Sheriff who delivers effective police services and doesn’t waste money on sensational gimmicks and self-promotion.

I will be a Sheriff who stands tall for truth and justice.

Now let’s go into battle together and win this for Truth, Justice and the American Way.