Protesters Demand Crackdown On Arpaio

The Arizona Republic reports:

Critics of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio staged a raucous show Thursday in hopes of pressuring the Board of Supervisors to monitor more closely his enforcement of immigration laws and the amount of public money spent on lawsuits that involve his office,

The protestors, hundreds strong, were unsuccessful in holding the five elected officials to any promises. The Supervisors unanimously approved a $2.4 billion budget, up slightly from this year, with cuts in nearly all departments and programs, and about 428 eliminated vacant positions and layoffs.

But the it was more of a rowdy bash-session and less of a budget hearing.The session in downtown Phoenix was standing room only filled with protestors and sheriff’s officials. The meeting went on for three hours, interrupted with bursts of applause and name-calling.

Histrionics ensued when protesters weren’t allowed to rant past their 3 minute limit:

Dozens responded by walking out, screaming, “Your sheriff is a disgrace to the nation.”

But Arpaio is known for his thick skin:

Arpaio vowed he will continue to enforce “all of the laws of this land” despite the criticism. He blamed the protest and ongoing political controversies over his immigration sweeps and on a “conspiracy” among Democrats Gov. Janet Napolitano, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox.

Arpaio thanked the four Republican supervisors – who stood at one point to indicate their support – for backing him.

About the protesters:

About 200 of the protestors were from a new group, the Maricopa Citizens for Safety and Accountability. They helped pack the room to capacity, and many were sent across the plaza to watch the hearing on TV.

Many wore red T-shirts, with a message to the supervisors on the back: Stop Wasting OUR money. No more lawsuits. No more media circus. No more money for Arpaio.

“I’m the sheriff and I decide on the policies of this office and I’ll continue to do so,” he said.

Red tee-shirts. ’nuff said.

Buried in the very last paragraph in the AZ Republic article:

A small group of Arpaio supporters spoke in his favor and Anna Gaines was among them: “I support . . . the sheriff 100 percent,” she said.

Via Seeing Red AZ I learned that what they neglected to mention is that Ms. Gaines is Hispanic, and a spokesperson for the group: You Don’t Speak For Me.

Hat tip: Crime Scene KC