Inside Mesa

I commend Sen. Jon Kyl and President Bush for supporting adult stem-cell research and the ban on fetal farming. This is a position that is both pro-life and pro-science.Despite the media hype, embryonic stem-cell research has not produced any real results or cured any conditions. On the other hand, adult stem-cell research has cured thousands of patients. Stem cells from umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid and the placenta have also produced much more promising results than stem cells from embryos. I want to see diseases cured and new treatments discovered, but not at the expense of destroying human life in any form. That is why I support the alternative stem-cells bill and the ban on fetal farming. These bills allow for scientists to conduct research that actually works while still respecting the dignity of human life. By supporting non-embryonic stem-cell research, we are supporting good, effective research that will actually help people. In light of the alternatives, it makes no sense to continue to publicly fund efforts that are unproven and are ethically questionable.

Hundreds of citizens poured into the gym at Edison Elementary School in Mesa - a tense worrisome time for this neighborhood as police came to brief them on the recent shootings - in Mesa!It was more tense that usual. Less than 24 hours before Monday night’s meeting, another shooting - this time a tragic death - a young woman known for her strong faith, 22 years old. The meeting was scheduled as a result of the shooting injury July 22, about a week earlier. The meeting was held in the school gym, packed to standing room only. Interim Police Chief G.T. Fowler didn’t waste time, addressing both shootings, providing information with an open dialogue, lots of questions - some answered, some he could not, others…they simply had no information. Other police officers and staff addressed the crowd hungry for pertinent information. Patrol Commander John Meza made assurances that extra resources have been added in patrolling the streets and hopefully eased some tensions by letting them know the department is working very hard to solve these crimes.Nicole Tankersley, Crime Prevention Specialist, reviewed important safety tips such as: - avoid going out after dark, don’t go alone - take someone with you, call police of anything suspicious, carry a cell phone, I.D, emergency contact and medical info, avoid a routine by changing your route, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return, make eye contact with those you encounter, bike or walk against the flow of traffic.As a graduate of the Mesa Citizen Police Academy, I know our police department, each unit, and our officers are well equipped, highly trained, have advanced skills and field training, have the practical knowledge and experience in many specialized fields - all working to protect and serve our community, a commitment to serving Mesa.We must remember to adhere to the safety tips we’ve been given, be more aware of what is happening around us, and report anything unusual. The Mesa Police non-emergency number is 480-644-2211. Silent Witness keeps an update and is offering $100,000 for information that will help police solve these crimes - but you must call one of their numbers to submit a report and get a report number. call 480-WITNESS or 1-800-343-TIPS.