Queen Creek — During the Town Council public‑comment period, Noah James Markham of Tempe told councilors he has experienced what he described as troubling interactions with Queen Creek police and urged the town to take several actions, including disability awareness training for officers and expanded housing and personnel supports.

Markham said he has lived with a disability his whole life and described “a few altercations with your police officers here.” He said, “I shouldn't have to worry about the fear of my life for a police officer in Queen Creek, Arizona. I should feel protected.” He also referenced the Preston Lord case and said it “should have never happened here.”

Markham asked council to require additional officer training on interacting with people with disabilities and to hire more female police officers so maternity leave issues could be addressed; he asked that women who have miscarriages or abortions receive paid time off. He also urged higher pay for firefighters and more Section 8 housing in Queen Creek, and said he had smelled sewer odors in town and asked the council to improve them.

Council members declined to respond in detail during the comment period, citing state law limits on back-and-forth discussion during public comment. The council later continued with agenda business including the wastewater capacity‑fee item on which staff and consultants presented technical analysis and a proposed notice of intention to increase fees.

Speakers and citation
The remarks above were made by Noah James Markham during the council’s public comment period and are summarized from his remarks to the council; they represent his statements and requests to the council, not findings by the council or staff.