Archive for OPINIONS – Page 2

NEITHER THE BLOG NOR THE RED ROCK NEWS SHOULD BE PERCEIVED AS AN ADVERSARY, DESPITE SOME MEMBERS OF THE YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD EXPRESSING SUCH SENTIMENTS. DO GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS AND PRESIDENT RHINE LACK A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PRESS WITHIN A FREE SOCIETY?

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, March 24th, 2024

So, the Blog has provided what may have avoided them in their education in the following short opinion essay followed by a short series of questions to test their understanding of the role of a free press in a democracy.

Editor: Robert E. Oliphant

OPINION:  It has become clear that some members of the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board and Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine may have forgotten (or never knew) the basic reasons a free press functions in a free society. At least that is what one gleans from their recent behavior.

For example, in January one Board member referred to  the Blog and the Redrock News as the “enemy” with the apparent agreement of another. Also in January, Community College president  Dr. Lisa Rhine was working behind the scenes to prevent any video record of a Board meeting being easily made accessible to the public. The Community College’s press department has refused on occasion to either reply or to answer questions put to it by the Blog. Both recent Third District Yavapai Community College Governing Board members (Mr. Chevalier, former member, and Mr. Payne, present representative) have had to resort to the Arizona Public Records law to get information from the College. The College has refused to answer questions put to it by the Red Rock News. One Board member has suggested the press has lied about him but has produced no public evidence in support of that claim.

So, the Blog offers this short essay, prepared by Blog editor Robert Oliphant,  explaining the vital role of the Blog and the Red Rock News (and other news outlets)  in reporting on the Tax-Supported 100 Million dollar Yavapai Community College.

Introduction: In the fabric of democratic societies, the press, including local newspapers and the Blog, serve as a cornerstone, with their  role extending beyond mere dissemination of information to actively shaping public discourse and holding Yavapai Community College accountable. Tax-supported educational entities, like the Community College, hold a unique position. The local press plays a crucial role in accurately reporting on its  activities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the maintenance of democratic values. This essay explores the significance of the local press and the Blog in reporting on Yavapai Community College and explains why their role is indispensable to the sustenance of democracy.

First: First and foremost, tax-supported educational entities like Yavapai Community College, owe  their reliance on public funds and carry an overwhelming responsibility to serve the public interest. The residents of Yavapai County have entrusted the Community College with nurturing intellect, advancing knowledge, and fostering critical thinking, all of which are vital for the functioning of a democratic society. However, without effective oversight, there exists a risk of mismanagement, corruption, or deviation from its core mission. Herein lies the critical role of the local newspapers and the Blog. Through investigative journalism and impartial reporting, the Red Rock News (and other media) and the Blog  serve as watchdogs, scrutinizing the operations of the College  and bringing any discrepancies to light. By exposing instances of financial impropriety, academic misconduct, or administrative malpractice, the Red Rock News  (and other media) and the Blog act as a catalyst for accountability, ensuring that tax dollars are utilized efficiently and ethically.

Second: Moreover, the local press plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency within this  tax-supported educational entity. Transparency is indispensable for maintaining public trust and facilitating informed decision-making. When the Community College and its Governing Board  operate behind closed doors, shielded from public scrutiny, it erodes the very foundation of democracy. By actively engaging in investigative reporting, the Red Rock News (and other media) and the Blog  shed light on the inner workings of the Community College, unveiling hidden agendas, conflicts of interest, and decision-making processes. Through access to information laws and investigative journalism, the press holds the Community College accountable for its actions, and in turn foster a culture of openness and accountability.

Third: Furthermore, the Red Rock News and the Blog (and other local media) serve as a conduit for amplifying diverse voices within the educational landscape in the County. Yavapai Community College  is not a monolithic entity; it  encompasses a myriad of perspectives, ideologies, and interests. However, without robust media coverage, certain voices may be marginalized or silenced. The press plays a crucial role in amplifying diverse perspectives, shedding light on issues such as academic freedom, diversity, equity, and inclusion. By providing a platform for dissenting voices and marginalized communities, the goal is to  enrich public discourse and foster a more inclusive educational environment.

Fourth: Beyond the confines of Yavapai Community College, the role of the press in reporting on the tax-supported Yavapai Community College  extends to its broader implications for democracy. An informed citizenry is the bedrock of democracy, and access to accurate information is essential for citizen participation and engagement. When the Red Rock News or the Blog (or other media) fail to hold educational institutions accountable or neglect to report on issues of public concern, it undermines the democratic process. Conversely, when the local press fulfills its role as a watchdog, it empowers local citizens to make informed decisions and to  hold elected District Governing Board officials accountable.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Red Rock News (and other local media) and the Blog  play a vital role in accurately reporting on the activities of Yavapai Community College. By serving as a watchdog, promoting transparency, amplifying diverse voices, and empowering citizens, we  uphold democratic values and ensure accountability within the Community College. In an era marked by increasing scrutiny of public institutions and growing demands for transparency, the role of the Red Rock News (other media) and the Blog  in safeguarding democracy has never been more critical. As guardians of the public interest, the news media must continue to fulfill their duty with diligence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to truth.

SELF TEST: Having read the essay, you may now test your understanding of the role of the free press in Yavapai County by answer the following questions:

  • What is the role of the press, including local newspapers and blogs, in democratic societies, particularly concerning tax-supported educational entities like Yavapai Community College?

  • Why is it important for tax-supported educational institutions to be transparent in their operations?

  • How do local newspapers and blogs act as watchdogs over Yavapai Community College?

  • What potential risks are associated with tax-supported educational entities operating without effective oversight?

  • How do journalists promote transparency within Yavapai Community College?

  • Why is amplifying diverse voices within the educational landscape considered crucial, and how do local newspapers and blogs contribute to this goal?· What broader implications does the role of the press in reporting on tax-supported educational entities have for democracy?

 

 

Categories : Editorials/Essays, OPINIONS

IS THERE A RISK OF GIVING THE CURRENT DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS EX OFFICIO VETO POWER BY FORMALLY ASKING THEM TO PROVIDE THEIR VIEWS ON PROSPECTIVE THIRD DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD APPLICANTS PRIOR TO THE FINAL APPOINTMENT DECISION?

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, February 26th, 2023

Does the current appointive process lend itself to a preference that the Board function more like an exclusive club rather than a diverse and representative body that accurately represents the interests of all County residents?

Editor: Robert Oliphant

OPINION: When applying to fill the vacant Third District Yavapai Community College District Governing Board seat, it is important for the applicant to be mindful of the potential veto power held by individual Board members. This is because Tim Carter, who makes the final appointment, will be formally asking for each member’s views about a candidate prior to the final selection.  If a Board member expresses strong negative views regarding a candidate, it may, and most likely will, impact that candidate’s  chance of being appointed.

Why should a west-county Board member have this kind of potential ex officio veto power over a prospective candidate from the Third District? After all,  not a single current Board member  lives in Sedona or the Verde Valley. Moreover, Mr. Carter already has an independent committee that will make recommendations to him made up of people who, it is assumed, reflect the values and views of most in the Verde Valley.

Observers who have closely monitored the Board’s proceedings over the years may recall instances where members from the west county expressed notably negative opinions towards Paul Chevalier, particularly during his active advocacy for Sedona and the Verde Valley. Despite this, Mr. Chevalier, a lawyer, had the courage to stand his ground. Throughout his four years on the Board, he  remained a dedicated and well-informed watchdog for Sedona and the Verde Valley  in matters related to the Community College.

It is suspected that some of the current Board members will aim to prevent the selection of a candidate who possesses characteristics similar to those of Mr. Chevalier.  For these members, the ideal new representative will be someone who will strictly and silently abide by all of the Governing Board formal and informal rules. That representative will also avoid at all costs publicly expressing concerns about underfunding or underdevelopment in Sedona and the Verde Valley. Furthermore, the new representative must fit the mold of avoiding asking challenging questions regarding the distribution of limited resources, which have disproportionately favored the Prescott side of Mingus Mountain for over five decades.

The County Education District’s statement regarding the formal involvement of non-resident Board members in the appointment of a Third District Representative provides evidence to suggest that they may possess significant ex officio veto power in the selection process. Here is what that portion of the announcement says regarding the process and Governing Board input:

Prior to making the final selection, the Superintendent will meet separately with each of the currently seated Yavapai College Board Members for their input on the finalists. Members of the public from District 3, will also have an opportunity to email their views of the candidates to Mr. Carter or to meet personally with him for a 10-minute meeting from noon to 4 pm on Thursday, March 9th at the Sedona Campus of Yavapai College after the finalists have been announced.

Anyone can, of course, provide Mr. Carter with his or her views on any candidate.   The problem here is that using a formal process of precisely seeking out the views of Board members prior to the final appointment has the appearance of providing them with too much ex officio veto power in the overall process. That, is seems to me, is a concern.

Categories : Editorials/Essays, OPINIONS

IS FREE SPEECH UNDER ATTACK AT YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE? OR IS IT ONLY PAUL CHEVALIER’S FREE SPEECH THE ADMINISTRATION APPEARS CONCERNED WITH?

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, June 25th, 2022

Former Sedona Center/Verde Valley Dean claims she was subject to possible discipline apparently for allowing Third District Rep Paul Chevalier to speak at OLLI luncheon March 2, 2022

Robert E. Oliphant, Editor

OPINION. If the information now being made public by the former Sedona Center/Verde Campus Dean Dr. Tina Redd is correct, it appears that freedom of speech at the Yavapai Community College is under attack ― at least when it comes to Third District Representative Paul Chevalier.

According to Dean Tina Redd, the College Prescott-based executives were involved in some kind of “back channel” communications about Mr. Chevalier and  appeared to her as almost panicked because he was speaking at a 1:00 p.m. OLLI luncheon March 2, 2022 on the Verde Campus. Dean Redd  alleges that the Community College executives subjected her to something akin to interrogation  about the event.

In her recent public disclosures explaining why she left her position as Sedona Center/Verde Valley Dean, Dr. Redd  commented on the  incident. She wrote:  

“I am bewildered by the flurry of back channel communication surrounding the OLLI Brown Bag luncheon featuring Paul Chevalier.” 

Dean Redd then expanded on  her recollection of events leading up to the March speech:   

Yavapai Community College Third District Representative Paul Chevalier

“My associate dean was contacted on her personal cell phone on a Sunday evening (2/27) asking her to immediately supply information about the event creating a sense of panic.  After a second request, for specific emails between my associate dean and myself, I reached out to Dr. Ryan to let her know I was happy to supply anything she needed.  I was informed two days later that Dr. Ryan has lost her cell phone. Then we were informed that Board Chair Deb McCasland and Tyler Rumsey would attend the event.  Was the event being recorded? “No.”  Did Dr. Redd give permission for the event?  “Dr. Redd doesn’t directly approve OLLI events.” It feels a bit like we’re being interrogated, but we never know why.

After the March event,  Dean Redd says that because of it she perceived she was going to be possibly disciplined  for apparently allowing the speech to go forward.  She said the following:

I am now scheduled for a disciplinary meeting over this brown bag luncheon.  Regardless of the outcome of this meeting, I am troubled by the approach.  As Verde Valley Dean, I cannot function without trust and support.  By any account, relations between the college and Verde Valley citizens have been tumultuous for more than twenty years.  I didn’t invent this conflict.  Yet, I will be formally reprimanded when a conversation about procedures would suffice. 

The behavior of the Prescott-based executives appears both childish and puzzling.  Quite frankly, their actions as alleged by Dr. Redd fail to pass the smell test.

Dr. Redd has shown great courage in publicly disclosing the dreadful actions of her superiors when it comes to Mr. Chevalier.  She no doubt understands, as do most educators, that the best demonstration of our value of a right of free speech in a democracy is ensuring that a person with whom we disagree is heard.   It is a value that educational institutions like Yavapai Community College should model and practice.  Once an educational institution decides to use its  power to  suppress controversial ideas, we are all subject to its censorship.

If there were truly a Higher Education Commission concerned with free speech and  community colleges, it would be thoroughly investigating the allegations coming from the former Dean at Yavapai Community College about this incident.

 The efforts to apparently use Dean Redd to suppress Mr. Chevalier from speaking, although unsuccessful, fly directly in the face of what higher educational institutions stand for.

Categories : OPINIONS, Politics

ENTHUSIASTIC/HOPEFUL SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY RESIDENTS TURN OUT FOR MASTER PLAN FORUM ON DECEMBER 6

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, December 9th, 2021

Participants express strong views on need for significant ten-year development on the Verde Valley Campus/Sedona Center for  housing, enhancing CTE, expanding viticulture program, developing Sedona Center Culinary, paying more attention to outlying areas, and much more

Sedona/Verde Valley residents gathered in room 137 of building “M” on December 6 to voice their views on the future of the Verde Campus in Clarkdale and the Sedona Center. The gathering  of around sixty included political representatives  including Sedona’s mayor and  vice mayor and members of the local town and city councils. There were also  interested east side citizens and a few faculty from the Verde Campus.

For about 45 minutes the attendees  shared their ideas on the future of the Verde Campus/Sedona Center. In general, they saw a need for faculty/student housing on campus, enhanced and expanded Career and Technical Education facilities, an enhanced and expanded vineyard and viticulture program, an  expanded  and improved  culinary facility at the  Sedona Center, and continued support and expansion of the allied health programs. They also encouraged the College to consider adding  programs that are not included on the east side of the County (such as music and theatre).

There were concerns from some about the composition of the present ten-year plan steering committee, which consists of fourteen persons from Prescott and only two from the Verde Valley.

There were also expressions of concern among some that ten years ago the same planning team now once again doing the planning  had created a $103.5 million dollar development plan with over 95% of development on the west side of the County.     There were hopeful expressions that a new ten-year plan would not yield a similar result.

The discussion was directed by a member of the Smith Group consulting organization, the group that has been again  hired to draft a ten-year development  plan for the Community College.

Categories : ADMINISTRATION, OPINIONS, Politics

SEDONA RED ROCK NEWS TAKES ISSUE WITH VIEW THAT REPRESENTATIVE CHEVALIER SHOULD BE SILENCED AND STOP REPRESENTING VOTERS OF HIS DISTRICT

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, December 9th, 2021

Says Chevalier should “shake the dust, rattle the walls and bring the house down” when asking questions of the Community College about the  impact of programs and projects on Verde Valley

Sedona Red Rock News Managing Editor Christopher Fox Graham

The Sedona Red Rock News was sharply critical of the treatment afforded Third District Yavapai Community College representative Paul Chevalier at the November 16 Governing Board meeting held at the Career and Technical Education Center  located at the Prescott airport.  In an editorial Managing Editor Christoper Fox Graham argued that Mr. Chevalier should continue to fight for his constituents; he should not be silenced.

Editor Graham wrote that Mr. Chevalier’s:

“job as an elected official is to fight for his constituents in District 3 and thus, every time a college staffer makes a presentation, Chevalier should ask, “how does this benefit my people in District 3?” Department heads are spending our tax dollars to educate our population and if they can’t demonstrate how it helps our students and benefits our taxpayers, then the program should be culled to make room for a better one that does help our residents.”

Editor Graham was also critical of Fourth District Representative Chris Kuknyo’s view that performing arts programs and courses offered only on the west side of the County are easily accessible to east side residents.  Graham wrote that:

“Kuknyo then stated that any of these west side performing arts programs are`available’ to students on the east side. His false claim is misleading because geography exists. Programs are `available’ to anyone on the east side, but not offered here, meaning our taxpaying students have to drive 90 minutes a day to attend a class in Prescott. Kuknyo’s dumb claim is akin to saying Arizona has oceanfront beaches right there, on the west side of California.”

On silencing Mr. Chevalier, Editor  Graham wrote that:

“Kuknyo explicitly wants Chevalier silenced; he told Verde Valley’s Chevalier to shut up and smile while the county community college steals our tax dollars and provides us nearly nothing while dumping our tax money on Prescott area campuses. That’s not hyperbole: Toward the end of the meeting, an irritated Chevalier asked the board, “So at public meetings, I should never mention discrepancies or inequities in the Verde Valley?”

“Not at all,” Kuknyo immediately answered. Kuknyo explicitly told Chevalier to stop representing us, his voters. If Kuknyo demands Chevalier’s silence, we demand Chevalier shake the dust, rattle the walls and bring the house down. We demand Chevalier get louder. We demand he be more combative about getting what our tax dollars pay for.”

There is much more to Mr. Graham’s editorial.  You can read it in its entirety by clicking here.  Or by clicking on the link below.

http://www.redrocknews.com/2021/12/04/yavapai-college-board-needs-to-retake-basic-geography/

Categories : OPINIONS, Politics

SHOULD THE VERDE VALLEY HAVE A STRONGER VOICE IN YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE?

By R. Oliphant
Friday, March 5th, 2021

Verde Campus Dean one of  nine units who report to Vice President; not included among those in President’s Executive Leadership Team     

Bob Oliphant:  Editorial Opinion

OPINION:   By all accounts, Yavapai Community College President Lisa Rhine is doing a great job. For the first time since 2000-2004, it appears  legitimate efforts are being  initiated by her to begin the challenging task of bringing significantly increased  community college educational development to the 75,000 plus residents living on the east side of Yavapai County. That is great news.

However,  one hopes that the new President will consider making some significant changes in  the current reporting/operating  Community College administrative structure  that will provide the Verde Valley Campus Dean with  a much stronger  voice in the development and direction of the Verde Campus and Sedona Center. Here is why.

First, there is a strong belief, if not a perception, that  the Verde Valley has been under almost total control of  the Community College executives and a west side majority on the Governing Board for over fifty years.  Verde residents are quick to point out that the result of this overarching control has been extensive, multi-million investments and development on the west side of the County by the Community College.  Today, the facilities on the Prescott Campus are comparable, if not  better, than  any small college in the nation.

Second, when east County residents look with envy at  the facilities and programs crammed on the west side of the County, they lament how their taxes have being spent.  They see   their taxes  as having been  funneled for decades to the west side of the County by the College  to build and provide ongoing support for multi-million dollar projects found only on the west side. They include the huge Performing Arts Center, a large gymnasium,  indoor swimming pool, child care training center, two residence halls, heated wading pool for seniors, a soccer training field, and a  splendid new tennis complex.

Furthermore, they see that only on the west side of the County has the Community College focused on programs such as music, theatre, and athletics. For example, the Prescott Campus boasts a baseball team, volleyball team, softball  team, two soccer teams and soon two basketball teams. Those teams play all their games and matches on the west side of the County.  Furthermore, there is a burgeoning music program and an expanding theatre arts program. It just doesn’t seem fair to the east side residents that they should be so obviously left out of this development.

Third, from the perspective of many in the Verde Valley, the directive from the State Legislature that members of the Governing Board represent “all” of the citizens in Yavapai College has fallen far short of the mark.  Repeatedly, decisions about how east County residents  property  taxes are spent are controlled by a west side majority.  The result are decisions establishing facilities and programs that minimally benefit the east side while the west side enjoy the fruits of those east County taxes.

Fourth, given the fifty years of what some see as outright economic and educational development discrimination against the Verde Valley by the Community College and it Governing Board,  the path to serious development on the east side of the County is  extremely challenging, at best.  The residents of the east side of the County  are decades behind the west side in terms of Community College development. That gap will take years to overcome.

Fifth, east County residents believe that only with a persistent and  extremely strong voice within the Community College’s structure coming from the east side of the County will development that has begun will continue to be aggressively pursued into the future.  Therefore, at a minimum,  the need to have the Verde Campus/Sedona Center at the forefront to the College’s administrative reporting structure.

Finally, to remove at least the perception of continued total control by Prescott over  the Verde Campus and Sedona Center, one hopes the new  President will  consider the following:  (1) Move the Verde Campus and Sedona Center Dean into her  Executive Leadership Team.  (2) Move the reporting line of the Verde Campus and Sedona Dean to the same level as all Vice Presidents who report directly to the President.   (3)  Create a position of Career and Technical Education Director for the Verde Valley and use this position to replace Dean John Morgan, whose Community College hands appear more than full with a host of CTE projects on the west side of the County.

These structural administrative changes would be a welcome improvement that is needed in  the long struggle ahead on  the east side of the County to make up for decades of overlooking the residents and their need for Community College educational development. Even greater opportunity for the future would occur if the current outstanding President were elevated to chancellor status and the east and west sides of the County would each be operated as Administrative Colleges.  However,  until that happens, at least a change in the current administrative reporting structure would certainly be welcomed.

Robert Oliphant

The Blog welcomes a response to its opinion columns from any current administrator, current faculty member, or current Governing Board member  of Yavapai Community College. 

Categories : OPINIONS
« Previous Page