RAY SIGAFOOS PERSUADES YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD TO LIVE STREAM ITS MEETINGS

Obtains formal approval by a 4-1 vote at January 16 meeting; a major victory for transparency,  accountability, and democracy

Mr. Ray Sigafoos

Mr. Ray Sigafoos, the longest-serving member of the Yavapai Community College Governing Board, successfully persuaded the Board during its January 16 meeting to initiate live streaming of its meetings, including all workshops and budget sessions. Following a discussion, the Board approved his motion to live stream the meetings with a 4-1 vote.

The sole dissenting vote came from Toby Payne, the Third District Governing Board member. While he expressed no objection to the concept of live streaming, he raised concerns about specific language related to the open call to the public.

The Governing Board mandated the Community College to commence live streaming as swiftly as possible, marking a significant triumph for advocates of transparency and accountability. This decision aligns the Board with other major public entities that have adopted live streaming for years, reinforcing the principles of democracy and public accountability. It represents a substantial win for those advocating for governmental bodies to operate openly and be accountable to the public, underscoring a milestone achievement for democracy.