Larson Newspapers Managing Editor editorial blasts Wills’ comments at June 9 District Board meeting
The Managing Editor of the Sedona Red Rock News, Christopher Fox Graham, blasted Dr. Penelope Wills for her comments about the newspaper, its editorials, and cartoons in the June 24 issue of the Sedona Red Rock News. In her update to the Yavapai College board at its June 9 meeting, Penelope Wills blamed Larson Newspapers for the potential loss of the $4.5 million DK Ranch land donation in the Verde Valley. She cited a cartoon and an editorial without naming the newspaper, which was obviously the Sedona Red Rock News.
Christopher Fox Graham
In his editorial response to the Wills’ accusations, Mr. Graham wrote that Wills’ incorrectly stated to the Board that the News had “submitted what I consider a very inappropriate cartoon and an editorial . . ..” He stated that “In fact the News did not submit anything to Steele Foundation or the land broker.”
On Wills’ failure to identify the News when speaking to the Board, Mr. Graham wrote that “she would at least have mentioned our newspaper by name. Since she apparently spends so little time on this side of Mingus Mountain and even less so thinking about the value of Verde Valley taxpayers, I’m not surprised she doesn’t know the names of any Verde Valley publications, though we’re flattered she knows our impact in the community.”
Mr. Graham also stated that “There have been dozens of letters to the editor from you, our loyal readers, condemning the college’s behavior and its 10-Year Plan. I have not seen one letter advocating the college collect our $12 million per year while only returning a fraction of that in capital improvements over the next decade. Nor have any suggested dumping our tax money on a new college campus in the vacant Prescott Valley area is a good idea. None have applauded the college for slashing Verde Valley education programs like the climax of a samurai film.”
There is much more. The entire editorial written by Mr. Graham can be accessed and read by clicking here.