College sits on Mayor’s invitation to attend “critical” meeting without response – Filardo again extends invitation after 8 week wait
It’s tough for Verde Valley leaders to get an audience with President Penelope Wills. For example, at the June meeting of the District Governing Board, Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty extended an invitation to Dr. Penelope Wills, Board Chair Pat McCarver, and Representative Al Filardo to meet at her office in Sedona. She considered the meeting “critical.” (You may click here to view her invitation as a part of her 3 minute presentation to the Governing Board.) Here is Mayor Moriarty’s invitation made at the June meeting:
Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarity
“We would like to explore all possibilities to work with the district first (before deciding to try and get an independent administrative college). I am here today in person to let you know that this is a critical issue for me and for the citizens and taxpayers that I serve. I am asking for a meeting in Sedona with Dr. Wills, Board Chair McCarver, Board member Filardo, and anyone else that anyone would like to bring with them to discuss the issue of equity with me and my City Manager. We do not understand the reasoning behind your decisions and would appreciate a detailed explanation. We are reasonable people as we believe you are and I look forward to a meaningful discussion. I would appreciate your response at your earliest convenience. Thank you.”
Obviously, President Penelope Wills was too busy to respond by driving to Sedona for a “critical” meeting.
The Mayor once again made the request. This came at the August 10 District Governing Board meeting when Representative Al Filardo reported that the Sedona Mayor had called him. He said that she said “please emphasize (to the Board) that I have invited the Chair, the president, and you to come and see us and I haven’t got a response.” According to Filardo, the Mayor did say that “at some event Penny went to her and said, hey, I’d like to meet with you, let’s get together. She knows that we all know but she is anxious for a date.”
The Board did not select a date for the meeting. You may view the video regarding this discussion by clicking here.