Archive for Politics

ARIZONA’S LARGEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT CUTS DIVERSITY INITIATIVES AMID TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PRESSURE

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

No public information about DEI changes at Yavapai Community College 

According to a March 4, 2025 article in the Arizona Republic by Helen Rummel, the Maricopa County Community College District is removing various diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from its schools following increasing pressure from the Trump administration. The changes are being made to comply with guidance from the Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education. A four-page letter  from the Office required schools to remove race-based programming by February 28 or risk losing federal funding. The letter was said to be an effort to clarify existing legal requirements under Title VI, the Equal Protection Clause, and other federal civil rights principles, but apparently does not carry the force of law.

Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Steven Gonzales announced that employee affinity groups, pronouns in email signatures, and all DEI and gender identity-related language will be removed from district materials. More changes may follow to comply with evolving requirements.

Employees are no longer to be able to use money from the district to attend any conferences or events focusing on DEI, including ones that center on race, identity or national origin. Employee groups focusing on race and identity would be removed, like affinity groups and the Diversity Advisory Council.

Websites for groups like HSI EXCELlence and the Black Student Union were removed, though student clubs are not impacted. Many DEI-related pages, including those on convocation ceremonies for diverse cultural backgrounds, were also taken down.

“As a public higher education institution, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) must comply with all local, state, and federal laws, including recently issued enforcement priorities set forth by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights,” a Maricopa Community College district spokesperson said in a statement to The Arizona Republic.

“We recognize that these required changes may be disappointing to some of our students and employees. However, we remain committed to fostering a welcoming learning environment for all students as they pursue their educational goals.”

Yavapai Community College has not yet provided the public with any information regarding what action, if any, it has taken in regard to the Trump mandates.

Categories : CURRICULUM, Politics

FEDERAL JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS DOGE FROM ACCESSING SENSITIVE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INFORMATON – ORDER RUNS TO MARCH 10

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

Says Trump administration failed to provide sufficient justification for gaining access to the information

Federal judge Deborah Boardman on Monday, February 24, 2025 issued a temporary restraining order saying disclosure of the education department’s sensitive personal information to DOGE affiliates is irreparable harm that money damages cannot rectify.” She also said the Office of Personnel Management can’t disclose the information.

In her opinion, Judge Boardman wrote that “DOGE affiliates have been granted access to systems of record that contain some of the plaintiffs’ most sensitive data — Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, income and assets, citizenship status, and disability status — and their access to this trove of personal information is ongoing. There is no reason to believe their access to this information will end anytime soon because the government believes their access is appropriate.”

It should be noted that last week a federal judge in a related case refused to issue a restraining order restricting Musk’s team, finding that the group that brought the lawsuit had not shown that a group of students who had lodged similar complaints had suffered clear harm by having their data analyzed by affiliates of Mr. Musk.

Categories : Politics

FEDERAL FUNDING UNCERTAINTY LOOMS OVER YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE WITH POTENTIAL UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES BECAUSE OF TRUMP/MUSK DOGE INVOLVEMENT

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, February 20th, 2025

Will existing contracts and grants with the Federal Government be cut? Or eliminated?  Will DOGE cause Hispanic student enrollment to plumet?  Will student loan and the Pell grant programs be reduced or eliminated?

COMMENTARY:  The actions by the Trump administration’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) may have a significant impact on the operations of Yavapai Community College. There is concern because DOGE is already taking away millions of dollars in existing  grants and contracts from various educational institutions. In addition to this concern, the Trump administration has mandated that educational institutions eliminate anything that directly or indirectly might be linked to what are commonly called “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)” programs or projects.

Are Yavapai Community College’s  $12 million in federal contracts and grants in jeopardy?

Yavapai Community College’s $126 million annual budget includes $12.3 million in federal grants and contracts for the current academic year. About $7.25 million has already been spent by January 2025. Will these funds be affected? The answer is unclear. 

To date, the administration with the assistance of DOGE unexpectedly cut approximately $1 billion from the U.S. Department of Education’s research office. The impact of those cuts has been immediate in some areas of the country. For example, at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota, DOGE canceled a previously approved grant program that was supporting 185 students pursuing careers in special education. The $6.8 million grant to St. Thomas was deemed a DEI initiative and subsequently eliminated as part of the administration’s broader crackdown on DEI-related programs. Students in the affected program had been receiving between $10,000 and $20,000 per year in scholarship aid to help cover tuition costs.

St. Thomas is appealing the decision, noting that a DEI statement was required when applying for the grant funds, even though the training, or at least most of it, did  not necessarily involve DEI.

It remains unclear whether any teacher education programs or other initiatives at Yavapai College might be considered DEI projects and, therefore, subject to similar funding cuts. Major  cuts in federal funds could have  devastating consequences.

Yavapai must also worry about any aspect of its operation that involves race, even tangentially. In a letter sent  Friday, February 14 the New York Times reported that the Federal Education Department warned that colleges risk losing federal funding if they continue to take race into account when making scholarship or hiring decisions, or considered  race in “all other aspects of student, academic and campus life.”

On Monday, February 17  the Education Department said it had canceled $600 million in grants focused on training teachers in “inappropriate and unnecessary topics” such as critical race theory, social justice activism, antiracism and “instruction on white privilege.”

Additionally, the future of federal support for Yavapai Community College is even more uncertain if the Department of Education is eliminated as promised by DOGE.

Concerns Over a Possible Decline in Hispanic Student Enrollment;  23% of Yavapai’s Student Body Hispanic

Another concern among educators is a potential drop in enrollment among Hispanic students created by DOGE.  Yavapai Community College reports that 23% of its student body is made up of Hispanic students.

The possible large drop in enrollment is linked to DOGE gaining access to millions of student records and concern over how this information is used. For instance, there are questions about whether student grant application information, which is completed by almost all students,  could be shared by  DOGE with immigration authorities. It is feared that the information, if shared, could be used to assist immigration authorities in locating a student’s grandparents or other relatives who may be undocumented but have been living  in the country for decades.

As rumors and uncertainty apparently spreads through Hispanic communities, it is already being reported that families are not  sending their children to school. For example, in Memphis, Tennessee,  one person described the climate as one of fear and hesitation in the Hispanic community, stating, “Everybody is terrified. They’re scared to come out.”

The same level of fear was reported in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

That fear has apparently intensified following newspaper reports this past week that DOGE gained access to a federal database containing personal details on millions of students and parents participating in the federal student loan program.

It is unclear whether the rumors and stories regarding  how DOGE might use community college federal student grant and loan applications have reached or will affect  the Hispanic college-eligible community in Yavapai County.  As noted earlier, Hispanic students currently make up about 23% of Yavapai’s student body.

Will DOGE’s policies lead to a significant decline in Hispanic enrollment next fall? While the answer remains uncertain, the concern is real. The consequences could be significant.

The Future of Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans

Another related concern pertains to the federal student loan and grant program. Notably, approximately 20% of Yavapai Community College students depend on Pell Grants, a vital source of financial aid for low-income undergraduate students. Unlike federal student loans, Pell Grants do not require repayment, except under specific circumstances.

There’s concern that DOGE might reclassify the student grant/loan programs as DEI initiatives or change funding and eligibility, limiting student access. Reducing or eliminating these financial support programs would significantly impact Yavapai Community College, which heavily relies on them.

Worst-case scenario.

For now, uncertainty reigns in Washington, D.C. and at educational institutions throughout the nation. With chaos unfolding at the federal level and threats to close the Department of Education, Yavapai Community College—like many institutions—finds itself in a precarious position, waiting to see what will happen and whether it can weather the storm that may be coming.

If Hispanic student enrollment declines sharply and federal contracts and grants are reduced, Yavapai Community College could face a severe financial crisis. To remain viable, the college may need to implement substantial tuition increases, raise Yavapai County’s primary tax rate—an action requiring only three votes from its five-member governing board—and cut costs by increasing class sizes while reducing faculty and staff positions. In a more drastic measure, the college might even revisit the idea of selling the Sedona Center, a possibility it explored around 2014–15.

Ideally, these concerns will subside, the rumors and speculation will prove unfounded, and conditions will stabilize—an outcome that serves everyone’s best interests.

Categories : Politics, Tuition

HAS THE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD ELIMINATED THE OPEN CALL TO THE PUBLIC FOR TUESDAY’S MEETING?

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, November 17th, 2024

Is the District Governing Board abandoning decades of precedent by removing the Open Call to the Public for this particular meeting? Why would it do this?

The Open Call to the public that has been a part of Yavapai Community College agendas for decades appears to be missing from a draft of the agenda of Tuesday’s meeting obtained by the Blog.  The Open Call opportunity allows Yavapai County residents to directly address their representatives for up to three minutes—a tradition that, while sometimes utilized by only a few, serves as a valuable mechanism for public input on Board decisions.

The agenda for the Tuesday, November 19, 2024, meeting has not yet been posted to the public as of Saturday, November 16, leaving the status of the Open Call uncertain. The Blog cannot confirm that it will be missing when published on Monday but it was not evident on a draft agenda obtained by the Blog.

If you plan to attend the meeting at 1 p.m. on the Prescott Campus at the Rock House, be sure to review the posted agenda on Monday to see if the Open Call remains part of the session. This decision, while on the surface appearing pretty minor, could significantly impact public participation in governance over the long run—stay informed!

Note that the Tuesday  meeting will most likely be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/YavapaiCollege

Categories : Politics

FEARING A NEW DIRECTION IN JANUARY, COLLEGE LEADERSHIP SEEKS TO CEMENT PRESIDENTIAL POWER AND MARGINALIZE GOVERNING BOARD AUTHORITY WITH APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AT TUESDAY’S MEETING

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, November 16th, 2024

Move calculated to consolidate power in Community College President and preempt scrutiny from Yavapai County taxpayers

Editorial:  In a move that appears calculated to consolidate power and preempt scrutiny, Yavapai Community College leadership has presented a resolution that will be discussed and voted on at Tuesday’s meeting.  The resolution, apparently prepared with the cooperation of an outside consultant, is designed to significantly curtail the authority of its Governing Board.

This resolution, strategically scheduled for a vote at the final Board meeting of 2024, seeks approval from a “friendly” majority that includes two outgoing Board members. The timing and content of the resolution raise serious concerns about transparency, governance, and the future independence of the Board.

The proposed policy would profoundly alter the relationship between the Board and the College President. It imposes strict limitations on Board members, barring them from contacting staff about any “college or community issue” and forbidding a member from “publicly criticizing the president.” This framework, cloaked in language emphasizing “decorum” and “cooperation,” effectively insulates the President from accountability while silencing dissent within the Board.

A Preemptive Power Grab

College leadership’s urgency in pushing this resolution stems from the impending arrival of two new Governing Board members in January. These incoming members could disrupt the administration’s longstanding dominance over Board decisions. By securing the votes of the two lame-duck outgoing members, the administration aims to solidify the President’s authority and restrict the new Board’s ability to challenge or revise policies.

The resolution’s provisions go far beyond ensuring decorum; they establish an autocratic model of governance that marginalizes the elected representatives of Yavapai County residents. Key provisions include:

  1. Prohibition of Staff Contact: Board members are explicitly forbidden from directly engaging with staff, regardless of the issue, effectively severing lines of communication and oversight.

  2. Ban on Public Criticism: Members are barred from voicing any public critique of the President, stifling free speech and dissent.

  3. Deference to the President: The resolution demands unwavering support for the President, requiring Board members to publicly endorse decisions once made, even if they personally disagree.

  4. Reinforced Presidential Control: The President is granted expansive authority over operational decisions, policy implementation, and staff management, with minimal oversight from the Board.

Implications for Governance

This resolution redefines the role of the Governing Board, transforming it from an oversight body to a ceremonial entity tasked with rubber-stamping decisions made by the administration. The document openly prioritizes the President’s autonomy over the Board’s ability to represent the community’s interests.

The resolution’s language emphasizes “collective authority” and “respect for roles,” yet these principles are weaponized to suppress individual Board members who might question the administration’s actions. The elected representatives’ duty to advocate for their constituents is subordinated to a requirement to support the President unequivocally.

Moreover, the resolution highlights the administration’s fear of public accountability. Prohibiting Board members from criticizing the President and restricting their engagement with the press effectively shields the College from external scrutiny.

Impact on Yavapai County voters

The adoption of this resolution would mark a troubling shift in the governance of Yavapai Community College. It risks undermining the Board’s role as a check on administrative power and silences voices critical of the status quo. By approving this resolution, the current Board would not only tie the hands of their successors but also erode the principles of transparency and accountability that underpin public institutions.

This resolution does not merely address operational efficiency or Board conduct; it seeks to fundamentally alter the balance of power at the College. The incoming Board members, and by extension the community they represent, deserve the opportunity to participate in shaping the institution’s future without being shackled by the dictates of outgoing members and an overly empowered administration.

The Resolution at a Glance

The full text of the resolution underscores its autocratic nature. The document’s emphasis on loyalty to the President and strict limitations on Board member actions reflects a broader effort to suppress dissent and ensure compliance. It provides that the Board will “monitor” a Board member, something it already does in part by scanning a member’ college email account.  Key excerpts include:

  • “The Board provides visible public support for the President, does not undermine his/her authority and counters misinformed public criticism.”

  • “Under no circumstances should an individual Board member direct or contact by any means, a staff member concerning a college or community issue.”

  • “The Board understands that the President is the primary contact with the college community and does not publicly criticize the President.”

  • The Board will monitor inappropriate behavior of the Board as a whole and individual Board members, and take appropriate corrective action-when necessary. 

These provisions crystallize the administration’s intent to silence opposition and maintain its dominance, even at the expense of democratic governance.

The following is the draft resolution:

Proposed New District Governing Board Policy

Policy 310 Yavapai College Code of Conduct and Ethics 

The Board expects of itself, as a whole and of its individual members, ethical and professional conduct. This commitment includes proper use of authority and appropriate decorum in group and individual behavior when acting as Board members. The Board shall: 

Enforce upon itself whatever discipline is needed to govern with excellence. Discipline will apply to matters such as abiding by Board Policy, respect of roles, abiding by the  majority’s decisions and adherence to ethical practices. 

The Board will protect the mission of student learning and student success as they protect the long-term interests of the college. 

Yavapai College District Governing Board will demonstrate a commitment to informed, ethical decision-making based on what is best for the students, the college and the community– not on special interests or personal agendas. Members will review Boad materials provided, attend scheduled meetings, and request data and information  through protocols established by the Board in conjunction with the President. 

In addition: 

Per Yavapai College Board Policy 401, Delegation to and Accountability of President, the Governing Board has delegated the day-to-day management of Yavapai College to the President. Therefore, 

The Board acknowledges the difference between governance and administration of the college. The Board’s primary function is to establish the policies by which the college shall be administered. The authority for overall college administration, to initiate policy recommendations, administer academic programs, conduct college business, direct staff and faculty, and implement board actions is delegated to the college president. Yavapai College District Governing members will respect the delegation of authority to the president to administer the college. 

The Board provides visible public support for the President, does not undermine his/her authority and counters misinformed public criticism. 

The Board is responsible for creating and maintaining a spirit of cooperation and a mutually supportive relationship with its president. Yavapai College District Governing Board will promote a healthy working relationship with college president through respectful, supportive, open and honest communication. 

Authority rests with the entire board and not individuals. The Board’s voice is only expressed through the policies and actions it takes in the official meetings. Once the Board has decided on a policy or position, each Board member must be prepared to honor the Board’s decision. As individuals, YCDGB members have no legal authority to determine policies, programs, or procedures, or to direct the President or any staff. 

Under no circumstances should an individual Board member direct or contact by any means, a staff member concerning a college or community issue. Board members will refer all of their concerns and constituent concerns via email to the President to resolve or   answer. Board members never speak or act on behalf of the college, unless instructed to do so by a majority vote of the Board. 

The Board understands that the President is the primary contact with the college community and does not publicly criticize the President. 

The Board will maintain appropriate confidentiality of all executive {closed} sessions, as required by Arizona state statutes, 38-431.03. 

The Board will monitor inappropriate behavior of the Board as a whole and individual Board members, and take appropriate corrective action-when necessary. 

Board members do not speak to the press in any way that reflects negatively on their colleagues or the college. 

The Board should be knowledgeable of the Higher Learning Commissions Criteria for Accreditation, especially as it relates to the Board (see HLC Criteria 2.5). Therefore, the Board’s performance as a whole and as individuals has the potential to positively and/or negatively affect accreditation. 

YCDGB will devote time to activities that will enhance their knowledge of the college, and higher educations’ issues as they engage in a regular and ongoing process of professional development, continuous improvement, self-assessment, and participate in college events as appropriate. 

YAVAPAI COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD

RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY AND

ACCOUNTABILITY TO PRESIDENT

RESOLUTION 2024-18

RECITALS:

WHEREAS, the District Governing Board is the legally constituted and final authority for the operation of Yavapai County Community College District, including any policies that govern the College; 

WHEREAS, the Board’s sole official connection to the operational organization, its achievement, and conduct is through the College President; 

WHEREAS, only officially passed motions of the Board shall be binding on the President; 

WHEREAS, The President shall be the Board’s only link to operational achievement and conduct, so that all authority and accountability of staff, as far as the Board is concerned, shall be considered the authority and accountability of the President; 

WHEREAS, In the case of Board members requesting information or assistance without Board authorization, the President shall refuse such requests that require, in the President’s opinion, a material amount of staff time or funds or are disruptive; 

WHEREAS, The Board shall instruct the President through written policies which prescribe the organizational priorities to be achieved, allowing the President to use a reasonable interpretation of these policies; 

WHEREAS, the Board fully understands proper use of authority including the clear distinction of Board and Staff roles and collective rather than individual authority of the Board; 

WHEREAS, the Board acts consistent with its own policies and those imposed upon it by law and regulations; 

ENACTMENTS: 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AND REAFFIRMED that the Yavapai County Community College District Governing Board Pursuant to A.R.S. 15-1444(A)(6) & (B)(4), delegates to the College President all of its authority to operate the college and employ, except for any actions taken with regard to a contract of employment for the position of College President. The Board will exercise authority over the College and the President only as they operate with one voice as a whole. Individual Board members will abide by and uphold majority decisions of the Board. 

This shall be based on the following principles: 

YAVAPAI COLLEGE 

  1. Accordingly, decisions or instructions of individual Board members, or officers shall not be binding on the President except in rare instances when the Board has specifically authorized such exercise of authority. 
  2. The Board shall not evaluate, either formally or informally, any staff other than the President. 3. The President shall be authorized to establish all college operational policies, make all decisions, take all actions, establish all practices, and develop all activities. 
  3. As long as any particular delegation is in place, the Board shall respect and support the President’s choices. 

NOW, BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that the Governing Board delegates to the President such additional authority as is necessary to ensure that College operations meet the changing needs of our students and employers. 

The Governing Board shall retain all powers and duties as prescribed by law that are not formally delegated in this Resolution or Board Policies. 

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Yavapai County Community College District Governing Board this 19th day of November 2024. 

Approved as to form: 

Ms. Deb McCasland, Board Chair 

Mr. Chris Kuknyo, Board Secretary

Categories : Politics

VOTERS BOOT 20-YEAR VETERAN YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT #1 REPRESENTATIVE RAY SIGAFOOS FROM GOVERNING BOARD IN NOVEMBER ELECTION

By R. Oliphant
Monday, November 11th, 2024

Voter concerns over large increases in property tax rates and a Community College west side  wasteful spending spree appear main factors among many that were behind William Kiel’s successful challenge

William Kiel

William Kiel unseated Ray Sigafoos as the District 1 representative on the Yavapai Community College Governing Board, ushering in a possible shift for the institution. Kiel, a civil engineer with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, criticized the Board for engaging in what he described as wasteful spending. He pointed to several controversial decisions, including the Board’s move to raise property tax rates by 8.4% over the past two years, expand the budget by 155% within the same timeframe, and allocate $11 million for a church camp outside Prescott.

Kiel also took issue with President Dr. Lisa Rhine’s salary, which he suggests is approaching $400,000, questioning why the exact figure remains undisclosed to county voters. As an example of further waste, he cited the CTEC building, where “literally hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment made of carbon steel is rusting away” due to the use of swamp coolers rather than adequate air conditioning—an oversight he suggests may cost taxpayers dearly.

Kiel has pledged to improve transparency with a goal of increasing  public access to information both at the Board and administration levels.

Sigafoos, who served the Governing Board for twenty years, leaves a legacy that includes seven years as Board chair and two as Board secretary, following his appointment in 2005.

Categories : Politics

Yavapai Community College presented several major accomplishments to the College’s District Governing Board at the May 21, 2024, Board meeting

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, June 4th, 2024

Highlights $2.5 million savings in textbooks  using Open Source program; adding $203.7 million to Yavapai County’s economy and much more

Yavapai Community College presented several major accomplishments to the College’s District Governing Board at the May 21, 2024, Board meeting. Among the many highlights, the student textbook savings of an estimated $2.5 million due to the use of Open Source materials was particularly noteworthy.

Another significant highlight was the first-time pass rate of the College’s nursing students. According to the College, Yavapai nursing students consistently achieve first-time licensing pass rates that exceed both the national and state averages. Specifically, 91 percent of Yavapai’s nursing students regularly pass their first-time licensing tests, compared to 85 percent nationally and 89 percent in Arizona.

Additionally, the College awarded 581 degrees and 1,233 certificates in the 2022-23 academic year. As of the fall semester in 2023, the College maintains a student/faculty ratio of nineteen to one, and the average age of a student is 30.

Categories : ADMINISTRATION, Enrollment data, Politics

INTEREST SHOWN IN SEEKING SEATS ON DISTRICT 1 AND DISTRICT 5 YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE GOVERNING BOARD

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, April 10th, 2024

Two persons pulled packet in District #1, one person in District #3

So far, at least three persons have shown interest in gaining a seat on the Yavapai Community College Governing Board. In District 1, the incumbent Ray Sigafoos has pulled a packet and filed a statement of interest. William Kiel has likewise pulled a packet and filed a statement of interest.  Neither has yet filed a petition.

The election for these seats, if more than one person qualifies, is November 5, 2024. The first day to file petitions is June 10, 2024. The last day to file petitions is July 08, 2024. (Candidates should always re-check these dates with the County Education Superintendent.)

In District three, the incumbent is Tobey Payne.  Mr. Payne was appointed in March 2024 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Paul Chevalier.  That term ends December 31, 2024. So far, Mr. Payne has not pulled a packet.

However, Dr. Jack Dillenberg, has pulled a packet and filed a statement of interest in District three.  The following background information about Dr. Dillenberg was  found on the Jerome Town Council website. (https://jerome.az.gov/dr-jack-dillenberg)

“Dr. Jack Dillenberg is Dean Emeritus of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) after serving fifteen years as the Inaugural Dean.  After dental school he served as a Dentist in the US Navy then practiced at a residential facility for people with severe disabilities before moving to Jamaica to work in a very rural clinic for their Ministry of Health.

“Prior to joining ASDOH, Dr. Dillenberg was Associate Director for public health programs in the California Department of Health Services and prior to that served as an Area Health Officer serving the west area of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.

“During most of the 1990s, Dr. Dillenberg served in several capacities in the Arizona Department of Health Services, including four years as its Director.

“Dr. Dillenberg is the recipient of a great number of honors and awards, including the Arizona Medical Association Humanitarian of the Year, the Fresh Start Foundation Man of the Year, the Harvard School of Public Health Alumni Award of Merit and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. Most recently, the American Association of Public Health Dentistry 2019 Distinguished Service Award.

“He currently is the executive clinical director for the newly created non-profit Pacific Dental Services Special Needs Dental Clinic in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Dillenberg serves as the Board President of Global Smile, Health a 501c3 nonprofit making a difference in global oral health. He also serves as the Global Ambassador for the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, and currently is the Board Vice-Chairman for the Brighterway Institute. He has served as Mayor of the Town of Jerome, Arizona and was selected as a Public Member of the Arizona State Supreme Court Attorney Discipline Probable Cause Committee.”

The following chart shows the status of these seats as of April 10, 2024.

Categories : Politics

DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER KUKNYO EXPLORING RUNNING IN PRIMARY FOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR POSITION

By R. Oliphant
Friday, March 22nd, 2024

Filed statement of interest and has opened a committee

District Four Yavapai Community College Board member, Chris Kuknyo, has expressed interest in pursuing a position on the County Board of Supervisors for District Four. He has taken initial steps by filing a statement of interest and establishing a committee. However, he has not taken the final step of filing his petition.

Kuknyo joins a cohort of Republicans vying for this seat, currently occupied by Craig Brown since 2011. Should Kuknyo proceed and win in the July 30 primary, he will need to resign from the Yavapai District Governing Board he currently occupies.

 

Categories : Politics

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE ISSUES STATEMENT DISTANCING ITSELF FROM THE ARIZONA COLLEGE REPUBLICANS UNITED CONVENTION HELD JULY 30 IN PRESCOTT

By R. Oliphant
Friday, August 4th, 2023

Three days before the event the College declared it had no affiliation with the group and had not authorized the group to use its name or logo

Three days before the Arizona College Republicans United  “Second Annual State and National Convention” was being held at the Prescott Vibes, Yavapai Community College issued a short statement distancing itself from the group.  The statement read:

“Yavapai College has been made aware of a July 30 College Republicans United event and wishes to clarify that Yavapai College is not affiliated in any way with the event. Yavapai College has not authorized this group to use the College’s name or logo. Additionally, there is no sanctioned Yavapai College student club or other sanctioned Yavapai College organization connected to this group.” (Click here to read the College announcement.)

No additional information further explaining the reason for the statement was forthcoming from the College.

Press reports about the event had raised concerns about the Republican group’s alleged association with far-right speaker Nick Fuentes and its history of hosting white nationalist speakers. Embry University in Prescott appeared to take a silent stand by much earlier rejecting without comment the group’s request to use its site for the convention. The Hassayampa Inn in Prescott  had also earlier announced  that it would not be hosting the event.

Moreover, the Maricopa County Republican party had publicly distanced itself from the controversy surrounding the event, issuing a statement on Twitter clarifying that they “never authorized, sponsored, or promoted” the upcoming July 30 College Republicans United convention. The party’s stance appears to reflect a commitment to distancing themselves from any connections to controversial figures and events, emphasizing their dedication to a more inclusive and respectful political atmosphere.

Categories : Politics
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