SEPTEMBER 2016
WHY IS SEXISM OK AT COPPER RIM?
A KQSS/KJAA editorial by Rollye James
I made the head of the Copper Rim Elementary PTO very
unhappy Wednesday. She was upset with something Big
John said on his morning show on Gila's Kiss KQSS 101.9.
She called me to let me know she genuinely wants to help
the school. I believe her. It needs help. I thought it was a
“D” rated school. That would be an improvement. For the
most recent year online, 2014, Arizona's report card
considers it a solid “F”.
The PTO wants to raise money. I support that. One of the
ways they'd like to do it is with extra curricular events. I
support that too. They've got one going on now. That's good.
Wait. Not good at all, and they don't even recognize that
what they're doing is wrong. That's the worst part. And it's
more than wrong. It possibly threatens their federal funding.
Copper Rim PTO has put together a Star Wars themed event
on a Friday night with food, games, prizes and a Jedi
Training room. Sounds great so far. Preschoolers through
5th graders are invited to attend- as long as they're boys.
Girls not allowed. Hmmm. not so great.
The PTO lady explained carefully that they've got girls-only
events planned too. Separate but Equal was struck down
long ago by the federal government, but it springs to life at
Copper Rim.
The PTO lady urged me to attend an event where I'd see how
happy the kids are-- except the kid crying at home because
she wasn't invited. I'd rather talk with her.
Like everyone, I'm biased. I've been called a lot of things,
but a bleeding heart liberal is not one of 'em. I know why
America is a republic, not a democracy, and how rule of law
benefits all of us. I accept that our history as a nation has
been riddled with past discrimination. And I concede that
the pendulum has swung so far in the other direction that
we've got work to do on all sides.
I'm a child of the 50s and 60s. As a girl, I wanted to take
shop. That was boys-only. Girls learned how to cook. (It
could be argued I did both-- burning down the kitchen and
having to learn on my own how to rebuild it. Clearly, school
failed me on all fronts.) And don't get me started on the
workplace for women and minorities back then. But I
honestly thought that codified, condoned gender
discrimination was a thing of the past-- certainly in the
public sector, and definitely in education where Title IX has
been law since 1972.
Title IX is elegantly simple: It says any entity taking federal
funding can not discriminate on the basis of gender. Its
execution has been a mess. I'll avoid that discussion too, and
all the damage it's done to sports. And I'm not for one
minute suggesting that standards should be lowered for
everyone, so anyone can succeed at anything. Nor am I
hinting at gender neutral restrooms.
I'm talking about something much more basic. Recognizing
that excluding a kid from an activity by virtue of her being a
girl, or him being a boy, can be crushingly painful, and no
one in good conscience should support it.
The PTO lady extolled offering all-girl activities-- like a
father-daughter dance. (That one really made me cringe in a
society where half of all households with kids are not
two-parent families.) Maybe they will plan some nice event
with pink unicorns a la Barbie and the Secret Door. Or
maybe the girls get to vote. Good idea, but what about the
few girls who choose, in this case, Star Wars. There is a Star
Wars event, but they can't attend it. And what if the activity
chosen by the girls is attractive to a couple boys? We won't
know what might happen, because it's doubtful any boy
would willingly face the harassment that would result from
admitting it.
The PTO lady countered with, 'But what about the Girl
Scouts?' I reminded her that it's a private organization and
Copper Rim Elementary is a public school. She then
explained that there wasn't room to have all the kids at one
activity. It never occurred to her that the event could be
first-come, first-serve with the interested kids racing to sign
up. For Star Wars, that might only include a total of two
girls, which would be fine. Maybe they could have an
academic contest to determine which kids got to sign up
first-- it might even start to improve Copper Rim's “F”
rating.
Maybe the PTO never considered any of this. If you're a
parent, maybe you should. I believe that if Copper Rim was
discriminating by race or religion, you'd be outraged. I hope
you'll feel the same about gender bias. PTO lady thinks that
boycotting events over this would do the school a disservice.
I think it would do the students and the community a world
of good. 9.1.16
GENDER EQUALITY IS NOT ONLY THE LAW,
IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO
A KQSS/KJAA editorial by Rollye James
If you missed the news, Copper Rim Elementary PTO, with
no public announcement (at least not to us), postponed their
“boys only” Star Wars event. The response KQSS received
to our editorial attacking the gender-biased activity has been
interesting.
We heard from some people, including a public official,
congratulating us for bringing this up. We heard from other
folks, including a disappointed dad, who promised to
boycott KQSS for life. Presumably his. On a personal level,
it's a welcome change of pace to be told I am in fact a
bleeding heart liberal. Until now, I've mostly been accused
of being a hard-hearted conservative. For the record, neither
are true.
As I mentioned previously, America is a republic, not a
democracy. A republic is guided by the rule of law. A
democracy is guided by majority opinion. If you don't
understand why that's an important distinction, here's an
example. In a democracy, two foxes and a hen are deciding
what to have for dinner. The hen winds up on the menu.
In a republic, the same two foxes and one hen are deciding
what to have for dinner. But there's a rule of law that says
you can't eat chicken.
America is also a representative democracy. We elect our
leaders, but it's the “republic” part-that they have to follow
the rule of law, that keeps us free and legally equal.
What's this have to do with a boys-only event? There's a law
that says in public schools you can't discriminate on the
basis of gender. It's that simple. Or maybe it's not.
The aforementioned dad, who isn't hearing this because he's
never going to listen to KQSS again, accused me of telling
only part of the story. He cited a portion of Title IX to back
up his claim. (20 U.S.C. § 1681(a)8, to be exact.) His
reading skills are good. His comprehension is lacking.
When laying down a blanket law, common sense exceptions
are created. But no exception is allowed that violates the
basic tenets of the law.
Under Title IX in the aforementioned section, a
father-daughter dance is permitted, as long as there's also a
mother-son dance. I argue, in an area where much less than
50% of kids live in two-parent households, it's unacceptable.
But it is allowable. And the reason it is- is because these are
reasonably comparable events for both genders.
The exception provision does not apply to the recently
promoted 'boys only' Star Wars light sabre event. Why?
Because planning a Princess Lia dress up event for girls, for
instance, is not reasonably comparable. In fact, both events
violate one of the strongest principles of Title IX, which
makes any activity that promotes gender stereotyping to be
unequivocally off limits.
So, what if a boys-only light sabre event was held one week,
and a girls-only light sabre event was held another?
According to legal precedents, that won't fly either. One
school, which had the boys all eat lunch at 11 and the girls
all eat lunch at noon, was held in violation. Convenience is
not an exception. Why would that matter? Ask any girl who
fought to get into the 'good ole boys' club.
As long as the event is comparable, does not promote
stereotyping, and there is a compelling reason to separate
genders, exceptions are permitted. But woe be the school
that can't express acceptable rationale behind a decision to
create one.
The Star Wars event is far from the only violation of Title IX
by Globe schools. They're not alone. Most schools across
the country fall short. It comes down to community
stakeholders- from parents and lawmakers to businesspeople
and teachers- to promote compliance. And it's not for the
weak-hearted. Any time cultural traditions are challenged,
there's a wicked backlash. Title IX is a great help in
combatting that.
But real success is achieved by what's in our hearts. In this
case, by understanding how damaging it can be- when a girl,
or a boy, is stereotyped or excluded, and wanting to change
the way it's always been done- not because Title IX demands
it, but simply because it's the right thing to do. 9.9.16
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE GILA COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Friday September 2, 2016 10:00 AM
Gila County Courthouse
Friday's Special Meeting of the Gila County Board of
Supervisors had a one-issue agenda: appointing Roy
Sandoval as interim Gila County School Superintendent.
Sandoval, who won Tuesday's election for the position will
officially assume it in January. Until then, he is filling in for
Dr. Linda O'Dell who resigned in June. She's now
Principal/Supervisor of the Pine-Strawberry Elementary
School District.
Roy Sandoval
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN OF
MIAMI MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Monday September 12, 2016 6:30 PM
Town Council Chambers Sullivan Street
Utility funds are missing in Miami, but more than that was
not revealed at last night's Regular Meeting of the Town of
Miami Mayor and Council. An executive session, as
specified in the meeting agenda, was held for legal advice on
the Town's position on pending or contemplated litigation
regarding missing utility funds. KQSS asked for more
information both before and after the executive session and
both times was told “no comment”.
The Town adopted the results of the Primary Election held
August 30th, but Mayor Darryl Dalley was disappointed
with the response to Home Rule. It passed, but less than 100
people voted either way, while many more than that voted
for Councilmembers. He's going to talk with county
elections people about his concern over the way the ballot
was printed. He explained that Home Rule was on the back
side of the ballot, with everything else on the front. He feels
many voters did not turn over the ballot to see Home Rule.
Dalley is also disappointed with Miami police who have
been unable to curb graffiti at Veterans' Memorial Park.
And he mentioned two recent break-ins, at Dick's Broasted
Chicken, and the business next door to it.
Vice Mayor Don Reiman was absent, as was Police Chief
Scott Gillen. Lt. Spence Preston gave the police report
comparing August 2016 with August 2015. Over 200 calls
were taken both years. There were 22 citations written this
year, 12 last year; 12 adult arrests this year, ten in the prior
year; Juvenile arrests were at five this August, one last
August; 911 medical calls rose from 13 in August 2015 to 17
last month; 911 non-medical calls dropped. There were ten
this August, 18 last. Criminal damage jumped from six in
August 2015 to 11 last month. There were four domestic
violence incidents this August, none a year prior. Disorderly
conduct dropped significantly. August 2015 had 23 events,
last month only seven. Traffic accidents were relatively flat:
five this August, four a year ago.
Officer Myrna Flores received the Supervisor of the Year
aware from ABLE, Arizona Black Law Enforcement
Employees.
Town Manager Joe Heatherly announced the Director of the
Senior Center, Rashelle Highbaugh, has resigned and is
moving to Texas. He also mentioned that the Mayor and
Councilmembers have been invited to an underground tour
of Resolution Copper on October 28th.
Heatherly gave the public works report. Crews cleaned out
the lift station again. Phase 2 of the sewer project is OK.
The Sullivan Street pipeline to Bullion Plaza will be
completed next week, and the downtown paving of Sullivan
Street is finished. And he discussed the Service Line
Warranty program endorsed by the League of Arizona Cities
and Towns. Globe has approved the homeowner insurance
policy for water and sewer lines. There's no expense to the
Town, but the Council wanted more information before they
endorsed and promoted it.
Councilmember Susan Hanson said Miami Fiesta drew a
great crowd and went smoothly. She thanked the Sheriff's
office for providing Trustees to help. Pancho, a rescue dog,
was the winner of the Chihuahua race. Councilmember
Rosemary Castandeda praised the new events this year
including the dancing horses. She hopes to have more of
them next year.
Castaneda also gave a short presentation of the events held at
the Bullion Plaza gym from January through July of this
year. She said Miami Genesis is all paid up to date and has a
new computer filing system.
Alexis Caldwell, president of Miami High, reported on
students' attendance at the Arizona League of Cities and
Towns Conference. She said the group was inspired with
lots of great ideas for community projects and involvement.
She thanked the Town for their support of the Vandal Bash at
the pool, an event of which she's proud.
Copper Cities Rotary gave a presentation regarding the
placement of a children's story walk around Bullion Plaza.
StoryWalk is a literacy project that started in Montpelier,
Vermont. The Council is supportive of the effort as three out
of four 4th graders in Arizona are not reading at grade level.
A new state statute, 15-701, states that if a student can't read
at the 3rd grade level, they can not advance to the 4th grade.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF
GLOBE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Tuesday September 13, 2016 6:00 PM
City Hall - Pine Street
You did it! You turned in enough low-to-moderate income
surveys to earn Globe a new fire truck. The good news was
shared at last night's Regular Meeting of the City of Globe
Mayor and Council. Public Works Director Jerry Barnes
and Fire Chief Gary Robinson thanked everyone for their
efforts. Alan Urban of CAG informed Barnes and
Robinson that the requirements were met and Globe will be
one fire truck richer. Barnes announced that KQSS would
be holding a beer and pizza party for the firefighters in
thanks and celebration.
Chief Robinson presented a certificate to firefighter EMT
Michael Peterson for his becoming a technical rope rescue
instructor. Peterson's achievement will be valuable to the
department as instructors are hard to find in this region.
Globe Deputy Fire Chief Dave Bejarano and Michael Peterson
Mayor Terry Wheeler greeted the visitors in attendance:
County Supervisors Mike Pastor and John Marcanti, and
newly elected Councilmembers Freddy Rios, Charlene
Giles and Mayor Al Gameros. Wheeler, who lost to Rios in
the District 1 race, congratulated the group. Rios replaces
James Haley, who did not run for reelection. Giles replaces
Eric Mariscal in District 5, who also was not running for
reelection. Al Gameros succeeds Wheeler as Mayor. The
Council formally approved the vote totals.
Vote Totals
City Manager Paul Jepson was elated Home Rule passed, as
it did in every Gila County municipality where it was up for
vote. It's great for the city, Jepson commented.
John Marcanti & Mike Pastor
Certificates of Appreciation were presented by the Mayor to
Gila County Supervisor, District II, Mike Pastor and
Supervisor District III, John Marcanti. Each donated
$5,000 to the Meals on Wheels program.
New Broom sweeps clean
A new broom was presented at the meeting. The street
cleaning truck was parked in front of City Hall along with
the new police Interceptor, a Ford SUV. The Council passed
an 8 year equipment lease purchase agreement with
Caterpillar Financial in the amount of $191,901 for a skid
steer loader (akin to a Bobcat) and a backhoe.
New Police Interceptor
Jerry Barnes along with City Engineer Larry Hansen and
Wastewater Superintendent Ken Sellick gave a presentation
on their projections for improvements for the water system
pumps in the north section of town. A lot of diagrams with
circles and arrows and paragraphs of explanations were
used. Ultimately the City Council agreed with the
assessment and approved it.
Also approved were new awnings for the pharmacy. The
bright red corporate colors of CVS were nixed for the
historical Amster building. CVS settled for burgundy.
And approval was given to the Pinal Mountain Education
Foundation for their annual Oktoberfest.
KQSS' Jon Cornell spoke at Call to the Public, offering to
replace the sign in front of the locomotive outside City Hall,
which is now unintelligible. With thanks, the Council said
they'd place it on an upcoming agenda.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF GLOBE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Tuesday September 27, 2016 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers - Pine Street
Preceding last night's Regular Meeting of the City of Globe
Mayor and Council, there was a meet and greet for the three
prospective candidates for code enforcement officer. They
are Kalen Trimble, Michelle Yerkovich and Mike Boyd
(not necessariliy in that order, pictured below).
And they've got their work cut out for them...
Simultaneous to that gathering was the Meet, Greet and Eat
Historic Globe Downtown mixer. Held at the train depot, it
was well attended.
Mayor Terry Wheeler opened the meeting with a moment
of silence for Rose Mofford, who passed away recently.
Wheeler described the Globe native and former Arizona
governor as a guiding light.
Councilmember Mike Stapleton reminded attendees of the
Oktoberfest in downtown Globe Saturday from 3 to 7 pm
benefiting PMFHE, the Pinal Mountain Foundation for
Higher Education, which awards scholarships to Gila
Community College students on the Gila Pueblo and San
Carlos campuses. He also announced he's resigning as
chairperson of Globe Big and Beautiful, due to his busy
schedule at his restaurant, The Copper Hen.
Public Works Director Jerry Barnes reported a leak in the
water line toward the fairgrounds. It was repaired Monday
and leaked again yesterday. After another fix, it sprung a
third leak last night. Repairs are ongoing.
The fire truck funds have been approved by the state, and
Fire Chief Gary Robinson is reviewing available trucks. A
resolution was passed by the Council accepting the money.
There was a structural evaluation report done by Rick
Powers of Jacobs Engineering on seven of the city's bridges,
one of them over 100 years old. The Pinal Creek Bridge at
Yuma Street, built in 1939, has a 60.26 rating. Less than 50
is failing. It currently requires no major repairs. The Pinal
Creek Bridge at Jesse Hayes Rd has a rating of 47.5 and was
built in 1920 It needs full replacement at a cost of $1.5
million. The McMillen Wash Bridge on Highland Drive,
built in 1936 received a 60.46 rating. Only minor repairs are
required. The Copper Gulch Bridge on High Street, which
was built in 1961, failed at a 49.42 rating. Powers suggested
closing the bridge during floods, because one of the
problems is there is no redundancy for support. It's a high
priority for rehabilitation at a cost of $560,000. The
Graveyard Wash Bridge on Hackney Avenue, also built in
1961, also failed at a 47.92 rating. It's in bad shape, is too
narrow and will take $1.2 million to replace. The Pinal
Creek Bridge on Haskins Road built in 1916, failed at a
48.36 rating, and is a medium priority for replacement at
cost of $1,060,000. Finally, the Pinal Creek Bridge at
Cottonwood, built in 1920 has a rating of 29.18. It's a high
priority for replacement at cost of $1,261,000. Grants are
being sought for the bridges in need of replacement.
The City of Globe has 13 bridges. Statewide statistics for
bridges show 50% are over 40 years old. 19% are
functionally obsolete. And 4% are structurally deficient.
Due to the death of John Naylor, a new accountant for city
audits is needed. Snyder and Butler, a CPA firm from
Gilbert that purchased Mr. Naylor's company was chosen.
Robert Snyder and his partner Rhett Butler gave a
presentation about their business, which has 12 employees
and experience in Uniform Guidance, which encompasses
the major changes in auditing requirements for federal
grants. The Council approved the firm and a contract for
auditing expenses at $37,000 annually.
The council also approved a grant application for 12D funds
from Apache Gold Casino Resort for $22,997.26. Besh Ba
Gowah museum director Leana Asberry explained the grant
would be used to replace all artifact cases in the museum,
which are old, handmade display cases, many with cracked
glass, and all without easy access to the interior.
Chris Collopy, director of planning and zoning, proposed a
new ordinance prohibiting the feeding of ferrel and stray
domestic animals, and wild animals, but not including bird
feeders. The council had some objections and asked that it be
revised prior to a vote.
Because of conflicts with Election Day and Thanksgiving,
all November Globe City Council meetings were cancelled,
replaced by one meeting to be held on November 15th.
