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Resident questions proposed clarification of county administrator role, raises free-speech and lobbying concerns
Summary
A Sierra Vista resident asked supervisors to clarify whether a draft update to the county administrator's role would limit private speech and how designating the administrator as a public lobbyist would interact with outside lobbying contracts.
Tricia Jaradette, a Sierra Vista resident, addressed the Cochise County Board of Supervisors during public comment to ask questions about a draft resolution the board discussed in executive session that would clarify the role of the county administrator.
Jaradette said she supported updating the administrator's role but raised concerns about specific draft provisions. She referred to item 3 of the draft, which she read as relating to the employment contract, and said she thought any contract changes such as pay adjustments should be explicitly called out if intended. She also highlighted item 6, which she said addressed the administrator “representing themselves on their free time,” and asked whether the language could be construed to restrict the administrator’s private free speech.
Finally, Jaradette noted item 23, which designates the administrator as the county’s public lobbyist. She observed that the county has at times hired outside lobbying firms and asked how the administrator would hand off lobbying authority if professionals were engaged to do that work. She requested clarity on these points and invited the board to respond; a board member offered that Jaradette submit those questions by email so staff could provide answers.
No changes to the draft were made at the meeting; the items Jaradette referenced were described in the meeting agenda as matters related to the administrator’s role and employment contract and were under consideration during the board’s executive-session work on a draft.
