Resident tells commission PACs threatened commissioner, questions recusal
Summary
During the call to the public, Prescott Valley resident Chris Russo alleged that PACs and neighborhood groups threatened Commissioner Joe Colosimo with lawsuits to force a recusal over a gravel-pit rezoning and said the threats amounted to an attempt to "ruin Joe's livelihood." No formal response was recorded at the meeting.
During the call to the public at the Jan. 12 meeting, resident Chris Russo of 6430 East Kilkenny told the Planning and Zoning Commission he was concerned about apparent pressure on Commissioner Joe Colosimo over a prior gravel-pit rezoning. Russo said members of PVCA and other PACs, "through an intermediary," warned Colosimo he would be sued for conflicts of interest and that the threats were intended to "ruin Joe's livelihood" for a policy difference.
Russo said he opposed this pattern and urged that any Prescott Valley resident be allowed to run for or serve on town boards regardless of expertise, calling willingness to serve a gift. He also contended that different standards were being applied to different members on similar votes.
No formal response or rebuttal from council or commission members is recorded in the transcript for Russo's allegations. The remarks were part of the public comment period and did not trigger a commission action during the meeting.
