Volume 29 • Number 49 December 7, 2022
INSIDE
This Week
The Voice of Marana, Oro Valley and Northwest Tucson
www.explorernews.com
OV town manager recruitment has begun Town hopes to alleviate holiday stress, depression
BY HOPE PETERS Tucson Local Media
NEWS..............................5 Aquatic center closes for improvements
FEATURES................... 14 You can count on the snow falling at La Encantada
SPORTS....................... 19 Athlete of the week LIVEN UP...............................................9 BUSINESS........................................... 11 FEATURES.......................................... 13 SPORTS............................................... 18 HEALTH.............................................. 20 PUZZLE/HOROSCOPES.................. 23 WORSHIP/CLASSIFIEDS................ 24 MLS #22229120
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or the town of Oro Valley, the search for Mary Jacobs’ replacement comes down to finding the right recruiter. Officials say they have in the executive search firm Ralph Andersen & Associates. The recruitment firm will determine what the council wants in a manager. After that, advertising, recruiting and preliminary interviewing will begin. The recruitment agency conducts background checks and then it brings three to five candidates to the council for more interviews. When the council selects someone, the agency will help negotiate the contract. During the Nov. 10 town council special session, which was open to the public, Ralph Andersen & Associates gave a brief overview on the proposed process for the search. Recruitment usually takes about 90 to 120 days, and the organization is working with each member of the town council to learn what they would like to see in the new town manager. In a previous statement, Mayor Joe Winfield said he and the council are committed to “casting a wide net to ensure we find a quality candidate to carry on the great work of the town in the years ahead.” Jacobs resigned in September, and, toward the end of the month, the Oro Valley Town Council held a special session to discuss its recruitment efforts. Soon, Ralph Andersen & Associates will present to the council a job description, marketing brochures and other recruitment material for approval. Council will provide direction to the firm and staff about how to proceed once a can-
BY KAREN SCHAFFNER Tucson Local Media
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Chris Cornelison has worked for the town of Oro Valley for 10 years, most recently as interim town manager. (Town of Oro Valley/Submitted) didate has been selected. In the meantime, Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the promotion of its then-deputy town manager Chris Cornelison to interim town manager on Nov. 2. Cornelison has worked for the town of Oro Valley for 10 years, but six years ago was hired as deputy town manager.
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oy, gifts and glitter: For many, this is what the holiday season looks like. Not so for everyone, however. For some, the holiday season can be a very difficult time, a time to endure and survive. “Sometimes life circumstances get you down,” said Kristy Diaz-Trahan, director of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation. “This, perhaps, is the first Christmas you don’t have a parent (or loved one). Or even if it’s not a first, there’s some melancholia that relates to some tragedies in the past that you can navigate the rest of the year but when it comes time for the holidays and all these get togethers, that level of angst comes up.” For those people, or for anyone any time, Oro Valley Parks and Rec is hosting an event that not only showcases some of the mental health care services available in Oro Valley, but also gives people the freedom to ask questions. The event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Oro Valley Council Chambers. Participation is free and the meeting will be on Zoom, too. “It is a safe place to attend; you can attend in person or via Zoom,” Diaz-Trahan said. “On Zoom you can also contribute quesSee STRESS Page 6
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