Approximately 40 community leaders from Oracle gathered March 19 at Trowbrige Hall to consider options for the future of Oracle Town Hall.

       The assemblage included leaders from many of Oracle's most active organizations.  The organizations include the Oracle Fire Department, the Oracle Community Center, the Oracle School Board, the Oracle Historical Society, Pinal Citizens for Sustainable Communities, Rancho Linda Visa, and the Oracle State Park.  There were also representatives from single parents, and key business leaders.

       Two decisions were made by the assembled body.  The first was to establish a committee headed by Ruben Perez to present options for restructuring the Town Hall organization.  The second was to approve a temporary team of co-chairs to guide the organization during the transition.

       At the meeting, Andrew Rush, long-time chair of the organization, resigned.  He said he no longer believed he had a mandate to lead the Town Hall.  He described his move as a deliberate attempt to create a leadership "vacuum" that would encourage new leadership to step forward.  He has headed the Town Hall since its founding in the late 80's.

       The overwhelming consensus of the new steering committee was that a town hall process should continue.

       Attendees noted differences of opinion had created factions that had undermined the group's cohesion.  The group resolved to enter into dialogue to address those differences.
Interim co-chairs elected by those present are Helen Vinson, Oracle real estate broker, Ruben Perez, education, and Frank Pierson.  Their acceptance of the co-chair positions was with a clear understanding by all that their period of service was temporary.