by 
I wanted to take a moment to file a formal complaint against the town manager Patsy Large. On Thursday July 10, 2014 at 3 pm I witnessed very unprofessional behavior by our current town manager. I have been volunteering at the Mammoth Town Library for the summer reading program, which meets on Tuesday and Thursday’s from 3 – 4:30 pm. Since the library has had such a great turn out, the librarian Letha Miller signs the children in and then we get them ready for that day’s lesson.
On July 10, 2014 Letha had brought in a blacksmith to complete a demonstration for the children. In order to keep the children protected Letha had safety goggles for them to wear. We had them lined up from the library door past the checkout desk and Letha was in the process of handing out the safety goggles when town manager Patsy Large stormed in. Patsy stormed past myself and Diane Theobald, who were standing in the doorway, walked up to Letha, handed her a check, and yelled at her that “if you ever go over my f******* head again, you had better have another job lined up.” She then turned and stormed out.
My jaw fell to the ground. Children were saying things like “ohhhh” and “burn”. They had overheard the whole thing. How could our town manager have decided to act so irresponsible, and in front of a room full of children? I have been told it was because “Letha went over Patsy’s head in order to obtain a signature on the check for the blacksmith”.
After leaving the summer reading program I immediately called Mayor Barcelo, and called councilman Barcelo. I spoke to both the Mayor and the Councilman that same evening and expressed my concerns as was assured something would be done. I have yet to hear anything back from them as to the resolution.
Three things; first, If Letha needed a signature on a check for a vendor that was already promised payment, why couldn’t our town manager take the two minutes to call the vice mayor to get that signature? Secondly, does the Town of Mammoth approve publicly humiliating and harassing town employees as an approved practice? Third and MOST IMPORTANT, I DO NOT CARE WHO WAS INITIALLY IN THE WRONG. You do not SCREAM, CURSE, and REPRIMAND town employees in front of the general public and especially children.
As someone who has managed 20+ employees, I can tell you, you never, never, NEVER publicly reprimand one employee in front of anyone else. Even the Town Council recognizes this, which is why there is an executive session at every council meeting. I have had employees go over my head, and while it is infuriating and I can sympathize with Patsy, there is a way to handle things, and the way she chose to handle it was WRONG.
Something needs to be done to show that this type of behavior will not be accepted. At the very least, Patsy needs to publicly apologize to Letha and all the children present for her actions. I would like to know what the resolution to this situation is.
Thank you,
/s/ DeAnna (Annie) Martinez
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
by by