Trento Equal Opportunities Commission President Criticizes Assessor for Lack of Consultation

The Provincial Equal Opportunities Commission (CPO) in Trento has voiced frustration with the provincial administration, particularly assessor Francesca Gerosa, citing a lack of consultation. Commission president Marilena Guerra asserted that the CPO should hold more sway, ideally offering opinions that are at least considered, if not binding, in public sector matters. This sentiment highlights a perceived disconnect between the commission's mandate to promote gender equality and the administration's engagement with its expertise.

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We have an excellent relationship with the provincial council, less so with the Province: we have a reference assessor who consults us very little.

Assessor Gerosa, however, expressed surprise at Guerra's public remarks, suggesting that communication has generally been positive and constructive. She noted that the invitation to the CPO's event arrived just hours before, implying a potential oversight rather than a deliberate exclusion. Gerosa reiterated her commitment to dialogue and collaboration, pointing to recent discussions about revising funding for equal opportunities projects as evidence of an open door policy.

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The Provincial Equal Opportunities Commission could and should become a consultative body whose opinion should be, if not binding, at least duly considered.

This exchange underscores a common tension in public administration: the balance between elected officials' decision-making authority and the input of advisory bodies. While the CPO seeks a more integrated role in policy development, the administration emphasizes its willingness to engage while maintaining its prerogative. The differing perspectives suggest a need for clearer communication channels and a shared understanding of the CPO's consultative function within the provincial government structure.

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If that's the case, I'm sorry, but it doesn't seem so to me. Moreover, the invitation to their conference only arrived a few hours before the event.