Desert Messenger

July 16, 2014 www.DesertMessenger.com 7 Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily represent those of the Desert Messenger. OPINION letters to the editor IN APPRECIATION Sometimes we don't let people know how much they are appreci- ated and it is something that all of us should say more often. It not only makes the person(s) feel good but it makes us feel good too. The members of Colonel Ben Scott Post 769, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Men's Auxiliary would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Rain, for all the support you give our organization. You are always there when we have a func- tion for which we ask for picture coverage as well as when we have any information that we'd like to place in the Desert Messenger. Your willingness to present as much news about our organization and about the Town in a positive, timely manner is greatly appreci- ated by our organization! We want to say thanks, thanks, thanks for all you do! Keep doing the great job you are doing! Signed by the Offi cers of Post 769, Ladies Auxiliary and Men's Auxiliary • Birth • Obituary • Anniversary Place it FREE in the: Desert Messenger! 928-916-4235 Got something to share? Paid for by Hobart Erickson - 209-996-1402 Rather be a PUBLIC SERVANT Than a Politician! Elect HOBART ERICKSON Quartzsite Town Council WE NEED TO PROMOTE QUARTZSITE! Get our Snowbirds and Vendors Back! SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS! Help trailer parks with sewer & water fees and stop the over taxation!! MY BACKGROUND INCLUDES 40 YEARS CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXPERIENCE • Marine Corps • San Diego Police Officer • California Highway Patrol • Teacher of Law Enforcement • Juvenile Hall Retired • Restaurant Owner/Operator August 26th Across from McDonald's • Quartzsite NEED CASH? Jim Buys STERLING SILVER! All Silver Coins, .999 Bars, Sterling Silverware, etc. RECALL UPDATE Citizens of Quartzsite The Town's elected Mayor, with the fi nancial support of a few RV Parks, recently sued the Town and Town Council. His lawsuit alleges the Mayor has ultimate power and veto authority over the elected Town Council. The Mayor's lawsuit has thus far cost the Town more than $15,000 in legal fees, and has held up the needed sewer system rehabilitation. The delayed reha- bilitation will cost the Town thou- sands more due to the rising cost of materials. To settle this lawsuit, the Mayor has proposed that the County of La Paz take over the Town Police and Magistrate Services; and that the Town reimburse him (and the RV Parks) for his amassed legal costs. All of these actions by the Mayor have been very detrimental to the Town and its citizens. We formed a committee to pur- sue the possible removal of the Mayor from offi ce by means of a recall election. Such action requires that the committee determine: 1. The community's interest in pur- suing a recall election 2. The timing for a recall election 3. The fi nancial impact of a recall election Community Interest: Having taken part in many discussions and collecting the necessary signa- tures, the committee has found a very high level of support from the citizens of Quartzsite for pursu- ing an election to recall the Mayor from offi ce. Signers include work- ing folks, business owners, seniors, retirees and young people. Recall Election Timing: The pro- posed recall question was intended for placement on the November General Election ballot. However, the County of La Paz has now indi- cated their inability to qualify the gathered signatures in time for the November ballot, which means the Town would have to request that the county conduct a special elec- tion. Considering the county's de- sire to take over our Town's Police, Magistrate and Library services, this delay is not a surprise. Financial Impact of a Special Election: Holding a special election means the Town pays the entire cost of holding a third election, in addition to the August Primary and November General Elections. The committee has assessed the current status, and determined that adding the cost of a special election to ail of the other recent costs the Mayor has saddled the Town with is simply not in the best interests of the town nor fair to the Town's citi- zens. Therefore, we will not pursue this recall action any further. The committee members will, however, continue to provide comprehen- sive and honest information on the Mayor's actions. Our citizens deserve only the best. Thank you to all of the citizens who supported this effort. Norma Crooks on behalf of the Committee to Recall Mayor Ed Foster Desert Messenger MyQuartzsite.com ONLINE

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