Desert Messenger

WED. SEPT. 7, 2011 Vol. 8 Issue #135 N�� O�����! www.DesertMessenger.com Jose Lizarraga wins mayoral recall election Quartzsite, AZ- With the "world watching", Ed Foster was defeated by former council member Jose Lizarraga in a special mayoral recall election on Tuesday, August 30, 2011. The recall petitions were taken out in Novem- ber 2010 by Michelle Lukkasson, council member Jerry Lukkasson's wife. The stated reason for the recall was Foster had acted outside the scope of his office, acted without the consent of the council, and had violated the town code. After a contentious few months and worldwide expo- sure, Quartzsite voters chose their next mayor. However Lizarraga will only finish out the term which ends in March of next year, originally began by former Mayor Steve Bennett back in 2008. Lizarraga is the sixth mayor since 2008. He had resigned from the council earlier this year to run against Foster. What's Inside 2 Editorial 4 Letters to Editor 6 Voices from the Past 10 Around Town 11 A Month in Quartzsite 14 Thoughtbuster.com 15 Perspectives 16 Church Directory 20 Puzzles 23 Classifieds Watch council meeting videos at www.YouTube.com/ user/qwatchingeyes "Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper" 10th Anniversary of 9/11 planned at Town Park NIGHT OF HOPE – A COMMUNITY REMEMBERS 9/11 Sunday, September 11, 2011 7pm at Quartzsite Town Park Pavilion (Dance Slab) New Quartzsite Mayor Jose Lizarraga With just under a 40% turnout of 1,441 registered voters turn- ing out, Lizarraga received 302 votes (52.71%) Foster garnered 245 votes (42.76%), while Fos- ter's supporter, Jennifer Jones received 23 votes (4.01%). There were 3 write-in votes. In the March 2010 primary election there were 627 votes cast with a 44.59% turnout. Lizarraga won by receiving more votes in the "late/early" and provisional ballots than Foster. Foster, though, re- ceived more votes on the ac- tual voting day at the polls. However, Foster claims the election was rigged by the town council. "They found a whole bunch of early ballots they could stuff the box with," Foster told the right-wing news site World Net Daily. "They stole it from me. I'm gonna take it back," Secretary of State Ken Ben- nett's office says more than 71,000 voters signed up for the state's permanent early- voting list since April. Foster was elected in May 2010. Council members cen- sured him twice in the past year. Foster was absent at Tuesday's special council meet- ing when Lizarraga was sworn in on Sept. 6th. Lizarraga is a captain with the Quartz- site Fire Department and on Wednesday, Aug. 31st, re- leased a letter thanking the community. (See Page 4 of this edition) MAIN ST. EATERY * $ 275 NOW OPEN FOR DINNER Thurs. Fri. & Sat. 4-7pm FISH FRIDAYS! min. PRIME RIB SATURDAYS! OPEN YEAR-ROUND! The Gathering Place of Quartzsite for Good Food, Fun and Friendship! 205 E. Main Street, Quartzsite Quartzsite, AZ- America was changed forever on Septem- ber 11, 2001 when terrorism struck in New York, Wash- ington D.C and Pennsylvania. Those of us who lived through that day will never forget it. We remember the life-chang- ing events of that day and re- flect on the impact this day has had on our lives, our country and our world over the past ten years. On the tenth anniversary of 9/11 join local ministers, town leaders and volunteers, Quartzsite Fire and Police, VFW Post 769, in a hometown tribute to those who lost their lives and to the heroes who responded to the catastrophic events of 9/11. The Candle- light Ceremony will include presentations, videos and mu- sic (candles will be provided). • Candlelight Ceremony • Quartzsite Fire Dept. • Quartzsite Police Dept. • VFW Post 769 • Local Ministers • Town Officials • Community Leaders • Operation Hero Comfort • AZ Centennial of Quartzsite • Friends, Family & Neighbors For more information, con- tact Town Hall at 928-927-4333. Find us on Facebook: AZ Centennial of Quartzsite or Twitter @ AZCentennialQtz For Current Events and News visit www.QuartzsiteBlog.com www.DesertMessenger.com MAIN ST. LAUNDROMAT Full Service Laundry! Pick up & Delivery! 928-308-0011 FREE! Open Daily 6AM Open 6AM- 2PM FREE with any meal* COFFEE Showers $6

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