http://www.azd.uscourts.gov/azd/callive.nsf/fda5dbb19b274dce07256dac006e5d75/4d2b3597aa9d365b0725790400343a41?OpenDocument&Highlight=2%2CQuartzsite
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Friday, September 9, 2011
QPOA "whistle blower" cops in Federal Court today
According to a post on Facebook:
http://www.azd.uscourts.gov/azd/callive.nsf/fda5dbb19b274dce07256dac006e5d75/4d2b3597aa9d365b0725790400343a41?OpenDocument&Highlight=2%2CQuartzsite
http://www.azd.uscourts.gov/azd/callive.nsf/fda5dbb19b274dce07256dac006e5d75/4d2b3597aa9d365b0725790400343a41?OpenDocument&Highlight=2%2CQuartzsite
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Lizarraga to be sworn in illegally!
Not satisfied with the long list of open meetings violations, open records violations and other assorted illegal and unethical acts, the Quartzsite Town Council appears quite eager to committ one more.
Although Town Code Section 2-3-1 states that elected officials are sworn in at the next "regular" council meeting following the election, an agenda was posted Friday, at 5 pm for a special meeting to do the deed.
http://www.ci.quartzsite.az.us/2011%20Packets/090611%20Sp%20Mtg%20Adg.htm
There is no specific provision for swearing in an elected official at a special meetig. Of course, by 5 pm it was too late to make any inquiries, and this is a holiday weekend, with government offices closed on Monday. Surely, NOT a coincidence!
As of 5 pm Friday, the canvas of the vote had not been completed. One wonders what the hurry is all about? What does Ms. Graft have in mind that can't wait a week until the "regular" meeting?
Although Town Code Section 2-3-1 states that elected officials are sworn in at the next "regular" council meeting following the election, an agenda was posted Friday, at 5 pm for a special meeting to do the deed.
http://www.ci.quartzsite.az.us/2011%20Packets/090611%20Sp%20Mtg%20Adg.htm
There is no specific provision for swearing in an elected official at a special meetig. Of course, by 5 pm it was too late to make any inquiries, and this is a holiday weekend, with government offices closed on Monday. Surely, NOT a coincidence!
As of 5 pm Friday, the canvas of the vote had not been completed. One wonders what the hurry is all about? What does Ms. Graft have in mind that can't wait a week until the "regular" meeting?
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Be careful what you wish for...Lizarraga defeats Foster
In a surprisingly predictable yet nauseating turn of events, Jose Lizarraga defeated Mayor Ed Foster by about the same number of votes that swung last spring's election in the incumbents favor.
TOTAL VOTES 545
Percent Votes
FOSTER, ED (NP)
42.20% 230 votes
JONES, JENNIFER (NP)
4.22% 23 votes
LIZARRAGA, JOSE (NP)
53.03% 289 votes
Write-in (NP)
0.55% 3
If Jose were a smarter man, he would decline the nomination, and slip quietly out of the spot light rather than subject himself to further scrutiny. But clearly, he not. And there's a lot of supporters for Foster, Jones, and the Quartzsite 10 who will be watching his every move.
TOTAL VOTES 545
Percent Votes
FOSTER, ED (NP)
42.20% 230 votes
JONES, JENNIFER (NP)
4.22% 23 votes
LIZARRAGA, JOSE (NP)
53.03% 289 votes
Write-in (NP)
0.55% 3
If Jose were a smarter man, he would decline the nomination, and slip quietly out of the spot light rather than subject himself to further scrutiny. But clearly, he not. And there's a lot of supporters for Foster, Jones, and the Quartzsite 10 who will be watching his every move.
Say "NO WAY JOSE" - Vote today!
Quartzsite voters have yet another chance to remind incumbent tyrants who they really work for and what the people think of the way candidate Jose' Lizarraga treated 10 members of the Quartzsite Police Department.
Some say there's no hope of a fair election, with all the incument rhetoric, fear mongering and outright lies. I say, vote and let the chips fall where they may. Whatever happens today, those who have wronged the people of Quartzsite will still be made to answer for their crimes in a court of law, as well as the court of opinion.
America is watching Quartzsite - what will we do next?
Friday, August 19, 2011
Mayor Foster was right. Payroll checks and vouchers are public records.
On August 17th, Joanne MacDonnell, Acting Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide for the State of AZ wrote:
Re: Case #1101388
Dear Mayor Foster,
We have concluded our investigation relating to your complaint against the Town of Quartzsite. You alleged the Town wrongfully denied your public records request for:
Copies of checks and redacted vouchers issued by the
town for pay periods ending in three seperate months.
We substantiated the allegation and found that the Town wrongfully denied your public records request. We recommended that the Town release the appropriately redacted records, but they did not agree...
OK, so we all along that knew Foster was right, but the real question is - whose names are on the checks? Read the whole report at:
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1101388-Final-Final-Report.pdf
Re: Case #1101388
Dear Mayor Foster,
We have concluded our investigation relating to your complaint against the Town of Quartzsite. You alleged the Town wrongfully denied your public records request for:
Copies of checks and redacted vouchers issued by the
town for pay periods ending in three seperate months.
We substantiated the allegation and found that the Town wrongfully denied your public records request. We recommended that the Town release the appropriately redacted records, but they did not agree...
OK, so we all along that knew Foster was right, but the real question is - whose names are on the checks? Read the whole report at:
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1101388-Final-Final-Report.pdf
Monday, August 15, 2011
Temporary restraining order stays, case moves to federal court
Judge Randolph Bartlett allowed todays hearing to move forward, despite Justin Pierce of Jackson Lewis, the attorney for the town of Quartzsite asking the temporary restraining order to be thrown out, claiming that employee versus employer agreements cannot be intervened in in such a manner. After about 20 or so minutes of riveting testimony by Sgt Will Ponce, the attorney for the town asked to approach the bench. Judge Barltett announced that they were excercising their right to move the case to federal court. He ordered that the papers be submitted in ten days and that the temporary restraiing order will remain in place.
No cameras or other recording devices were alowed, so if you want the transcript, you'll have to pay La Paz County for the CD.
http://www.kswt.com/story/15280504/quartzsite-officers-tro-case-maybe-heard-by-federal-judge
No cameras or other recording devices were alowed, so if you want the transcript, you'll have to pay La Paz County for the CD.
http://www.kswt.com/story/15280504/quartzsite-officers-tro-case-maybe-heard-by-federal-judge
Friday, August 12, 2011
Roth restraining order reversed!
In the aftermath of a reported influx of letters by people actually went to law school, JOP Karen Slaughter has reversed her ruling granting Councilman "machine gun" Joe Winslow an order of protection from Desert Freedom Press writer Mike Roth.
The restraining order, which ilegally prohibited Roth from attending town council meetings and took away his gun rights had outraged Americans up in arms. "Machine Gun" Joe has become the source of online ridecule, and the reversal without a hearing is thought to have been a stragetic move to avoid Joe suffering a PTSD breakdown on the witness stand.
Roth's attorney intends to bill Winslow for her hours preparing for the hearing that didn't happen.
The restraining order, which ilegally prohibited Roth from attending town council meetings and took away his gun rights had outraged Americans up in arms. "Machine Gun" Joe has become the source of online ridecule, and the reversal without a hearing is thought to have been a stragetic move to avoid Joe suffering a PTSD breakdown on the witness stand.
Roth's attorney intends to bill Winslow for her hours preparing for the hearing that didn't happen.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
More shocking private prisons proposals, as close as Yuma!
Public Hearings Scheduled for Proposed Private Prisons in Five Arizona Towns
The Arizona Department of Corrections has given a green light to four private, for-profit correctional management corporations for the construction and management of an additional 5,000 state prison beds.
The Department of Corrections will be holding public hearings in each of the towns under consideration for a new prison or prisons. The public is encouraged to attend and voice their concerns about having a private prison as a neighbor.
Here is the schedule of the hearings:
1. Eloy: Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) has proposed two prisons for Eloy—1,500 beds and 3,000 beds.
The Eloy public hearing will be held Tuesday, August 9th, 6-8pm at the Curiel Annex School, 304 West Alsdorf Rd., Eloy.
2. Goodyear: GEO Group (formerly Wackenhut) has proposed a prison that could be anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 beds.
The Goodyear public hearing will be held Wednesday, August 10th, 6-8 pm at the Desert Edge High School Auditorium, 15778 West Yuma Rd., Goodyear.
3. Winslow: LaSalle/Southwest Corrections has proposed a 1,000-bed prison for Winslow.
The Winslow public hearing will be held Thursday, August 11th, 6-8pm at the Winslow High School Performing Arts Center, 600 E. Cherry St., Winslow.
4. San Luis (Yuma): There are two proposed prisons for Yuma. Management and Training Corporation (MTC) has proposed to build a 3,000-bed prison and GEO Group seeks to build one with 2,000-3,000 beds.
The San Luis public hearing for both proposed prisons will be held Tuesday, August 16th, 6-10pm at the San Luis City Council Chambers, 1090 East Union St., San Luis.
5. Coolidge: Management and Training Corporation (MTC) has proposed a prison of 3,000 or 5,000 beds.
The Coolidge public hearing will be held Thursday, August 18th, 6-8pm at the Coolidge City Council Chambers, 911 S. Arizona Blvd., Coolidge.
This will be the one and only opportunity that the public will have to give input on these proposed prisons. Thus far, the only publicity for them has been a statutorily-required posting in the “legal notices” section of the local papers.
If you know anyone who lives in these communities, please encourage them to attend the hearings. AFSC will be organizing carpools from Tucson. Please contact: cisaacs@afsc.org.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/cell-out-arizona/2011/08/02/public-hearings-scheduled-for-proposed-private-prisons-in-eloy-goodyear-winslow-san-luis-and-coolidge/
Deja vu! You will remember from:
http://quartzsitearizona.blogspot.com/2010/09/gov-brewer-defends-private-prisons.html
Gov. Jan Brewer’s campaign chairman and policy adviser is also a lobbyist for the largest private prison company in the country. Perhaps it's because that same private prison company has the contact to incarcerate illegals rounded up by Brewer's SB1070? Caroline Isaacs from the American Friends Service Committee, which advocates for social justice issues, says "private prison companies have been buying influence in Arizona politics for years. The number of private prisons and jails operating across the state shows the result of that influence".
See:"Brewer Linked To Private Prisons Housing Illegal Immigrants - New Questions Raised About Lobbyist Advice"
http://www.kpho.com/news/24834877/detail.html
The Arizona Department of Corrections has given a green light to four private, for-profit correctional management corporations for the construction and management of an additional 5,000 state prison beds.
The Department of Corrections will be holding public hearings in each of the towns under consideration for a new prison or prisons. The public is encouraged to attend and voice their concerns about having a private prison as a neighbor.
Here is the schedule of the hearings:
1. Eloy: Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) has proposed two prisons for Eloy—1,500 beds and 3,000 beds.
The Eloy public hearing will be held Tuesday, August 9th, 6-8pm at the Curiel Annex School, 304 West Alsdorf Rd., Eloy.
2. Goodyear: GEO Group (formerly Wackenhut) has proposed a prison that could be anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 beds.
The Goodyear public hearing will be held Wednesday, August 10th, 6-8 pm at the Desert Edge High School Auditorium, 15778 West Yuma Rd., Goodyear.
3. Winslow: LaSalle/Southwest Corrections has proposed a 1,000-bed prison for Winslow.
The Winslow public hearing will be held Thursday, August 11th, 6-8pm at the Winslow High School Performing Arts Center, 600 E. Cherry St., Winslow.
4. San Luis (Yuma): There are two proposed prisons for Yuma. Management and Training Corporation (MTC) has proposed to build a 3,000-bed prison and GEO Group seeks to build one with 2,000-3,000 beds.
The San Luis public hearing for both proposed prisons will be held Tuesday, August 16th, 6-10pm at the San Luis City Council Chambers, 1090 East Union St., San Luis.
5. Coolidge: Management and Training Corporation (MTC) has proposed a prison of 3,000 or 5,000 beds.
The Coolidge public hearing will be held Thursday, August 18th, 6-8pm at the Coolidge City Council Chambers, 911 S. Arizona Blvd., Coolidge.
This will be the one and only opportunity that the public will have to give input on these proposed prisons. Thus far, the only publicity for them has been a statutorily-required posting in the “legal notices” section of the local papers.
If you know anyone who lives in these communities, please encourage them to attend the hearings. AFSC will be organizing carpools from Tucson. Please contact: cisaacs@afsc.org.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/cell-out-arizona/2011/08/02/public-hearings-scheduled-for-proposed-private-prisons-in-eloy-goodyear-winslow-san-luis-and-coolidge/
Deja vu! You will remember from:
http://quartzsitearizona.blogspot.com/2010/09/gov-brewer-defends-private-prisons.html
Gov. Jan Brewer’s campaign chairman and policy adviser is also a lobbyist for the largest private prison company in the country. Perhaps it's because that same private prison company has the contact to incarcerate illegals rounded up by Brewer's SB1070? Caroline Isaacs from the American Friends Service Committee, which advocates for social justice issues, says "private prison companies have been buying influence in Arizona politics for years. The number of private prisons and jails operating across the state shows the result of that influence".
See:"Brewer Linked To Private Prisons Housing Illegal Immigrants - New Questions Raised About Lobbyist Advice"
http://www.kpho.com/news/24834877/detail.html
Another circus side show of a town council meeting
With Mike Jewit as the latest freak to join the carnival.
You might remember Mike as the guy who owns the property overlooking where they found Laura Vittori's body. Is it a coincidence that he's such good friends with QPD Sgt. Xavier Frauso and his wife the town magistrate? Or was he just the obvious choice because he was the most ignorant, opinionated and least likely to read or comprehend what he votes on?
You might remember Mike as the guy who owns the property overlooking where they found Laura Vittori's body. Is it a coincidence that he's such good friends with QPD Sgt. Xavier Frauso and his wife the town magistrate? Or was he just the obvious choice because he was the most ignorant, opinionated and least likely to read or comprehend what he votes on?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Police scanner reports UFO - 4 minutes ago!
"Did you see that? It's not a helicopter. It's not moving at all, its stationary. Did you see those lights on the side?"
Seriously, file an open records request for the audio. This is what came over the scanner...and then they switched to another channel (according to a phone call). Are they testing something down in Yuma? Or have we been visited by the type of aliens our governor isn't concerned with?
Seriously, file an open records request for the audio. This is what came over the scanner...and then they switched to another channel (according to a phone call). Are they testing something down in Yuma? Or have we been visited by the type of aliens our governor isn't concerned with?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Ernest Hancock wants your opinion - broadcast from Quartzsite Mon. & Tues.
Tyson's R.V. Park "Community Room" - 350 W Main Quartzsite, AZ - Noon to 2pm Both Monday and Tuesday - Public invited to attend and peacefully participate.
http://powerandpolitic.wordpress.com/2011/08/08/declare-your-independence-live-from-quartzsite-monday-august-8th-2011/
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=350+W+Main+St,+Quartzsite,+AZ+85346&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rlz=1R1GGLA_en___US375&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl
EVERYBODY on ALL sides get to have their say!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Quartzsite power tripper Al Johnson defies court order
According to a recent story on Quartzsite by CBS News in Yuma, discussing Assistant Town Manager Al Johnson's tirade yesterday : http://www.kswt.com/story/15211002/court-slaps-quartzsite-with-temporary-restraining-order
the town is refusing to comply with Judge Barlett's August 1st court order, and attorney's for Sgt. Will Ponce are reportedly seeking the criminal charge of "contempt of court" against Assistant Town Manager/Planning & Zoning Director Albert Johnson for refusing to reinstate Ponce and Administrator Linda Conley. The "Unholy Trinity" of Taft/Johnson?Gilbert have been ordered to appear in La Paz County Superior Court on August 15th at 1:30 pm for a "show cause" hearing. This hearing is open to the public, and media is encouraged to attend!
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TRO1.pdf
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Order-to-Show-Cause1.pdf
According to the DESERT FREEDOM PRESS "The Plaintiffs are being represented by the Phoenix, AZ law firm of Schneider and Onofry."
The Associated Press has ran with the story, and it was picked up across the nation. Here's a very small sampling:
http://tucsoncitizen.com/arizona-news/2011/08/06/judge-halts-firing-of-quartzsite-officers/
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18630593?nclick_check=1
http://ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110806/Judge-halts-firing-of-Quartzsite-police-officers/
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2011%2F08%2F06%2Fstate%2Fn121849D44.DTL
the town is refusing to comply with Judge Barlett's August 1st court order, and attorney's for Sgt. Will Ponce are reportedly seeking the criminal charge of "contempt of court" against Assistant Town Manager/Planning & Zoning Director Albert Johnson for refusing to reinstate Ponce and Administrator Linda Conley. The "Unholy Trinity" of Taft/Johnson?Gilbert have been ordered to appear in La Paz County Superior Court on August 15th at 1:30 pm for a "show cause" hearing. This hearing is open to the public, and media is encouraged to attend!
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/TRO1.pdf
http://qtown.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Order-to-Show-Cause1.pdf
According to the DESERT FREEDOM PRESS "The Plaintiffs are being represented by the Phoenix, AZ law firm of Schneider and Onofry."
The Associated Press has ran with the story, and it was picked up across the nation. Here's a very small sampling:
http://tucsoncitizen.com/arizona-news/2011/08/06/judge-halts-firing-of-quartzsite-officers/
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18630593?nclick_check=1
http://ktar.com/category/local-news-articles/20110806/Judge-halts-firing-of-Quartzsite-police-officers/
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2011%2F08%2F06%2Fstate%2Fn121849D44.DTL
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Carwash fundraiser for Quartzite 10 - Sat. August 6th at Shell
Since there's no actual carwash in the entire town (because town "leaders" have consistently stonewalled the idea), you won't have to drive to Blythe for a wash this week. Get your car washed on Saturday, at the Shell Gas Station starting at 7 am. Proceeds will go directly to the legal defense of Quartzsite Police Officers Association members, who are currently under threat for being "whistle blowers" against controversial Police Chief Jeff Gilbert.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2332810198610&oid=118461931576665&comments
The "Cruise In" will take place at the same location at 7pm. Bring your hot rod, classic car, motorcycle, tractor, whatever you can drive, push, pull, or tow - whether it's an ongoing project or a finished work of art! Fifty cent ice cream, hot dogs and fountain drinks during the event, along with door prizes. Come join in the fun!
If you don't need a car wash, and still want to help these hero officers, you can go to any Wells Fargo Bank and make a donation in any amount to the "
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2332810198610&oid=118461931576665&comments
The "Cruise In" will take place at the same location at 7pm. Bring your hot rod, classic car, motorcycle, tractor, whatever you can drive, push, pull, or tow - whether it's an ongoing project or a finished work of art! Fifty cent ice cream, hot dogs and fountain drinks during the event, along with door prizes. Come join in the fun!
If you don't need a car wash, and still want to help these hero officers, you can go to any Wells Fargo Bank and make a donation in any amount to the "
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
La Paz County Attorney comments on Quartzsite
La Paz County Attorney Press Release
As the La Paz County Attorney I support Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne conducting an independent investigation into the Town of Quartzsite. Although the La Paz County Attorney’s Office will continue to address the issues that have confronted the Town of Quartzsite, the Attorney General will conduct a thorough, fair and impartial investigation with the backing of this office.
I would like to assure all residents of La Paz County that I have been carefully monitoring the political issues within the Town of Quartzsite and I have had discussions with the Office of the Attorney General. I share the concern of all citizens and I look forward to the day when Quartzsite returns to a place where people from all over the world come together for fun and relaxation throughout the year.
I have been extensively involved in the ongoing issues within the Town of Quartzsite and I have taken a stand on many of the issues. On January 28, 2011, after receiving a complaint from Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster, I issued a written admonishment to Quartzsite Town Council members Bob Kelley, Jose Lizarraga, Joe Winslow, Jerry Lukkasson, Patricia Anderson and Vice Mayor Barbara Cowell for violating the Open Meeting Laws on two separate occasions.
On April 7, 2011, after receiving another complaint from Mayor Foster for an issue regarding the minutes of a meeting, I issued a letter to Mayor Foster in which I found no violation of the Open Meeting Laws by the Town of Quartzsite.
Since becoming the La Paz County Attorney, Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert has submitted multiple cases to this office for felony review that have been declined for prosecution. Many of the cases simply do not amount to felony conduct. Some of the declinations have resulted in disagreements between Chief Gilbert and myself. This office will continue to review each and every case fairly and impartially, without bias or prejudice, and will not be swayed by public opinion.
On May 14, 2011, I invited all of the members of the Quartzsite Town Council to meet with me so that I could address any concerns they may have with the La Paz County Attorney’s Office. I offered to travel to Quartzsite to meet with all of the council members individually. To date I have formally met with three council members, Mayor Ed Foster, Councilman Jerry Lukkasson and Councilwoman Patricia Anderson. Although the meetings have not had the results I had hoped for, I have made an effort to try and resolve some of the issues that are causing conflict.
In conclusion, this office will continue to do what it can to help end the strife the Town of Quartzsite is now embroiled in.
As the La Paz County Attorney I support Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne conducting an independent investigation into the Town of Quartzsite. Although the La Paz County Attorney’s Office will continue to address the issues that have confronted the Town of Quartzsite, the Attorney General will conduct a thorough, fair and impartial investigation with the backing of this office.
I would like to assure all residents of La Paz County that I have been carefully monitoring the political issues within the Town of Quartzsite and I have had discussions with the Office of the Attorney General. I share the concern of all citizens and I look forward to the day when Quartzsite returns to a place where people from all over the world come together for fun and relaxation throughout the year.
I have been extensively involved in the ongoing issues within the Town of Quartzsite and I have taken a stand on many of the issues. On January 28, 2011, after receiving a complaint from Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster, I issued a written admonishment to Quartzsite Town Council members Bob Kelley, Jose Lizarraga, Joe Winslow, Jerry Lukkasson, Patricia Anderson and Vice Mayor Barbara Cowell for violating the Open Meeting Laws on two separate occasions.
On April 7, 2011, after receiving another complaint from Mayor Foster for an issue regarding the minutes of a meeting, I issued a letter to Mayor Foster in which I found no violation of the Open Meeting Laws by the Town of Quartzsite.
Since becoming the La Paz County Attorney, Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert has submitted multiple cases to this office for felony review that have been declined for prosecution. Many of the cases simply do not amount to felony conduct. Some of the declinations have resulted in disagreements between Chief Gilbert and myself. This office will continue to review each and every case fairly and impartially, without bias or prejudice, and will not be swayed by public opinion.
On May 14, 2011, I invited all of the members of the Quartzsite Town Council to meet with me so that I could address any concerns they may have with the La Paz County Attorney’s Office. I offered to travel to Quartzsite to meet with all of the council members individually. To date I have formally met with three council members, Mayor Ed Foster, Councilman Jerry Lukkasson and Councilwoman Patricia Anderson. Although the meetings have not had the results I had hoped for, I have made an effort to try and resolve some of the issues that are causing conflict.
In conclusion, this office will continue to do what it can to help end the strife the Town of Quartzsite is now embroiled in.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Attorney General asserts that "secret meeting" IS unlawful!
ATTORNEY GENERAL TOM HORNE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, July 29, 2011
Contact: Amy Rezzonico (602) 542-8019
Attorney General Horne Finds Reasonable Cause to Believe Open Meeting Law Has Been Violated in Quartzsite
PHOENIX (Friday, July 29, 2011) – Tom Horne, Arizona Attorney General, today released partial information regarding the Attorney General’s Office investigation of events in Quartzsite. Horne stated:
“Normally, we do not release the results of an investigation until it has been completed. However, because this is a matter of unusual public interest, we are prepared to say that, based on review of a video of a July 10 meeting, there is reasonable cause to believe that there has been a violation of the Open Meeting Law, inasmuch as the public was excluded. The meeting was held under the misconception that an emergency meeting can be conducted without the public present. Independently of the question of whether the Town Council had a legitimate reason to hold an emergency meeting, even proper emergency meetings must allow the public to be present. The exception is if there is a legitimate basis for an executive session, and the City Council did not attempt to hold a proper executive session during the emergency meeting. The investigation of this and other alleged violations of Open Meeting Laws is ongoing.”
http://www.azag.gov/press_releases/july/2011/110729%20Open%20Meeting%20Law.html
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
"Secret meeting" revealed! " - "Emergency" CONFIRMED!
From the "badge cam" of Sgt. Xavier Frausto", this video does not start until about 20 minutes into the meeting, according to the meeting minutes on the Quartzsite Post Office Bulleting Board.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Council to increase tax, appoint new member - 9 am tomorrow!
And the zoning proposal for HTR Holdings LLC, is reortedly to open a gun shop and future shooting range near the Scholars Academy. It appears that Planning and Zoning has already given it's official blessing. But don't bother filing an open records request for proof of that, as nobody has seen the town clerk in the office since the illegal meeting, and Al Johnson is stalling big time...
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Upcomming 2012 documentary about Quartzsite seeks input
http://hemetproductions.com/?portfolio=quartzsite-documentary-film
Hemet Productions needs you!
Do you or someone you know have a story, a viewpoint, a connection to or an anecdote about the town of Quartzsite, AZ?
Hemet Productions is now in production on a feature-length, fly-on-the-wall documentary film about Quartzsite, its colorful characters, impassionated local politics and compelling history. Be part of this definitive project on a unique town with a unique background.
Recommend someone we should talk to. Be interviewed yourself, no matter how short your contribution. Pass along some info.
Remember: this documentary is about Quartzsite in general, not only about the current political drama! We want input on any aspect of the town that you think we may find interesting. Have we missed someone that we should talk to? Is there a story we haven’t heard?
CLICK HERE to write us a note and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks again. We look forward to providing a definitive profile of the town of Quartzsite and its people on film.
Release date in 2012 TBA.
Hemet Productions needs you!
Do you or someone you know have a story, a viewpoint, a connection to or an anecdote about the town of Quartzsite, AZ?
Hemet Productions is now in production on a feature-length, fly-on-the-wall documentary film about Quartzsite, its colorful characters, impassionated local politics and compelling history. Be part of this definitive project on a unique town with a unique background.
Recommend someone we should talk to. Be interviewed yourself, no matter how short your contribution. Pass along some info.
Remember: this documentary is about Quartzsite in general, not only about the current political drama! We want input on any aspect of the town that you think we may find interesting. Have we missed someone that we should talk to? Is there a story we haven’t heard?
CLICK HERE to write us a note and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks again. We look forward to providing a definitive profile of the town of Quartzsite and its people on film.
Release date in 2012 TBA.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The 'sane' person in the room can be a matter of perspective - AZ Republic
by Doug MacEachern, columnist - Jul. 24, 2011 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2011/07/23/20110723maceachern0724-sane-perspective.html#ixzz1Szsp3AJSWhen Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik shared with the world the results of his personal investigation into the Jan. 8 Tucson-area shooting - people with political views different from his had caused the murders to happen, he concluded - someone special was listening.
The sheriff, who decried his state as a "mecca for racism and bigotry," became quite the celebrity then. He knew, intrinsically, that the talk shows - in a nutshell, Fox News - were "inflaming the American people," by which he meant conservative, "tea partyish," American people, by whom he meant people whose smoldering hostilities rendered them capable of murder once the right buttons were pushed.
Tucson shooter, tea-party activist. They all stew in the same pot of hate, in Dupnik's view.
"That may be free speech, but it's not without consequences," Dupnik said on the day of the shooting.
The sheriff's message went out over the airwaves, just like all those so-called hate messages. And someone special was listening.
Four days later, Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert stood before his Town Council and delivered his own sober message about "hate." There was too much controversy out there in Quartzsite. Too much "propaganda." And too many people with a real dislike for local government officials.
"The (Tucson-area) shooting clearly appears to be motivated by a disturbed individual who is reported to have distorted political views, was anti-government, did not like or trust government officials, and believed they were just trying to cover up some conspiracy," said the chief.
"Does any of this sound familiar to our community?"
To those of us on the outside of Quartzsite, the little town certainly does seem seriously whacked-out. The best that outsiders can tell, a lot of it is loon vs. loon. It's hard to discern the precise politics of that isolated town near the Colorado River. But it is clear the police chief believes his opponents are anti-government types. And Chief Gilbert clearly sees it as his duty to protect the government from them. Any way he can.
"These words are warning signs," said the chief as he read from an e-mail he received from one of his long-standing opponents.
"The words of hatred hiding behind the Constitution, these are warning signs. The propaganda that's being spread about the local government, these are warning signs. The behavior and outbursts, the actions that have taken place in some of these council meetings, they are warning signs."
As The Republic's Dennis Wagner reported last Sunday, Chief Gilbert indeed has taken all those "warning signs" seriously. Numerous Quartzsite residents contend Gilbert has ordered his tiny force to harass them. He is issuing them tickets, indiscriminately, they claim. And he is charging them with faux crimes. Many Quartzsite-ites, including the mayor, say they have been "arrested" on Gilbert's orders multiple times.
A majority of Gilbert's own police force says it has had enough of the harassment. In June, 10 of Gilbert's 14 sworn officers signed a letter declaring they had "no confidence" in their chief. They complained about the citizen harassment and about the chief using the law to protect his friends.
The officers asked for public-safety officials outside Quartzsite to investigate. The Arizona Department of Public Safety says it is complying.
That was in June. Now, allies of Chief Gilbert are retaliating against the cops. The town has placed eight of the officers who signed the letter, as well as a staff technician, on administrative leave pending an investigation into their attempt to defame "the integrity and reputation of the town of Quartzsite, its chief of police, its town manager, and its common council."
The officers have been ordered to stay in their homes during the day. A de facto "house arrest," according to the town's mayor, Ed Foster.
"The chief of police is acting irrational," said the mayor. "What rational person, with all the national media attention focused on Quartzsite now, would act like this?"
I'm no shrink. Nor do I play one in news columns. But I have no doubt that Chief Gilbert, like Sheriff Dupnik before him, firmly believes he is the only rational person in the room. And he believes it is his job to come down on those people whom he deems the crazies. Which is to say, those people whose views he dislikes.
During that same Jan. 11 town meeting, Gilbert spoke directly to Mayor Foster, whom he views as one of those crazy people:
"Mr. Mayor, as the person running our Town Council meetings, I am passing this warning on to you," he said.
"You are the person charged with the responsibility for controlling the meetings to assure the business of the town is conducted without personal attack, outbursts and disruption. And I am the one who is charged with the responsibility of the safety of the public. And I hope and pray that the town of Quartzsite never makes the news for such a tragedy. I take all of these warning signs seriously. Mr. Mayor, I hope you do the same."
That's serious talk. Grim. Sober. Scary in an "angry man with a gun" way. And a predictable consequence of listening to too much wild-eyed political speech.
From Clarence Dupnik.
Reach MacEachern at doug.maceachern@arizonarepublic.com.
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2011/07/23/20110723maceachern0724-sane-perspective.html#ixzz1Szs4vdvN
Speaking of "sane"??? Here's Councilman Winslow's sworn testiminy to the County Justice of the Peace Court.
The Arizona Republic
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2011/07/23/20110723maceachern0724-sane-perspective.html#ixzz1Szsp3AJSWhen Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik shared with the world the results of his personal investigation into the Jan. 8 Tucson-area shooting - people with political views different from his had caused the murders to happen, he concluded - someone special was listening.
The sheriff, who decried his state as a "mecca for racism and bigotry," became quite the celebrity then. He knew, intrinsically, that the talk shows - in a nutshell, Fox News - were "inflaming the American people," by which he meant conservative, "tea partyish," American people, by whom he meant people whose smoldering hostilities rendered them capable of murder once the right buttons were pushed.
Tucson shooter, tea-party activist. They all stew in the same pot of hate, in Dupnik's view.
"That may be free speech, but it's not without consequences," Dupnik said on the day of the shooting.
The sheriff's message went out over the airwaves, just like all those so-called hate messages. And someone special was listening.
Four days later, Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert stood before his Town Council and delivered his own sober message about "hate." There was too much controversy out there in Quartzsite. Too much "propaganda." And too many people with a real dislike for local government officials.
"The (Tucson-area) shooting clearly appears to be motivated by a disturbed individual who is reported to have distorted political views, was anti-government, did not like or trust government officials, and believed they were just trying to cover up some conspiracy," said the chief.
"Does any of this sound familiar to our community?"
To those of us on the outside of Quartzsite, the little town certainly does seem seriously whacked-out. The best that outsiders can tell, a lot of it is loon vs. loon. It's hard to discern the precise politics of that isolated town near the Colorado River. But it is clear the police chief believes his opponents are anti-government types. And Chief Gilbert clearly sees it as his duty to protect the government from them. Any way he can.
"These words are warning signs," said the chief as he read from an e-mail he received from one of his long-standing opponents.
"The words of hatred hiding behind the Constitution, these are warning signs. The propaganda that's being spread about the local government, these are warning signs. The behavior and outbursts, the actions that have taken place in some of these council meetings, they are warning signs."
As The Republic's Dennis Wagner reported last Sunday, Chief Gilbert indeed has taken all those "warning signs" seriously. Numerous Quartzsite residents contend Gilbert has ordered his tiny force to harass them. He is issuing them tickets, indiscriminately, they claim. And he is charging them with faux crimes. Many Quartzsite-ites, including the mayor, say they have been "arrested" on Gilbert's orders multiple times.
A majority of Gilbert's own police force says it has had enough of the harassment. In June, 10 of Gilbert's 14 sworn officers signed a letter declaring they had "no confidence" in their chief. They complained about the citizen harassment and about the chief using the law to protect his friends.
The officers asked for public-safety officials outside Quartzsite to investigate. The Arizona Department of Public Safety says it is complying.
That was in June. Now, allies of Chief Gilbert are retaliating against the cops. The town has placed eight of the officers who signed the letter, as well as a staff technician, on administrative leave pending an investigation into their attempt to defame "the integrity and reputation of the town of Quartzsite, its chief of police, its town manager, and its common council."
The officers have been ordered to stay in their homes during the day. A de facto "house arrest," according to the town's mayor, Ed Foster.
"The chief of police is acting irrational," said the mayor. "What rational person, with all the national media attention focused on Quartzsite now, would act like this?"
I'm no shrink. Nor do I play one in news columns. But I have no doubt that Chief Gilbert, like Sheriff Dupnik before him, firmly believes he is the only rational person in the room. And he believes it is his job to come down on those people whom he deems the crazies. Which is to say, those people whose views he dislikes.
During that same Jan. 11 town meeting, Gilbert spoke directly to Mayor Foster, whom he views as one of those crazy people:
"Mr. Mayor, as the person running our Town Council meetings, I am passing this warning on to you," he said.
"You are the person charged with the responsibility for controlling the meetings to assure the business of the town is conducted without personal attack, outbursts and disruption. And I am the one who is charged with the responsibility of the safety of the public. And I hope and pray that the town of Quartzsite never makes the news for such a tragedy. I take all of these warning signs seriously. Mr. Mayor, I hope you do the same."
That's serious talk. Grim. Sober. Scary in an "angry man with a gun" way. And a predictable consequence of listening to too much wild-eyed political speech.
From Clarence Dupnik.
Reach MacEachern at doug.maceachern@arizonarepublic.com.
Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2011/07/23/20110723maceachern0724-sane-perspective.html#ixzz1Szs4vdvN
Speaking of "sane"??? Here's Councilman Winslow's sworn testiminy to the County Justice of the Peace Court.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Brewer passes the buck on treason, while QPOA police officers on "house arrest"
Quartzite officials have become enemies of the Republic. When officers no longer have the right to remain silent, citizens cannot speak, there is no due process with the building official and enforcement of town codes and ordinances, equal treatment and equal protection have long gone by the wayside, town officials have committed TREASON!
People are apparently receiving the following letter from Governor Jan Brewer's office:
Sincerely,
L. Lerma
Director, Constituent Services
/s/
Arizona Governor's Office
Constituent Services
People are apparently receiving the following letter from Governor Jan Brewer's office:
The Governor’s Office of Constituent Services is in receipt of your email received July 13, 2011. We are responding on behalf of Governor Brewer.
Thank you for contacting the Governor’s Office to express your concerns regarding the current situation in Quartzsite, AZ. As you may know, the Governor does not have the authority to intervene in local law enforcement matters. Nor does this office have the authority to investigate misconduct by the police, county jails, federal prisons, and/or judges.
We understand that you have filed a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General is the appropriate office to investigate allegations of Open Meeting Law violations. We trust that their office will respond to your complaint in a timely manner. For your convenience, we are providing their direct contact information.
Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne
Office of the Attorney General
1275 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2926
Fax 602.542.4085
Website: www.azag.gov
In addition, complaints against law enforcement officers are filed with the Arizona Peace Officers Standard and Training Board (AZ POST), which is under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). If you have not already, we suggest you contact the AZ POST to submit a formal complaint for review. Once the complaint is received by their office, the investigation process begins. The length of the investigation varies depending on the circumstances surrounding the case. Upon completion, the AZ POST will then forward the results of its investigation to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, which has the authority to take action as deemed appropriate by their office. For your convenience, we are providing the contact information for the AZ POST.
Arizona Peace Officers Standard and Training (AZ POST) Board
2643 E. University Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Voice: 602.223.2514
Fax: 602.244.0477
Website: http://www.azpost.state.az.us/
Thank you again for contacting the Governor’s Office. We trust our response fully addresses your concerns.
L. Lerma
Director, Constituent Services
/s/
Arizona Governor's Office
Constituent Services
www.azgovernor.gov
In the meantime, all members of the Quartzsite Police Officers have been put on paid administrative leave, and Assistant Town misManager Al Jognson is in charge of investigating whether or notit was an ethical breach of town policy to blow the whistle on Chief Gilbert. Clearly, the Constution appears to be suspended within town limits!
In the meantime, all members of the Quartzsite Police Officers have been put on paid administrative leave, and Assistant Town misManager Al Jognson is in charge of investigating whether or notit was an ethical breach of town policy to blow the whistle on Chief Gilbert. Clearly, the Constution appears to be suspended within town limits!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Town investigation does NOT clear police chief
In a lengthy report prepared for Town Manager Alex Taft (as per the actual documents). The cover sheet reads:
"As Town Manager for the Town of Quartzsite I am waiving Attorney - Client Privilege to release this report on the Internal Investigation of Police Chief Gilbert by Sonja K. Boun. Attorney at Law of Jackson Lewis LLP." It was signed "Alex Taft, Town Manager.
The firm hired to investigate our police dept. specializes in workplace law, primarily, protecting the interests of management. "When complaints arise, we work with clients to take incisive action to effect solutions that minimize costs and maximize results." It's no surprise that the report depicts complaining officers in a less than sympathetic light, and goes so far as to accuse them of lying without any evidence to back up that assertion! The report also recommends that Officer Herlen Yeomans (a long suffering target of the chief) should himself be investigated. "Indeed it appears that some of the witnesses were untruthful in interviews and fabricated information in an effort to bolster claims alleged in the Anonymous letter." (What anonymous letter? Last time I checked, the officers signed their letter.) And "Witness A (Yeomans) apparently lied several times throughout the course of this investigation. To the extent that the Town wishes to separately investigate Witness A's possible dishonesty during the investigation, the Town should make sure that any such investigation is handled by a neutral party or agency if feasible, so as to avoid an appearance that Chief Gilbert is retaliating against Witness A for participating in this investigation and making allegations against him." Boy, this woman takes "risk management" to a whole new level. How does she look at herself in the mirror? Good thing our boys in blue are lawyer-ed up!
Does attorney client privilege exist with a town employee if the attorney is working for "the people"? I don't think so. Did Alex make a special arrangement, so that the officers testimony would remain confidential? Their statements were not in the report. Neither was a copy of their written complaints, which detail things like alleged evidence destruction and Sgt Frausto botching a major drug bust, which endangered the lives of undercover officers.
What was in the report, was Gilbert admitting to calling Sgt. Ponce's crew "the gay squad", giving the Hispanic officers African American bobble head dolls while giving Caucasian officers white bobble heads, using profanity, and publicly humiliating Officer Yeomans in a department wide meeting with a snide comment about "wiping his ass hairs off the toilet."
Monday, July 18, 2011
The gift that keeps on giving...
"In interviews, Lizarraga and Lukkasson said they do not care if some council meetings are deemed unlawful or if public-records laws are broken." - AZ Republic the law with such impunity, soon or later there are going to be repercussions.  It has been suggested that instead of sending the council and police chief letters and emails, perhaps we should send them "Soap on a Rope", as they will need it where they are going. If you really want to send a message, custom "Soap on a Rope" is available (See link below - you've been warned!) Any questions Chief Gilbert? |
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Friday, July 15, 2011
Jones letter to Bullhead City Bee - "Anytown" USA
http://www.bullheadcity-bee.com/
Go to "OpEd" link.
Over the last week or so, the town of Quartzsite has been catapulted into the international spotlight, and for all the wrong reasons. What is happening in my town, could happen in your town. From the responses I have received, it appears to be happening in other communities.
So what's going on in Quartzsite? Well, it's hard to sum it all up briefly, so I'll start with rumor control about what isn't happening. We are not technically under "martial law" as reported by some, but the town council did hold an illegal, secret meeting on a Sunday, wherein they declared "the existence of an emergency" and several sections of town code and policy were suspended "until (date) or until two-thirds of the Council determines that an emergent circumstances no longer exist which create an imminent risk to public safety and the safety of elected and appointive officials, whichever occurs first."
What caused this alleged "emergency"? Angry emails from around the world, after members of our council and senior staff basically staged a "mutiny" on Mayor Ed Foster, and usurped his authority to chair the June 28th Council Meeting. This was videotaped by local realtor Douglas Gilford and the video was posted to his Youtube internet channel where it went "viral". Despite claims by the police chief and town manager, nobody has actually seen any of the emails supposed to contain "death threats" that were the stated cause for the drastic and possibly unlawful actions.
During the agendized open "Call to the Public", Councilman Joe Winslow demanded I 'be quiet" or "I could be removed." Over the strenuous objections of the mayor, Police Chief Jeff Gilbert, Sgt. Fabiola Garcia and Officer Rick Patterson wrestled the microphone from my hand and physically removed me at the insistence of all present members of council, with the support and encouragement of the town manager and town attorney. My elbow was injured in the scuffle, and although I was never told that I was under arrest, or read my rights, I was handcuffed and given a traffic citation for "disorderly conduct" before being released to the ambulance and taken to the hospital in Parker, AZ.
If not for the internet, occurrences such as these would probably go unnoticed in a community of 3,600 people. The media has been calling town officials for their statements, and they have been back peddling and making excuses rather quickly. This has probably prevented them from acting upon whatever powers they believed they had anointed themselves with. Calls for intervention by the governor and the state attorney general have been made. Now, we are waiting to see what action they will take to restore sanity and the rule of law.
This could happen anywhere. Especially when the citizens do not attend local government meetings, and hold their elected officials accountable. Will you let this happen in your town?
Jennifer "Jade" Jones, Publisher
The Desert Freedom Press
Bullhead City Bee
1905 Lakeside Dr.
Bullhead City, Arizona 86442
Phone: (928) 763-9339 • Fax (928) 763-1510
Shirin McGraham, Editor: buzzybee2@bullheadcity-bee.com
Go to "OpEd" link.
Over the last week or so, the town of Quartzsite has been catapulted into the international spotlight, and for all the wrong reasons. What is happening in my town, could happen in your town. From the responses I have received, it appears to be happening in other communities.
So what's going on in Quartzsite? Well, it's hard to sum it all up briefly, so I'll start with rumor control about what isn't happening. We are not technically under "martial law" as reported by some, but the town council did hold an illegal, secret meeting on a Sunday, wherein they declared "the existence of an emergency" and several sections of town code and policy were suspended "until (date) or until two-thirds of the Council determines that an emergent circumstances no longer exist which create an imminent risk to public safety and the safety of elected and appointive officials, whichever occurs first."
What caused this alleged "emergency"? Angry emails from around the world, after members of our council and senior staff basically staged a "mutiny" on Mayor Ed Foster, and usurped his authority to chair the June 28th Council Meeting. This was videotaped by local realtor Douglas Gilford and the video was posted to his Youtube internet channel where it went "viral". Despite claims by the police chief and town manager, nobody has actually seen any of the emails supposed to contain "death threats" that were the stated cause for the drastic and possibly unlawful actions.
During the agendized open "Call to the Public", Councilman Joe Winslow demanded I 'be quiet" or "I could be removed." Over the strenuous objections of the mayor, Police Chief Jeff Gilbert, Sgt. Fabiola Garcia and Officer Rick Patterson wrestled the microphone from my hand and physically removed me at the insistence of all present members of council, with the support and encouragement of the town manager and town attorney. My elbow was injured in the scuffle, and although I was never told that I was under arrest, or read my rights, I was handcuffed and given a traffic citation for "disorderly conduct" before being released to the ambulance and taken to the hospital in Parker, AZ.
If not for the internet, occurrences such as these would probably go unnoticed in a community of 3,600 people. The media has been calling town officials for their statements, and they have been back peddling and making excuses rather quickly. This has probably prevented them from acting upon whatever powers they believed they had anointed themselves with. Calls for intervention by the governor and the state attorney general have been made. Now, we are waiting to see what action they will take to restore sanity and the rule of law.
This could happen anywhere. Especially when the citizens do not attend local government meetings, and hold their elected officials accountable. Will you let this happen in your town?
Jennifer "Jade" Jones, Publisher
The Desert Freedom Press
Bullhead City Bee
1905 Lakeside Dr.
Bullhead City, Arizona 86442
Phone: (928) 763-9339 • Fax (928) 763-1510
Shirin McGraham, Editor: buzzybee2@bullheadcity-bee.com
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Quartzsite Police Chief named "Worser" of the world's worst...
And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Show me the investigation Ms Taft!
What happened to the private investigator used to cover up criminal complaints against Police Chief Jeff Gilbert...oops, I mean find out why officer morale is so low? Where is the promised report? Weeks have gone by since ten members of the Quartzsite Police Officers Association were interrogated without an attorney present - so where is this report that was supposed to clear the chief and pacify the angry masses? Could it be the report shows the chief was a very, very bad boy?
According to the Parker Pioneer in a story dated 6-16-11, "Taft said an investigation of Gilbert was being conducted, but declined to state who was performing it. She said she did not want the investigation to be compromised by the political climate. She said the investigation should be completed within a week."
Please let us see it Alex. The people want THE TRUTH!
According to the Parker Pioneer in a story dated 6-16-11, "Taft said an investigation of Gilbert was being conducted, but declined to state who was performing it. She said she did not want the investigation to be compromised by the political climate. She said the investigation should be completed within a week."
Please let us see it Alex. The people want THE TRUTH!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
"Emergency" secret meeting leaves citizens in fear and confusion
http://www2.az-independent.com/2011/07/10/state-of-emergency-in-quartzsite/
The town council appears to be trying to create panic among Quartzsite citizens by holding an unannounced secret meeting, and nobody can get a straight answer.
At 12:00 today, Quartzsite Town Council-members Cowell, Kelley, Lukkasson, Anderson and Winslow held a special, locked door meeting at town hall. In attendance were Town Clerk Karen Norris and (appointed at an illegal meeting) new Town Attorney/Town Prosecutor?Town Parliamentarian Martin Brannan They voted unanimously to take some kind of action. It was reported that from what could be heard through the glass door, they may have possibly declared a state of emergency in Quartzsite, after town officials were deluged by angry emails for several days. When confronted by unnerved citizens, Cowell waffled, Lukkasson denied, and Kelley said he couldn't talk about it. The mayor refused to participate in an "illegal meeting", and was locked out of the building.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/07/10/20110710arizona-city-quartzsite-mayor-marshal-law0711.html
One thing's for sure, there's no transparency in Quartzsite government!
The town council appears to be trying to create panic among Quartzsite citizens by holding an unannounced secret meeting, and nobody can get a straight answer.
At 12:00 today, Quartzsite Town Council-members Cowell, Kelley, Lukkasson, Anderson and Winslow held a special, locked door meeting at town hall. In attendance were Town Clerk Karen Norris and (appointed at an illegal meeting) new Town Attorney/Town Prosecutor?Town Parliamentarian Martin Brannan They voted unanimously to take some kind of action. It was reported that from what could be heard through the glass door, they may have possibly declared a state of emergency in Quartzsite, after town officials were deluged by angry emails for several days. When confronted by unnerved citizens, Cowell waffled, Lukkasson denied, and Kelley said he couldn't talk about it. The mayor refused to participate in an "illegal meeting", and was locked out of the building.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/07/10/20110710arizona-city-quartzsite-mayor-marshal-law0711.html
One thing's for sure, there's no transparency in Quartzsite government!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Media clamors for interviews, Police Chief receives hate mail?
CBS Ch 5 news, the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Independent - everyone wants to know what the heck is wrong with Quartzsite officials. We wish we had an answer for that!
Links are apparently being added to http://thedesertfreedompress.blogspot.com every couple of hours.
In an attempt to declare martial law or something, Mayor Ed Foster reports that state officials were contacted by Police Chief Jeff Gilbert because he has reported receiving death threats. Stay tuned...
Friday, July 1, 2011
Candidates file at last minute to run in mayoral recall election
It was a suspense filled day at Quartzsite Town Hall. Although several people had pulled packets to run, and three had filed campaign spending limit affidavits, no one had turned in nomination papers with only two hours to go...First, Jose Lizarraga made it official. Then Republican Precinct Committeeman Michael Roth filed. Then, Desert Freedom Press Publisher Jennifer Jones reportedly made it, with only minutes to spare.
Both Roth and Jones share common ground with current Mayor Ed Foster, and blame Lizarraga for voting in lockstep with the town manager's other puppets on the council, thereby directly causing the current public safety crisis the town is in. According to Jones "He's the fireman that turned his back on the police. If he had done his duty, and voted to put Chief Gilbert on administrative leave when Ed (Foster) called the special meeting, I would have never been injured!"
"I'd like to thank the 'dirty laundry' Lukkasson's for collecting all those signatures and giving me the opportunity to be part of the political debate again", said Roth."The Lukkasson's wanted the taxpayers to fund another election, I think we should give them one they'll never forget!" said Jones.
Apparently, Jones and Foster nominated Roth. Roth nominated Jones. As the incumbent, Foster did not need to file any paperwork.
Both Roth and Jones share common ground with current Mayor Ed Foster, and blame Lizarraga for voting in lockstep with the town manager's other puppets on the council, thereby directly causing the current public safety crisis the town is in. According to Jones "He's the fireman that turned his back on the police. If he had done his duty, and voted to put Chief Gilbert on administrative leave when Ed (Foster) called the special meeting, I would have never been injured!"
"I'd like to thank the 'dirty laundry' Lukkasson's for collecting all those signatures and giving me the opportunity to be part of the political debate again", said Roth."The Lukkasson's wanted the taxpayers to fund another election, I think we should give them one they'll never forget!" said Jones.
Apparently, Jones and Foster nominated Roth. Roth nominated Jones. As the incumbent, Foster did not need to file any paperwork.
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