Administrative Leave Issues Remain:
QUARTZSITE'S OFFICIALS FACE FEDERAL COURT
The attorney for the Town of Quartzsite was criticized when the defendants in the case, Town Managers Alex Taft and her assistant, Al Johnson, as well as the town's police chief, Jeff Gilbert failed to appear in the case involving the Quartzsite10 and their 'Whistleblower' status with the Town of Quartzsite.

The attorney further attempted to convince the judge during the hearing that the matter at hand was a personnel issue and should be treated as such.

The attorney for the Quartzsite 10, Chuck Onofry, argued that the case involved the Constitutional rights of the Quartzsite 10  and should be heard in federal court.

Attendees at the hearing in La Paz County's Superior Court before Judge Randolph Bartlett Monday afternoon listened as Sgt. Will Ponce outlined the current situation and explained the position of the Quartzsite 10. Why Gilbert has not been placed on administrative leave -- as the officers have been -- remains unclear.  The restraining order prohibiting the firing of those officers will remain in effect according to Bartlett, who has replaced Judge Michael Burke in the case, since Burke recused himself.


Internal Investigation?
QUARTZSITE10 REMOVED FROM DUTY AMIDST FRAY
The 'Quartzsite 10' -- 9 police officers and a police clerk comprising 80% of the police department personnel -- [all of whom have been involved as 'whistleblowers' alleging impropriety in the police department] have been removed from duty pending an 'internal investigation' that is being handled by some of those the officers have accused. Read Notice READ MORE
Abuse of Process?
EMBATTLED COUNCILMAN
ASKS QUARTZSITE COURT TO REEL IN ROTH
Roth, though, has been vacationing out of state and  denies having had any contact with Winslow and does not know why he has been targeted by the 'angry councilman.'

"I called him a turd once," Roth stated in an interview Wednesday, "Other than that I have no idea why he would be in court, asking for a restraining order. I haven't contacted him."

Winslow may have a difficult time getting the court to intervene on his behalf since, as Bill Sims of the League of Cities and Towns pointed out in a training session with Quartzsite councilmen, they can expect to be subjected to   criticism as public officials. 

Winslow's comments -- shared with the world via the Internet -- have sparked  international media attention as well as incurring the angst of outspoken political activists who have indicated their shock and contempt over Winslow's treatment of Jennifer Jones in the Quartzsite video footage shot by Doug Gilford June 28.

Winslow has also been seen as the primary spokesman in efforts to harass and intimidate Foster since his election as Mayor of the small desert town, using ad hoc committees and censures -- primarily over the Mayor's MINESHAFT publication.

Reports have indicated the case is already in the hands of the Supreme Court.
DOCUMENTATION
REQUESTS CREATE
FLURRY OF PAPER
As the public's attention has focused on the issues facing Quartzsite, so, too, has pressure mounted on officials to step up and accept responsibility.

Foster's Facebook fans [Supporters of Mayor Ed Foster of Quartzsite Arizona] are sharing information online for those watching the situation unfold -- as are people throughout the world via the thousands of stories and articles the situation has generated online, as well as in print and television media.

"I am absolutely amazed," Foster stated Sunday "at the level of dedication and concern demonstrated by the people -- literally of the entire world -- for the free speech and openness in government that people  recognize this battle represents."

"Quartzsite is at the 'center of the storm' in a country the world believes exemplifies human rights. Whatever other questions exist for citizens, nothing can be made right without these most basic rights." 

"Dragging a citizen from a microphone where they have been invited to speak should not happen anywhere in the world -- and most certainly not in a country founded on the principals set forth in the Constitution -- principals for which generations of men and women have fought and died," he said. "This country has stood as a beacon of hope for those who suffer oppression --  and I think this is the reason this battle has struck such a chord with the people of the world."

As the Arizona Republic story has clearly illustrated, Quartzsite's officials have been less-than-forthcoming with clear explanations of why the town has continued to operate behind a veil of secrecy and unaccountability -- in spite of public outcry.   The Attorney General's Letter outlines the intent to press forward and other professionals [the Ombudsman's office -- AZCOPS.ORG Goldwater Institute  City Ethics.Org  OATHKEEPERS.ORG] have shared their concerns with the level of disregard for the law as well as the violations themselves. The League of Arizona Cities and Towns director, Bill Sims, warned Quartzsite months ago of the potential for problems and asked -- again -- that town manager Alexandra Taft allow the organization to properly train her for the position she currently holds.

Neither Taft nor her recently appointed counterpart Assistant Town Manager Al Johnson [another unadvertised position appointed by the council] have been properly trained. Sims also warned of the ramifications of arresting people at town council meetings at that time.

OATHKEEPERS.ORG:
FOSTER/JONES
TO BE REPRESENTED

Concerned over the abuses perpetrated in Quartzsite, Yale educated attorney Stewart Rhodes is moving forward to defend those damaged... READ MORE
FROM YAHOO AND FACEBOOK TO THE WASHINGTON POST --
  

Quartzsite on MYFOXPHOENIX.COM

QUARTZSITE'S OFFICIALS UNDER FIRE NATIONWIDE FOR ABUSES OF CITIZENS' RIGHTS

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of people are following what's been happening in Quartzsite this week as civil rights abuses have been illustrated in Jones' arrests. The web has been ablaze over the treatment of Ms. Jones, Quartzsite's DESERT FREEDOM PRESS blogger and publisher. The blog currently contains the video: Click HERE. As Jones' case plays out throughout the nation, literally tens of thousands of people have registered their disgust and dismay over the abusive treatment of Jennifer Jones, who has been interviewed by the most popular media people in the country.

The resulting stories have created an Internet sensation including a video that 'went viral' over the activities of Joe Winslow, the councilman that 'called for restricting Jones free speech rights, Town Manager Alex Taft who set her arrest in motion with three nods to the Chief of Police, and the Chief of Police Jeff Gilbert along with the two officers who carried out the forced and 'overtly rough removal' of Jones' from the microphone during call to the public, Officer Fabio Garcia and Officer Rick Patterson.  Town Manager Alexandra Taft hurried to blame Town Attorney Pamela Walsma for advising her that they could have Jones removed from the gallery -- and a special meeting was immediately held to replace Walsma with a new attorney -- Martin Brannan.
 
The country has seemed to  embrace Ms. Jones as the 'new face of the defender of liberty' for standing up against what is being described as 'tyranny and injustice' since she has been jailed and repeatedly arrested in an effort to silence her criticism of the town's officials. As their efforts against her have   escalated, she -- and even the Mayor -- have been arrested, causing 80% of the Quartzsite Police force to publicly call for the firing of the police chief, Jeff Gilbert, with a vote of no confidence on the part of those officers against Gilbert.  Investigations are said to be underway. 

Stories describing the incident are overwhelmingly supportive of both Quartzsite's Mayor, Ed Foster, and Ms. Jones, THERIGHTSCOOP.COM INTERVIEW     FREEDOMS PHOENIX.COM  FOXNEWSPHOENIX    ABOVETOPSECRET.COM WORLDNETDAILY.COM  

The world at large  is discussing detailed reports of the filmed incident appearing on YOUTUBE.COM that showed clearly what happened when Jennifer Harris Jones stood to speak and incurred the wrath of Councilman Joe Winslow at the council meeting.

Posts are replete with negative comments criticizing the council for their actions as well as those of the police involved. [Incidentally, that meeting is soon to be declared illegal along with all the others that have happened since some of the town's officials began efforts to  intentionally limit seating space for citizens in what has been described as an effort to avoid public scrutiny at the town hall meetings.]

According to published reports, the Town Manager and town attorney reportedly conversed before Town Manager Alexandra Taft motioned for Jones to be removed and Taft has indicated that the Town Attorney Pamela Walsma advised her this was legal. Walsma is now leaving Quartzsite for reasons yet unreported, slated to be replaced by Attorney Martin Brannan at a special meeting scheduled for Thursday morning at 10 a.m. AGENDA HERE.

"This may not deflect the attacks currently aimed at Taft by Quartzsite citizens who insist that she -- under the direction of Dan Field -- has orchestrated this entire series of disasters in Quartzsite: hidden payees on the town's payroll, [$1 MILLION paid to these 8-10 straw men over the last five years alone!] the strong arming of citizens and town hall employees -- even attempts to use the town's police force to control citizens who were trying to stand up for their rights and demand some level of accountability," stated Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster.

"Instead they've been shouted down, slammed, attacked, accused and maligned, hauled into court for civil infractions that the town is pursuing as criminal -- even arrested which should happen to no one under these circumstances -- when they're being targeted for not obeying the orders of the tyrants in charge and basically told they have no voice. In the meantime, property values are falling, morale at town hall and in the police force are at an all time low, and people are just basically fed up with being treated like they have no rights," he concluded.

Online, Foster is being lauded as a hero among people watching the events in Quartzsite unfold while the councilmen are being lambasted for their inability to properly govern their town -- and for abusing their constituents.

Councilman Jerry Lukkasson was the first to indicate he wanted his e-mail account turned off so that the public could not continue to contact him with their comments.  
ORCHESTRATED DISASTER:
JONES ARRESTED AGAIN

OVER THE OBJECTIONS OF THE MAYOR, Jennifer Jones was arrested yet again -- this time while making statements during the Call to the Public as she calmly made relevant comments pertaining to the new rules apparently designed to stifle reporting and videography as well as the new  taxation issue presented during the meeting. She left the town property in an ambulance.

Councilman Joe Winslow repeatedly interrupted Jones demanding that she be evicted, over the objections of the Mayor and others.  Two officers physically removed Jones from the podium and arrested her. Jones was treated and released from Parker Medical Center for injuries to her arm, reportedly sprained in the fray.  READ MORE
 
LIZARRAGA RESIGNS

Jose Lizarraga has resigned his position as councilman in the hope of becoming Quartzsite's next Mayor. Lizarraga has come under fire for leading the councilmen to abandon their seats -- something they've all been criticized for doing every time a controversial issue is to be addressed. Mayor Ed Foster is the only elected official who has not vacated his seat during difficult sessions.

Lizarraga, criticized for his 'leadership' of the town council's walk-out on Quartzsite's Policemen's Association and the AZCOPS VP they invited to speak is shown here, motioning for the entire council to vacate their seats: which they promptly did. The videographer, James Snyder, is making the video of the sequence available to anyone that wants to review it.
OLDHAM BRINGS INVESTORS TO LA PAZ COUNTY'S TABLE Oldham didn't want to see bankruptcy become the county's 'only out' and began working to find investors willing to  put up enough money to allow the county to avoid  bankruptcy. With the judgment from Yakima hanging over the heads of supervisors, the county has remained in a state of flux while the judgment amount continues to escalate. Will the Supervisors consider a taxless option? Or have they already decided the issue?          READ MORE     COUNTY SHORTFALL  

JOSE LIZARRAGA FILES CANDIDACY PAPERS TO RUN FOR MAYOR'S SEAT

TOWN SLATED TO LOSE $250K CDBG GRANT FOR FAILURE TO REPORT
There will likely be no new recreational center in Quartzsite's future following the notice of intent to withdraw by the CDBG Grant Office after Quartzsite's officials failed to follow proper procedure and make timely reports critical to being allowed to receive the quarter million in grant funds.                    READ MORE
TOWN COUNCIL TO CENSURE FOSTER FOR CALLING SPECIAL   MEETING? Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster learned Monday he will face the possibility of what supporters claim is  another censure under the reign of his political adversaries who currently make up the town's council.

Foster called the meeting to discuss concerns brought by the town's police force after letters from the policemen's association to the council were effectively ignored. As the situation has worsened
WHY HAVE FOSTER'S QUESTIONS BEEN STONEWALLED?

According to Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster, a story in the Parker Pioneer [Click HERE to read]  has done little to clarify the issues surrounding Foster's questions -- to Town Manager Alexandra Taft -- concerning missing monies from Quartzsite's coffers.  "In fact," Foster notes, "those missing funds amount to an average of $200,000.00 per year over many years -- and the issue of paying money to unidentified individuals whom Taft is refusing to identify does not represent a violation of privacy but, more likely, a gross violation of the people's trust."

"It has nothing to do with privacy," stated Foster. "I have requested and gotten payroll information before and any 'withholding' information is simply redacted. "This is actually a simple question," he says, "Who has been receiving these additional checks -- eight to ten of them each and every payday -- for years?"

While Foster refuses to budge and Taft has refused to produce the records, more than a few agencies are now watching the situation unfold.

Foster has indicated that this question may lie at the heart of many of the issues facing Quartzsite today.

Onlookers were astounded when Foster was arrested at the Town Council meeting in May. However, even more perplexing was the 'laundry list' of charges that accompanied the report of his arrest in a story carried by the Parker Pioneer.

Witnesses, too, could not seem to agree with the allegations made against Foster -- and in light of these events and others nearly all of the officers employed by the  Quartzsite Police Department have now gone public with a series of allegations of their own -- against Quartzsite's Chief of Police, Jeff Gilbert.

"Ms. Taft," Foster said, "has taken steps to see that whatever 'investigation' transpires is privately handled -- apparently in an effort to control the outcome. But hiring a private firm to investigate a criminal accusation is incorrect -- that can only be handled by law enforcement. Whatever comes of that, investigation, it cannot stand. A law enforcement entity must investigate and draw their own  professional conclusions.
This is just another huge waste of taxpayer monies."

The town is clearly divided -- but many are waiting to see just how far Taft plans to go to withhold the identities of those receiving the 'extra' checks.

"As Foster battles for the right to review the records to see where these additional payroll checks have been going, all the town's officials are faced with a choice: allow him to discover who has been receiving these checks or engage in what is being described as an effort to collectively 'cover' the contents of those records," stated Citizen's Coalition member and candidate for town council  Pat Workman.

"I have just one question," she said. "What are they hiding?"

"I have a question, too," council candidate Dave Djerdahl chimed in, "Who are they protecting?"

MAYOR HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING TO DISCUSS QPD ISSUES

Without interference from the council that so often stonewalls everything the Mayor strives to accomplish in public meetings, a well organized and very well received meeting was successful in allowing the airing of both concerns and grievances pertinent to problems and issues facing Quartzsite and its police force -- while it lasted. There were well over 100 people present in the audience -- with only one councilman, Lizarraga, in attendance.

With over 80% of the  police department at complete odds with the police chief and demanding his ouster amidst serious allegations of corruption,  the meeting was originally called to discuss the challenges facing the town and allow those who wished to speak to be heard. The ten officers that filed the complaints concerning the Police Chief were all in attendance -- in civilian clothes -- available to answer the questions from those in the audience.

Less than 20 minutes into the meeting, newly 'appointed' Assistant Town Manager Al Johnson -- now wearing a badge on his belt according to attendees -- declared Town Hall to be closed and announced the town's employees were going home. He actually called the meeting to a halt and ordered the crowd to disburse. VIDEO HERE

[Reporter/Publisher Jennifer Harris Jones immediately questioned Johnson about his having removed  records from the care and control of Town Clerk Karen Norris -- resulting in a visibly flustered Johnson refusing to answer her. Johnson was also involved in removing large numbers of  documents from the Town Hall offices to California [reportedly to be recycled] while Norris was on vacation  -- after witnesses reported seeing Johnson leaving the premises with a trunkload of documents in his vehicle. [There is a recycling container less than 2 blocks from the Town's offices.] He has often been under fire for being involved in selectively pursuing citizens using his position as Building Inspector -- and now as Assistant Town Manager. At least one currently pending court case involves records now reported to be missing from Johnson's office.]

The meeting continued on the sidewalk outside the Town Hall building where the audience was still interested in obtaining answers to their questions and  media  in town to follow the story were able to speak with citizens concerning the issues.

Foster considered the meeting a success in spite of the removal of the group from the Town Hall building upon the orders of Al Johnson.

"These issues are so easily reconciled," Foster stated. "All we need is for the town's officials to step up to the plate, stop hiding the facts and figures from the public, stop holding secret meetings and  stop harassing those citizens that are asking questions. Just open the books! Whatever they're trying to hide -- it just looks worse for them the more they try to cover whatever activities they've become involved in."

"These efforts to rule this tiny town of retirees with an iron fist are patently absurd and must be stopped -- and we can all be thankful that we have a police force of enough dedicated and intelligent officers that they, too, saw this for what it was and and stood up for right. Their courage is highly commendable and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude," he stated.

With growing numbers of organizations interested in the plight of Quartzsite's citizens amidst allegations of corruption that rival Bell, California in scope, it would appear that change is imminent.


                                                   READ MORE
INTEREST IGNITED IN WHAT'S HAPPENING IN QUARTZSITE FOLLOWING MAYOR'S ARREST As Quartzsite's political battleground has erupted into lawsuits against the town and the arrests of almost everyone standing in [vocal] opposition to the way the town is being run, Quartzsite citizens have seemingly watched and waited. Many, it is now known, have been writing letters hoping for an investigation.

The turning point, though, was the arrest of the Mayor, Ed Foster, who was locked in a battle of his own: the Town Manager, Alex Taft, in spite of telling the Ombudsman's office that the reports would be forthcoming, is  flatly refusing to provide documents involving eight regular pay outs to unidentified persons who are not on the town's payroll. "Who are these individuals and for what are they being paid?" Foster inquired. The State of Arizona Ombudsman's office has supported Foster's right to know and have directed Taft to properly handle the FOIA requests according to the law.  They further indicated that they were going to be investigating the matter.  READ MORE
QUARTZSITE MAYOR JOINS LONG LIST OF ACCUSED In a detailed story in the Parker Pioneer, Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster was featured on the front page, following his arrest at the Quartzsite Town Council meeting. Both Foster and Jones insists many aspects of the story were wrong. "I was called to the scene by Ms.Jones, and went there  to watch and observe, concerned that the existing case against the town could adversely effect our taxpayers," Foster stated.

                   PIONEER STORY   READ MORE
REPORTER/PUBLISHER
HARRIS-JONES ARRESTED [AGAIN] THURSDAY -- Jennifer 'Jade' Harris-Jones has stated that she was inquiring about the investigation of the search of a car taken from the interstate when detained and arrested for trespassing.

This is the third time Harris Jones has been arrested since November 2010, when she launched a series of  complaints and stories critical of the town's officials.
AL JOHNSON APPOINTED ASST. TOWN MANAGER --

FIRST OFFICIAL TASK: REFUSED MAYOR'S FOIA CONCERNING TOWN EMPLOYEE SALARIES Despite a  clear directive from the state Ombudsman's Office, both Town Manager Alexandra Taft and the newly appointed Johnson refused to comply and provide Foster the documents the Ombudsman agrees he is entitled to view.  Why was Johnson chosen as the town's building inspector without properly advertising the position? What are his qualifications? Why hasn't his resume been presented as requested by the Mayor? Is he, as has been widely reported, a relative to Town Manager Alexandra Taft?       READ MORE
DO WE KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT JAPAN'S RADIATION CONTAMINATION?  Here's a clue: Maybe not. Recent readings show increased levels hitting the west coast of the U.S. at an alarming rate. Is it safe? READ MORE
QUARTZSITE DRAWS FIRE FOR CREATING ILLEGAL LAWS     READ MORE    Independent Story
The Goldwater Institute warned Quartzsite -- repeatedly, in fact -- of their position concerning the illegal law passed by Quartzsite's sitting councilmen in 2009. At that time, Walter Akin was acting Mayor and he as well as Huntley, Guthrie, Lizarraga and Kelly all voted for the measure, with only Bill Moore voting against it.

All [but Foster and Moore] are now accountable for their actions except Moore -- with the new councilmen quickly moving, in spite of repeated warnings, to follow suit.    READ MORE
WHO IS JOHN GALT? THE QUESTION IS COMING TO THEATRE'S NATIONWIDE
Ayn Rand would appear to be the writer whose time has suddenly come: but who is Rand and why all the fuss? Galt's speech provides a clue to why -- all  these many years later -- his name is becoming a household word.   READ MORE
BLM ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR QUARTZSITE SOLAR PROJECT    READ MORE    PRESS RELEASE
The long rumored plans for a Quartzsite Solar Project involving 1,400 acres of BLM land and extensive building of the project could soon be underway.
JAPAN'S DISASTER DEEPENS: COMING SOON TO THE STATES?    DRUDGE READ MORE - VIDEO The most dangerous type of reactors are those currently in meltdown mode in Japan. While the fallout is clearly headed for the west coast, questions remain as to the amount of radiation involved. In the past, true levels have been withheld from the American public -- but now, with the Internet, other countries are openly reporting the severity of the threat....       LATEST RECORDED LEVELS



ALZHEIMER'S RATE AND CHOLESTEROL: IS THERE A LINK? Absolutely -- but not the one researchers had hoped to find.    READ MORE

The Town Council's Press Release may, indeed, have been misleading, critics contend, the rates will only increase under the new guidelines. It's been tried before in Quartzsite -- but state guidelines have prevented the reclassification of park models to mobile homes, in an effort to increase utility revenue Quartzsite so desperately needs... READ MORE  PRESS RELEASE
ELECTION RESULTS 'SHOCKING'
In a sharply divided town full of angst and opposition, the 'almost magical' election handed every single seat to Quartzsite's already seated councilmen. "That not even one seat was won by an opposing candidate is unbelievable," said Pat Workman. "All Ed needed as Mayor to stop them from overtaking the entire town was one additional vote -- and without it the people stand no chance at all," Dave 'Red' Gjerdahl stated.

The results stunned onlookers and raised more questions than answers. Many people had complained that they'd not received their absentee ballot -- and their requests for another were rebuffed at the La Paz County offices. Now that these ballots are  shown as the tipping point for the entire election there will surely be demands for a comprehensive investigation.
           Sunshine in Arizona    READ MORE
TOWN DECIMATES OLDHAM'S RUNWAY

Even as voters make their way to the polls, the town's plows were at Oldham's Main Event tearing up the airstrip -- one more liability the town can ill afford to pay. Was it a last ditch effort to show their power? The resulting burms are clearly a threat to anyone landing on the airstrip.

The council voted publicly only to cite Oldham -- but when a judge ruled against the first batch of citations, the town's position seemed indefensible. Oldham was not notified of the intent to destroy the airstrip -- he had attorneys working to defend against the onslaught of the town's attacks against him. Events already slated, however, were going forward while the legal battle was underway. The destruction of the runway was a clear effort to ruin the airstrip and render it completely unusable instead of waiting for a court to rule.

There is now no asphalt undercoating on the wide swathe torn by the town's graders and piled beside the runway making the runway unsafe -- and there is no way to inform pilots of the hazard..                             Pictures HERE

The Oldham's documentation clearly shows the runway was only advertised as an emergency strip after permission from the council then in office was granted -- but the angst of the new sitting council has been more than apparent, particularly where the ex-Mayor's properties have been concerned. As the situation has grown more dire, people are questioning how it got to be this far beyond the control of the people. ..                   READ MORE

When your first forays into the field of documentary filmmaking launch you directly into headline-making mainstream media, what do you focus on next? For New York native Dylan Avery, more research, more movies are on tap and San Diego is providing a great atmosphere to work on more films...            PIX         READ MORE

A helicopter leaves the scene with a least one victim Saturday afternoon following an accident in which at least one vehicle impacted a virtually stopped auto. A second helicopter was ordered then cancelled for unknown reasons. The number of injured has not reported by police.

 TOWN COUNCIL VOTES TO SUE OLDHAM TO CLOSE AIRPORT

Four of Quartzsite's embattled councilmen -- Cowell, Winslow, Anderson and Lukkasson -- all under recall -- voted to use what little funds Quartzsite has to sue Oldham over the airstrip. The ex-Mayor's letter to the town's lawyer was prohibited from being read into the record, despite Mayor Foster's willingness to make sure Oldham was heard.    LETTER HERE   READ MORE

The GOLDWATER INSTIUTE has long been one of Arizona's greatest institutions. Barry Goldwater was a widely respected individual -- and an Arizona businessman before he chose a career in the political arena.

The Goldwater Institute founded in his name and with his blessing has become one of the foremost authorities on public policy, including the preservation of the rights 'guaranteed Americans by the U.S. and state constitutions.' In short, it is a watchdog organization.  How long will the council continue to attempt to defend an illegal law? Was it -- as critics charge -- just intended to prevent opposing candidates  from running long enough to ruin Quartzsite's election? READ MORE

Jones, publisher of Quartzsite's DESERT FREEDOM PRESS, is an outspoken critic of the mishandling of many issues plaguing Quartzsite. All three candidates have promised to work diligently to change the political climate. Also running are Sean Austin and Victor Lee. [Not pictured.] Three other candidates were prevented from running in a hotly contested move over which even the Goldwater Institute has joined the fray.

All [five] candidates are seen as potential catalysts for change in Quartzsite as they indicate they have 'sought to make a solid stand' against the political cronyism so long proclaimed as the reason Quartzsite was in dire financial straits long before most Arizona municipalities faced similar circumstances. MORE

 
IN A LAUGHABLE ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN U.S. GOVERNEMT DEBT LEVELS, THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THEY'VE FOUND A CORRELATION BETWEEN THAT DEBT AND GOVERNMENT WASTE.        READ MORE
 

WILD  HORSE   HARVESTING  IN  NEVADA
Entire families of wild horses are being decimated as the BLM funded operation [that's $18 million for the roundup of 10,000 horses totaling  $1,800.00 for each and every horse captured] and hauled in [usually to be slaughtered] from every location they inhabit.  Overt cruelty has also been a factor and Obama's administration has come under fire for it. The real story on Arizona's Burro population.

"There's no real purpose for moving -- much less destroying -- these herds," stated a spokesman for a legal organization designed to defend wild herds.  "They aren't harming anyone [or anything] and have run free for generations. Instead, a simple 'Follow the Money' strategy offers a much clearer illustration..."                           READ MORE


TOWN'S COUNCIL VOTES TO IGNORE GOLDWATER LETTER WARNING AGAINST PROHIBITING LAW TO PREVENT 'DEBTORS' FROM RUNNING FOR OFFICE Read the Goldwater Letter The official vote was to 'Take No Action' on the Goldwater letter, despite clear understanding that the widely respected Goldwater organization is not typically known for writing letters without followthrough. Councilman Jerry Lukkasson presented his own letter to the council, maintaining the position that when people owe money to the town they should not run for office.  At least three people have been prevented from campaigning for office because the town has declared that they owe funds -- even unproven debts in some cases...

GOLDWATER INSTITUTE WEIGHS IN ON QUARTZSITE

Quartzsite officials were advised this week that a Goldwater investigation has found them in error in preventing candidates from campaigning for office on the basis of monies allegedly owed the town.
Read the Goldwater Letter MORE ON THIS STORY

WHAT COURT WILL TRY THE JONES' CASES?
With the decision on the part of the town's building inspector to begin issuing criminal citations -- instead of civil complaints -- against those he chooses to cite, there's another problem: What court will hear these cases?
                                                         READ MORE
EX-MAYOR OLDHAM'S PROPERTIES UNDER FIRE AS TOWN SCRAMBLES TO STOP AIRSTRIP        
It reads like a bad novel: the Town's founding Mayor harassed and attacked over issues the town can't prove --while being publicly painted as a tax cheat, an outlaw who doesn't follow the rules, even a criminal as a barrage of criminal citations have followed the town's demands for him to close his private airstrip without due process.    CITATIONS     READ MORE
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE HURF FUND DEBT?
To Quartzsite's Mayor, it matters. READ MORE

Even Quartzsite's Mayor was shocked Tuesday evening to discover that not one of the six sitting councilmen would allow any discussion whatsoever of the $1.4 million dollars borrowed this year against the town's Highway User Funds allocation. This brings the total owed the fund to an incredible $2.7 million dollars from a fund , designated for Highway related expenses only.

Misuse of HURF funds have brought great difficulty to the municipalities discovered to be abusing HURF allocations and failing to repay funds borrowed. A recent audit showed that these funds are missing in great numbers and that no monies had been repaid as per the law. Quartzsite's new Mayor, Ed Foster, has indicated that he 'was hoping to  discover how this fund came to be owed such an incredible sum.' No such information, it appears, will be forthcoming.               READ MORE

Road landings happen. Not long ago, one happened in Quartzsite. Today, a battle has ensued over who has final authority over Quartzsite's only airport. Should  political angst toward Oldham put lives at risk?                       READ MORE - PIX

Foster is warning that further restrictions on free speech in Quartzsite only serve to frustrate citizens and has pointed out that they have a right to know what's happening, often following issues more closely than councilmen do.  AGENDA for JAN 11 2011 Council Meeting Foster's questions concerning the HURF monies are slated to be addressed at the 11 JAN 2011 Town Council meeting, public input is invited Special Addendum to JAN 11 2011 Council Meeting       READ MORE         
Thousands of dead birds and fish are raising questions throughout the nation: what happened -- and why?      READ MORE

COUNTY TO ATTEMPT SETTLEMENT WITH YAKIMA
As the amount owed Jim Willett closes in on $13 million and the  Supreme Cour's refusal to hear the case, La Paz County's Board of Supervisors is left owing almost $4 million more than the original settlement amount, which they have steadfastly refused to pay citing financial problems. Instead, they secured the services of bankruptcy attorneys.  Now, months after all options to deflect the suit have seemingly failed, a settlement is being actively pursued.      READ MORE

Target saved the lives of American troops and came to the USA for a hero's welcome -- all to find her life ended the hands of Arizona's animal shelter system when the celebrated dog was lost near Florence.                     READ MORE

Jennifer Harris-Jones operates a blog online that addresses some of Quartzsite's 'political issues.' [She recently announced her decision to run for the town's council seat against one of the councilpeople under recall.] When she wrote things that angered the authors of 'Desert Messenger' they took her to court.  They did not, however, prevail...       READ MORE   

IS QUARTZSITE'S TAX STRUCTURE PROPER? IS ARIZONA'S P.O.S. TAX CONSTITUTIONAL? DO TAXPAYERS HAVE  TO PRESENT THEIR RECORDS TO AUDITOR?                 READ MORE
 RURAL AIRPORT AT CENTER OF NEW CONTROVERSY

Quartzsite's ex-Mayor Richard Oldham is no stranger to controversy -- but he's frustrated by the number of problems plaguing Quartzsite and seems to be the focus of efforts to damage him personally...                      READ MORE
COUNCIL CONSIDERS SALE OF WATER & SEWER SYSTEM
The council is considering the privatization of Quartzsite's utilities and residents will be affected by the change. Should the water and sewer systems be sold?     STORY COMING SOON
CITIZEN TAKES ON MAYOR'S CRITICS  IN  SPECIAL  LETTER
TOWN OFFICIALS DISAVOW   QUARTZSITE'S  AIRPORT
Richard Oldham's runway at the Main Event West location in Quartzsite has drawn the ire of Quartzsite officials -- but Oldham didn't build the airport -- Howard Armstrong did. Armstrong also donated the property to the town that officials hope to use to prevent the airport from being utilized.
 VOTERS WEIGH IN: ENTIRE COUNCIL FACES RECALL OVER ACTIONS AGAINST MAYOR
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Cibola burros are scheduled to be rounded up and critics charge that most burros -- and wild horses -- will ultimately face death, many in slaughter houses. Must see report. READ MORE

THERE IS ONE GROUP SET TO WIN BIG IN QUARTZSITE:
THE LAWYERS   READ MORE
IS THE INFRASTRUCTURE NOW
BEGINNING TO CRUMBLE?
BELL COUNCIL ORDERED TO REFUND ILLEGAL TAXES     MORE
75,000 DOG TREATS RECALLED
FOOD RESTRICTIONS DEEMED 'OVER THE TOP'                 READ MORE

By anyone's standards, Pat Tillman was a hero. His life, his beliefs centered around 'doing the right thing.' Narrated by Josh Brolin, the Pat Tillman Story documents the death of a man that trusted in America's leaders only to experience the ultimate betrayal. How did this happen? And what needs to be done to ensure that it never happens again?          READ MORE


John McCain is under fire again -- this time for his stand on three key issues that effect virtually all Americans. Has McCain lost all credibility among his constituents?   READ MORE
McCLUNG CAMPAIGNS TO REPLACE GRAVILJA: 51% PUTS McCLUNG ON EVEN GROUND
WITH EMBATTLED CONGRESSMAN
WHAT IS CODEX ALIMENTARIUS?
THE INSIDE STORY ON TOXIC EGGS

PET FOOD RECALLS UNDERWAY MORE EFFORTS TO UNSEAT FOSTER: AD HOC LATEST WEAPON TO BE UTILIZED

Foster's Response Letter HERE Three Quartzsite councilmen are attempting to oust popular Mayor Ed Foster -- this time using an obscure 'solution' for 'general, unspecific problems.' Indicative by definition of 'makeshift solutions, inadequate planning or improvised events,' the Ad Hoc effort, supporters say,  is the latest to be utilized in an unwavering effort to rid themselves of a retired Marine that doesn't seem to take 'no' as an answer...

"The more they balk and refuse to provide Foster with the documents he has legally requested, the guiltier they look," said one lawyer concerning the legal battle set to ensue. "Now they are not only facing a difficult and nearly hopeless, uphill battle, they will likely be required to pay his [Foster's] legal bills."

"It's just one more in a series of errors for the litigation challenged municipality that has so many legal battles currently underway that it's position in a pool for the uninsurable is likely to remain in place well into the future," said a Citizens Coalition member who asked not to be identified. "They are constantly coming for us, accusing us of everything under the sun, not realizing that the inexplicable efforts by these various officials are raising more eyebrows than they are supporters. The man was elected -- let him do his job!"

These individuals may have a point. Foster is holding a handful of requests for public appearances that now extend well  beyond Quartzsite and is in the process of becoming  known for his staunch opposition of 'cronyism' and 'corruption' in local government, working with others that are coming to him based upon information he has published in his newspaper, the QUARTZSITEMINESHAFT.COM. Among those interested in Foster's writings are similarly challenged political candidates, those who have worked on various political campaigns and been attacked for their positions on key issues, and attorneys -- some of whom have expressed an interest in becoming involved as the battles reach an ever  widening audience.        READ MORE

ACCUSATIONS CONTINUE UNABATED AS MORE PEOPLE  ARE ATTACKED/MALIGNED:
Those who are participating in the defamation of character efforts in Quartzsite should do a fast review of the legal fallout of such a move. Lawsuits are expensive to defend when innocent people are attacked simply because they hold a different opinion or refuse to align themselves with the attackers, as the Town, already inundated with suits, can attest...
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LA PAZ COUNTY HIRES BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY IN LAST DITCH EFFORT TO DEFLECT $12.3 MILLION DOLLAR JUDGEMENT DEBT

The La Paz County Board of Supervisors have just announced their intent to investigate filing bankruptcy with the hiring of a bankruptcy attorney.  This would reject Willett's request to own the landfill in exchange for relief from the debt owed him. County officials can face more problems than they might suspect as bankruptcy limits even further their ability to pay -- as evidenced by this case against Orange County for failing in their duties will attest.

Quartzsite businessman Richard Oldham had offered to pay off Willett, without the risk of bringing sludge through the area -- but that offer was effectively prevented from even being heard, and misrepresentations of Oldham's offer were erroneously published and openly discussed -- all without interviewing Oldham concerning the details...            READ  MORE

LESSON IN JOURNALISM: THE REAL THING
Professional journalism involves reporting real facts: not paraphrasing announcements or providing information simply on the basis of 'hearsay.' It is for this reason there must be a place for the free press, for First Amendment Rights which are designed to hold our leaders accountable, as well as laws in place to demand they provide substantiating documentation upon demand...                               READ MORE

PINAL COUNTY SHERIFF PAUL BABEU TURNS TO ALTERNATIVE MEDIA TO WARN OF ESCALATING DANGER ON ARIZONA'S BORDER   VIDEO  WATCH MORE

Sheriff Babeu has discovered he's been tar-geted by Mexico's drug cartels and has taken a position along side Jan Brewer to warn Arizonans of risks they may not have realized existed this side of the border...

FOSTER SUCCEEDS IN FORCING THE
TOWN COUNCIL TO FACE REFERENDUM
IN EFFORT TO DISEMPOWER MAYOR...

Once more, town officials have publicly failed in efforts to withhold power -- and documents -- from Quartzsite's new Mayor, Ed Foster. In an unprecedented move to again carry the issues before voters, Foster's supporters easily obtained the number of signatures required to force a referendum, effectively preventing the proposals to undermine Foster's Mayoral authority from even  taking effect... READ MORE

 RECALL EFFORT MOVES AHEAD: BOTH COWELL AND WINSLOW'S COMPLETE

A series of decisions unpopular with voters have now resulted in Petitions for Recall on Joe Winslow and Barbara Cowell. Both councilmen's petitions needed at least 61 signatures to succeed -- and circulators reported that both petitions contained over 100 signatures, due to voter discontent over issues with the two.
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Recall workers gather petition signatures. Enough signers are already in on Cowell & Winslow's recalls.

Once a peaceful small town known for tourists and an unparalleled rock vending trade, Quartzsite is now embattled, embittered and fighting for solvency amidst a series of controversial moves  by Town Manager Alex Taft while new Mayor Ed Foster seeks advice from those more than familiar with Quartzsite's reputation for  it's  volatile political climate...

Two weeks ago, the Town Hall meeting during which Foster was sworn in deteriorated into virtual mayhem when Taft's proposals to disempower the new Mayor were passed by four council members in spite of strong public outcry demanding the new Mayor have a chance to prove himself before officials sought to withdraw his powers.

Four of them [Winslow, Anderson, Cowell and Lukkasson] immediately went ahead with the decision to vote for the withdrawal of powers from Foster --and without a single word of discussion between them during the meeting. But the move wasn't without a swift and strong backlash from Quartzsite's voters, who promptly began requesting and signing recall papers against those that challenged Foster's rights as Mayor.

Both Winslow and Cowell's positions were already under fire from previous activities undertaken by the two who are not newly elected and, thus, accessible under recall.

The remainder of the officials have just now taken their seats. Lizarraga abstained, and Kelley voted against the measures to limit Foster's powers.

Foster's Mayoral rights are stipulated under Arizona Law and this week the battle lines are being drawn between those that would challenge Foster -- and may soon discover they have problems they've not even considered. Councilmen that choose to  break the law in order to do what they wish -- or what they are ordered to do by another official -- are not protected against suits brought by those effected by those choices.

Quartzsite is already in an insurance pool [provided insurance only because an insurer is forced to take them] through the Arizona branch of the League of Cities and Towns.

Because of a series of poor choices, the town is virtually 'uninsurable.' Were Foster to challenge those individuals that comprise the sitting council in court, anything they've done that resulted in the breaking of a law would leave those individuals at risk of a suit against them personally, with their personal assets at risk.

Some of the officials with oversight responsibilities concerning Quartzsite have already expressed concern over these pending issues.
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A political battle has ensued since four sitting councilmen sought to disempower Quartzsite's newly elected Mayor Tuesday, in spite of strong public outcry...   
                  SEE: DISEMPOWERED       READ MORE

Foster has addressed the issue of Tuesday's council meeting here, in The MINESHAFT, his local publication.


The already established and required emergency protocol communities are to have in place in the event of an emergency [CLICK FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTH SECURITY AND BIOTERRORISM PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE ACT] that would have prevented the problems that resulted in Quartzsite's dilemma... Citizens, in fact, have the RIGHT to know [Click for the RIGHT TO KNOW ACT] if there is a problem that may effect the safety of their drinking water. [Click for the SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT.] Read here for UNDERSTANDING THE SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT.]                              READ MORE


Steve Bennett's pool [shown here] was the focus of concerns about drinking water over the weekend. ADEQ will arrive Monday to test the water for contaminants and see what, exactly, is in the water.   

The 'public' meeting of the town's incumbents has already created a flap: attendees have indicated that the acting Mayor stated that the town would have to learn to get along without vendors... and he now denies he made that statement.