MARCH 8 2009 -- Quartzsite's Town Attorney and Town Manager Daniel G.  Field has been at the center of controversy over the past few months as Quartzsite citizens have contended that his oversight of the town's business has extended far beyond what his positions [also a point of contention] may have entitled him.

Field's challenges in management have included a tax burden claimed by the town against Mayor Steven Bennett, the handling of which brought about the resignation of Bennett when Field oversaw a meeting in which the entire matter was reviewed publicly. At that time,  the council voted unanimously to disallow Bennett's 'good faith effort' to pay the town $5,000.00 per month while the matter was reviewed for resolution by Bennett's attorneys.

The council did, weeks later, allow others caught up in the tax issue to exchange goods for payment of the outstanding funds, despite their stern opposition to allowing Bennett and his attorneys to work out a similar plan, even while paying significant payments on the balance the town contended was owed.

Field, however, kept confidential noise complaints and other issues concerning a local bar owned by Field's family, a move widely criticized by citizens.

When Bennett forfeited his position as Mayor, he was vocal in his criticism of Field, stating publicly that Field held such a tight reign on the council that "nothing moved without Field's consent."

Bennett reiterated his concerns in an open meeting of the Citizen's Coalition when explaining his resignation publicly.

At that meeting, Bennett stated that as long as Field remained in control of the town, nothing could be done to alleviate the issues plaguing the town.

 

Those issues have been delineated as including the following:

1. The facilitation of an independent audit of the town's books to find and correct any problems within the accounting systems and/or the financial concerns of the town;

2. The hiring of family members and friends to positions for which they were not or are not qualified;

3. The allowance of bids being awarded without the obtaining of competing bids;

4. The paying of exorbitant amounts of money for often unspecified purposes to people who hold inexplicable positions of loyalty under the town officials;

5. The reluctance to allow any transparency of government under the existing structure and the lack of information released for public review in any sort of a timely manner;

6.   Violations of the Sunshine Law are believed to be rampant, with citizens pointing to the council's quick acceptance of key decisions with little or no discussion, and the lack of allowing public input as indicative of these violations. 

Field, scheduled to leave his offices by March 11, has suggested his wife, Cathy Field, replace him. The item has already been placed on the meeting's agenda according to Mayor Walter Akin.

"It's already underway and we do not have the funds to hire a regular attorney under these circumstances," Akin stated.

The Town Manager position is expected to be filled by Alex Taft. Taft briefly served as Assistant Town Manager during Field's reign, but was subsequently removed from the position with no explanation.

According to Akin, Taft's brief tenure as Assistant Town Manager should qualify her for the assumption of Field's duties.

To further complicate matters for the town, it was only recently disclosed that the town is virtually out of money and must take quick and decisive action to avoid a financial calamity. According to Akin there is only $4,000.00 remaining in the fund for legal expenses to carry the town through the remainder of its fiscal year.

There was no explanation offered as to why there were only funds for one month's legal expenses remaining in the account when there are several months left for which there will be no funds available.

Despite the discrepancy in accounting principals, several other lawyers have expressed an interest in handling Quartzite's legal needs for the remainder of the fiscal year while deferring whatever fees might be outstanding.

Field has not returned calls to other law firms and attorneys interested in vying for his vacated positions and, unless the item is removed, the issue is expected to be on the agenda with passage by the council slated for Tuesday evening, March 11.

This, despite efforts to change the perception of an unresponsive council that has resulted in recall petitions against four of the seven of the sitting council members: Mayor Walter Akin, Vice Mayor Carolyn Guthrie, William Moore and Wesley Huntley.

In spite of strong opposition on the part of those involved in recall efforts in the town, sitting Mayor Walter Akin has staunchly defended the move, while most criticized even the consideration of Field's wife for the position, charging that even in Field's absence the town will still remain under Field's control.