WhistleBlowers

Will Cathy Field, wife of Town Manager and Town Attorney Daniel Field, replace Daniel Field when he leaves office on March 11 despite opposition?

MARCH 8 2009 -- Quartzsite 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 and 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.

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: including the facilitation of an independent audit of the town's books to find and correct problems within the accounting systems; the hiring of family members and friends to positions for which they were not qualified; the allowance of bids being awarded without the obtaining of competing bids; the paying of exorbitant amounts of money for often unspecified purposes to people who hold inexplicable positions of loyalty under the town officials; 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.

Field, scheduled to leave his offices by March 11, has suggested 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.

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 officered as to why there were only funds for one months 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 and 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 and expected to pass the council on Tuesday evening, March 11.

This, despite efforts to change the perception of an unresponsive council that has resulted in recall petitions against seven of the sitting council members: Walter Akin, 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 in Field's absence the town will still remain under Field's control.

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One would think that by the time 2009 rolled around, Internet access problems would be a thing of the past. Not so. Some of the old companies with the worst reputations started the same games under new names [DirecTV became HUGHES.NET]and started signing consumers again -- largely without a proper warning by the press. How do you avoid getting scammed?

Ask in advance about their FAP record [they shut off your Internet if you use it too much] and -- even if your use is limited, you can find yourself with having violated their policies -- so call them and let them know you are recording the call -- or ask to 'get that in writing' before signing a contract with them. Google their company name name online followed by a word like 'scam' or 'rip-off' or 'I hate [COMPANY NAME]'. If you hit into thousands of hits -- and especially if you discover 40,000 hits or more, you can bet there's a bigger problem than just 'run-of-the-mill consumer issues.

The Citizen's Coalition recently formed in Quartzsite is taking issue with the status of the post vacated when Bennett relinquished his position citing 'personal reasons.'

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Bennett's letter of resignation was presented to the council Wednesday, August 27th, and formally accepted at a special meeting held Wednesday, August 28th. Many spectators at Tuesday's meeting indicated they found the diatribe presented against Mayor Bennett offensive, even though the case against Bennett -- presented without interruption by Daniel Field-- did not appear to be without merit.

Bennett officiated during the first part of that Tuesday council meeting and excused himself for the duration of the session, leaving the room to the remaining members of the council and Town Manager/Attorney Daniel G. Field, to discuss the case against him in open session, with many townspeople in attendance. He did not attend Thursday's meeting when his resignation was presented for acceptance.

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The bailouts are being described as amounts TEN TIMES THE NATIONAL DEBT. 10% of the banks are on the verge of failure...

The fact is, there's more money changing hands than is comfortable for most people: huge losses are being sustained by even the most savvy and frugal investors, the downturns keep happening and the pivotal 'turnarounds' that would typically allow losers to recoup are becoming fewer with ever lengthening periods of time in between.

Is it the 'redistribution of wealth' that's been a source of such concern of late?

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