An election costs thousands of dollars. Haines taxpayers could nix this unnecessary expense by choosing not to sign recall petitions of questionable merit, or if already signed, contacting the clerk to remove your name prior to certification (AS 29.26.280(d)).
Ron Jackson’s letter regarding the recall was spot on: the accuracy of the recall petitions’ allegations is unproven. However, by looking at the merit of Don Turner’s January complaint on similar issues, and the legal response by the district attorney’s office of no wrongdoing, one could infer there is likely also no merit to recall allegations. Again, unfortunately, recall petitioners only have to assert wrongdoing, they don’t have to prove it.
Another clue that the recall is a continuing personal vendetta occurred after the vote to terminate Bill Seward. Alaska Public Media reported (Dec. 14) that Turner told Morphet: “I’m going to get a recall petition out and see if I can’t terminate your job.”
I don’t fault Turner’s large CVN ad prior to October’s election telling us not to vote for Tom Morphet or Heather Lende. However, I do resent taxpayers having to foot the bill for this witch hunt (including hours of attorney and staff time). This recall has nothing to do with whether you like how assembly members vote on particular issues. Absent proof of misconduct, there is no basis for recall.
Nancy Berland