QUESTION: What is the only thing necessary for evil to triumph?
ANSWER: According to a famous quote, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
QUESTION: Will Jane Murray be recalled from office as the Mayor of Portsmouth?
ANSWER: See above.
We have all heard for months that many people of Portsmouth are calling for the recall of Jane Murray. It is said that there will be people lined up at the City Clerk's office on July 6--the first day that petitions for recall can be released, eager to see Murray's sad reign of error ended. Murray's recall was said to be a foregone conclusion. We have been among those who have made that very prediction.
Supposedly, Murray is toast.
However, something has to happen first. Section 27 of the Portsmouth City Charter requires that a "recall committee" of five Portsmouth voters must be formed to request the recall.
"There shall appear on each petition paper the names and addresses of five electors of the City...who, as a committee, shall be regarded as responsible for the circulation and filing of the petition."
After the five electors (or registered voters) of Portsmouth officially request the Mayor's removal, the charter requies the City Clerk will "keep on file" "copies of petition papers for demanding such a removal" for distribution to the voters as requested. (Section 150 of the Charter.)
So. Who will form the committee? Usually the people forming the recall committees in Portsmouth are CAVE People types... like Harold Daub, Rich Noel, Wayne Nichols, "a citizen," Austin Leedom, etc. But even though they're all experts on the recall process (especially Daub), these people are more likely forming committees to recall the council people who have stood up to Murray. They are Jane Murray's very own motley crew of "good ol' boys."
The Charter says that valid petitions for recall of an elected official cannot be circulated until the official has been in office for six months. Queen Jane was crowned on January 4. Six months later, July 4 will be a Sunday. And July 5, a Monday, is the date when the City will observe Independence Day. So Tuesday, July 6, will be the day that the recall can begin...if a recall committee is formed.
That is less than three weeks away.
It will be interesting to see who steps up to the plate to give the citizens of Portsmouth what they want and what the City needs so badly...a chance to recall Jane Murray.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."-Edmund Burke (1729-1797)
For "Recall Facts, Part One," click below:
http://p-townunderground.blogspot.com/2010/04/recall-facts-part-i.html
If a person wanted to a part of such a committee, or would volunteer, who would they notify? What responsibilities are required of someone on such a committee?
ReplyDeleteI pay taxes to Portsmouth but can't vote on city issues because of where I live. (taxation without representation)
ReplyDeleteI would love to be on that group but disgustidly can't..... or even sign a petition.
Can I work with the committee to get the recall papers signed????
While grocery shopping last night, I had to go around several shoppers (in more than one aisle) who were discussing a recall of the Mayor. Seems like everywhere you go she is the topic of conversation. The man in line in front of me was also talking about her with the person in front of him. They are counting the days to a recall. I ALMOST feel sorry for her. I said ALMOST. I think she will be recalled in an overwhelming vote. Maybe next time there is an election people might take the time to REALLY check out the candidates. You all DID try to warn them so at least YOU have a clear conscience. I've heard the phrase "I'm ashamed to say I voted for her." too many times to count. Thank God I didn't vote for her, however I WILL gladly help vote her out!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me upset because she is putting women in politics in a bad light. She did have a lot of people fooled. You all did a good job of getting the information out there, but too many were under her spell, it seems. I just hope that her "reign" doesn't hurt the possibility of other women getting involved in politics in Portsmouth. There are some capable, caring women in town who could make a positive difference in the future.
ReplyDelete