Isn't it interesting that Mr. Gus Gomez, Stanford-educated attorney,
councilman and mayor, a man steeped in ordinances, case law and
textbooks, can reach into the ozone and contend that the compelling
reason for recall laws is to "protect taxpayers against fraud and
corruption."
He has stated this over and over since the beginning of the recall
effort. With what authority, document, ordinance or logic does he support
his position? Just because a politician, or whatever Mr. Gomez claims to
be, says something, does it make it so?
As mentioned numerous times in letters to the editor, the Secretary of
State has published the "Procedure for Recalling" state and local
officials (revised January 2001). It looks like a very official document
that has the Great Seal of the state of California on the cover (anyone
can get a copy). Nowhere in this document will you or anyone else find
the words "fraud and corruption." To the contrary, the instructions state
that "Recall is the power of the voters to remove elected officials
before their terms expire. It has been a fundamental part of our
governmental system since 1911 and has been used by voters to express
their dissatisfaction with their elected representatives."
I respectfully request that the News-Press do some in-depth
investigative reporting into the criteria for recalling an official, and
when you have come to a conclusion, let Mr. Gomez know so he can stop
this "fraud and corruption" drive. In the meantime, perhaps Mr. Gomez
will tell us what official document supports his position.
JIM KUSSMAN
Glendale
