Town Hall Style Meeting, April 18, 2012
Video copyright Moore Photo Imaging, S.W. Desert News – Thank you!
Posts Tagged ‘Quartzsite news’
This Just In
28
Jan
Robert H Jackson
The prosecutor has more control over life, liberty, and reputation than any other person in America. His discretion is tremendous. He can have citizens investigated and, if he is that kind of person, he can have this done to the tune of public statements and veiled or unveiled intimations. Or the prosecutor may choose a more subtle course and simply have a citizen’s friends interviewed. The prosecutor can order arrests, present cases to the grand jury in secret session, and on the basis of his one-sided presentation of the facts, can cause the citizen to be indicted and held for trial. He may dismiss the case before trial, in which case the defense never has a chance to be heard. Or he may go on with a public trial. If he obtains a conviction, the prosecutor can still make recommendations as to sentence, as to whether the prisoner should get probation or a suspended sentence, and after he is put away, as to whether he is a fit subject for parole. While the prosecutor at his best is one of the most beneficent forces in our society, when he acts from malice or other base motives, he is one of the worst.
U.S. Attorney General Robert H. Jackson, April 1, 1940
Jade Jones “Served” With Court Paper
23
Nov
Today about 12:30 Al Johnson acted again, with police sergeant Frausto in tow. Johnson served a single page legal style document, bearing the name of the Magistrate Court of Quartzsite Arizona, titled “Complaint” on Jennifer “Jade” Jones. It detailed 4 misdemeanor counts related to the business she attends on Main Street. Johnson insisted that Jones must appear in court immediately, although the document was not accompanied by a court summons. He stated “If you’re not in court today, … I suggest that you show up”. It appeared to bear the original signature of Martin Brannan, Town Prosecutor. After the “service” was completed, Johnson reached over the fence again, to place the complaint in a more attractive position. Johnson remained on the property and did not seem ready to leave after he was told to go. “Goodbye Al”. Then Johnson was heard giving legal advice to Jones: “ …you don’t have the same expectation of privacy”. Johnson is the assistant manager for the town. It appears that he would be disqualified to serve process for a case in which he is a party to the action. The complaint seems to stem from his department. It also appeared that the court had not issued the document, as there was NO case number, nor the usual stamp indicating that it had been filed with a court clerk. See the document HERE.
Redistricting Meeting – Video
15
Nov
If you could not make it to the Monday November 14 meeting, here is an hour of viewing:
Thanks to Bill Moore who provided this video.
Council Meeting On Video
08
Nov
Quartzsite Town Council Meeting held today, November 8, 2011 at 9:00 am
Videography compliments of Bill Moore
Our Amazing Council
12
Aug
Our new council member was appointed and sworn in with cosmic speed. It was as though the council was of one mind. Four candidates had applied, but only one was to be selected. So then, each council member is expected to evaluate each candidate on their own. Each council person is expected to decide, individually, as to who each council member feels is the best qualified candidate, then cast one vote. They are expected to make a decision without consulting other council members (illegal).
It was time to vote. Amazingly, the first name to come up for a vote was Mike Jewitt. No discussion. Immediate vote. Unanimous. It was as though all the council members knew who to vote on first. This seems to beat all odds, since we know that no council member had previously spoken to any other member about their choice (illegal).
Here is the math:
25% chance that Jewitt (one of four candidates) would be the first to be voted on.
X 5% chance that he would be unanimously elected (5 voters x 4 candidates = 20 potential outcomes. 1 in 20 = a 5% likelihood of a unanimous outcome)
= 1.25% chance of this occurring (without illegally consulting one another).
UPDATE: See Video – Police Station now off limits to cameras – New Sidewalk & Camera & Cell Phone Rules
19
Jul
SEE VIDEO FOR NEW CAMERA RULES
SEE VIDEO FOR NEW SIDEWALK & CAMERA RULES
SIDEWALKS:
Sgt. Frausto Says (Today):
No trespassing behind town hall.
[Sure there’s an inviting sidewalk, and no warning signs, and you could get 6 months in jail for walking around the building].
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Updates:
Monday July 18: New sign on entry door to police station – No Cameras
Friday July 15: beware entering town hall with camera. No warning sign posted at entry! Sign is posted at center of building.
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CAMERA USE:
Alex Taft, Quartzsite Town Manager, says by her actions in town hall (Day before yesterday):
Here’s a line. I just now made it with duct tape on the carpet. Do not use a video camera on the side near the clerk window. That should clear up the ambiguous enforcement policy we have always had, because the sign has always said “No Video or Cameras”. We just didn’t ever say exactly where you can’t use them. Do not use a camera anywhere in back offices, except if I want to conduct a television press conference. After all, it is my rule. Audio recording is OK anywhere.
Police Sgt. Frausto Says by his actions (Today):
Do not use a camera in the clerk window area. I don’t know what that tape on the floor is. Get outta here with that camera. We got a new sign with red letters, but you don’t have time to read it.
Police Chief Gilbert Says by his actions (Second Visit – Same day – Friday):
We got a new sign with red letters, but you don’t have time to read it. Get outta here with that camera. Do not use a video camera anywhere in QuartzsiteTown Hall, except during public meetings. Period. (Even if police are arresting you or your friends for camera or cell phone camera or sidewalk use, I guess). No audio recording either. And put your camera in your pocket.
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CELL PHONES:
By extension of this logic, cell phones must now be kept in your pocket in Town Hall. They have cameras built in. Otherwise, how would anyone know if you are recording or texting or photographing with your phone?
Megyn Kelly Fox News Show To Talk Quartzsite Today
14
Jul
Today I received a communication from Debbie at Fox News who is a producer at “America Live With Megyn Kelly”. They have interest in doing a story TODAY on Quartzsite. Please tell your friends. Fox was granted permission to run the video of Jennifer Jones’ arrest.
Review Video of Last Town Council Meeting
14
May
Select a video “part”, or watch the entire meeting by viewing all in the series:
| Video Part 1 | Discussion: Attempt to compel mayor to follow meeting rules regarding prayer |
| Passed: Medical Marijuana Dispensary application fees | |
| Passed: Amend personnel policy | |
| Video Part 2 | Passed: Funding for new van |
| Passed: Appoint Nora Yackley to Enterprise Zone | |
| Discussion: Restaurant “per seat” charge | |
| Video Part 3 | Passed: Restaurant “per seat” charge seasonal accommodation |
| Citizens comments |
Mayor Arrested Just Before Council Meeting
10
May
Mayor Ed Foster and Police Chief Jeff Gilbert confirmed that just before tonight’s meeting, Mayor Foster was arrested. The arrest took place at Town Hall. Charges were not specified. Mayor Foster presided over the meeting as usual.
Meeting Tonight
10
May
Come to tonight’s meeting: 7pm at Town Hall, 465 Plymouth Ave.
- Compel Mayor to adhere to meeting rules
- Marijuana dispensary fees (NO Public Discussion)
- Amend personnel policy (NO Public Discussion)
- Funding – new van (NO Public Discussion)
- Appoint rep to Enterprise Zone (NO Public Discussion)
- Seasonal restaurant “per seat” charge
Quartzsite’s Challenge: Arizona Open Meeting Laws
10
May
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- US Postal Bulletin Board empty Monday morning
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- General Store Bulletin Board empty Monday morning
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- US Postal Bulletin Board empty Monday morning
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- Typical method -One pushpin is used – April meeting
Quartzsite’s management and staff mean to do well. Employees dutifully post notices of upcoming meetings. They are placed around town in a timely manner, at the designated sites. This is a requirement set by the State of Arizona.
However, it is unlikely that the notices will be there if you are looking for them. Photos (taken yesterday) show today’s condition of those notices posted just last Friday. The notices are typically posted with one pushpin on open air bulletin boards. While this may meet the requirements of law, perhaps the town management could improve the method, to better serve our community.
Video – Special Meeting Last Thursday
29
Apr
Video – Special Meeting Last Thursday
| Video 1 | Discussion – Martin Brannan interviewed for prosecutor position |
| Video 2 | Discussion – Martin Brannan |
| Video 3 | Passed – Martin Brannan hired as interim prosecutorDiscussion – Medical Marijuana Dispensary application fee |
| Video 4 | Discussion – Medical Marijuana Dispensary application fee |
| Video 5 | Passed – Medical Marijuana Dispensary application fee $2,500 non-refundableDiscussion – Call to the Public |
Brannan Has Long Record With AZ Bar
28
Apr
(See yesterday’s story)
I placed a call to the Arizona State Bar Association to inquire about Martin Brannan’s record as an attorney. The Bar returned my call right during the meeting where Brannan was being installed as Quartzsite’s prosecutor. The report given: Martin Brannan of Lake Havasu City has a record of 8 public records (charges) brought against him since his Arizona Bar admission in 1996. Of the 8 charges, 7 have been dismissed, and one is in formal proceedings. Mr. Brannan did not disclose the (6) other charges at the council meeting. Nobody on the council thought to ask him about his record. The public was forbidden to speak on the decision. Brannan added that he admitted his performance as La Paz County Attorney a few years ago was not up to his own standards, and promised to do a good job for Quartzsite. By the way, Brannan was hired today by a majority vote of council.
Admitted Murderer Freed – Quartzsite Next
27
Apr
The prosecuting attorney most preferred by first degree murderers is coming to Quartzsite. Tomorrow (Thursday) Martin Brannan may be put in place as Quartzsite’s prosecutor. A special Quartzsite Town Council meeting was called for this hiring.
No public discussion will be allowed, but you can watch. Brannan has made recent news headlines:
1. Botched the murder investigation 2. State Bar Association targets attorney 3. Brannan could not be reached for comment
Attend Meeting: Thursday 1:30pm at Quartzsite Town Hall, April 28 2011.