Opening arguments in the case for recall
by Anonymous
A vote is a precious thing. Once cast, it is, and should be, sacred. While our law makes provision for recall of elected officials, the bar is very high -- as it should be.
Yet there comes a time when a vote must be reconsidered, however reluctantly. When an elected official makes it so evident that he or she is using the office to the detriment of the public good, the public must intervene.
The time has come for the people of Gray to assert their right to govern our Town.
For actions inimical to the purposes of the Town of Gray, Andrew Upham must be removed from office.
He has willfully ignored the clear mandate of the people in a legal vote.
He has attacked without cause or explanation qualified and dedicated men and women who do not agree with his own opinions.
He has arrogantly demanded a standard of performance from others that he makes no effort to reach himself.
He has displayed remarkable indifference to the safety and well-being of citizens of the Town.
He has consistently treated members of the public, as well as Town employees, with contempt.
He has recklessly charged citizens of the Town with serious offenses, only to withdraw those charges without apology after the damage to their reputations had been done.
He has ignored the stated advice of duly appointed members of Town boards and committees with greater experience than his own.
He has refused to discuss important issues with members of Town boards and committees.
He has assumed to himself duties that are reserved for trained and qualified professionals.
His arrogance, his unwillingness to communicate with a large part of the Town’s population, his insensitivity to others have all combined to create a deep division in the Town.
All of these offenses are demonstrable and inarguable. Individually, they would be a cause for concern. But taken together, they lead to the inescapable conclusion that Mr. Upham’s continuance in office is a clear and present threat to the health, prosperity and well-being of the Town of Gray and its citizens.
It is time for the people of Gray to take back our Town.
A vote is a precious thing. Once cast, it is, and should be, sacred. While our law makes provision for recall of elected officials, the bar is very high -- as it should be.
Yet there comes a time when a vote must be reconsidered, however reluctantly. When an elected official makes it so evident that he or she is using the office to the detriment of the public good, the public must intervene.
The time has come for the people of Gray to assert their right to govern our Town.
For actions inimical to the purposes of the Town of Gray, Andrew Upham must be removed from office.
He has willfully ignored the clear mandate of the people in a legal vote.
He has attacked without cause or explanation qualified and dedicated men and women who do not agree with his own opinions.
He has arrogantly demanded a standard of performance from others that he makes no effort to reach himself.
He has displayed remarkable indifference to the safety and well-being of citizens of the Town.
He has consistently treated members of the public, as well as Town employees, with contempt.
He has recklessly charged citizens of the Town with serious offenses, only to withdraw those charges without apology after the damage to their reputations had been done.
He has ignored the stated advice of duly appointed members of Town boards and committees with greater experience than his own.
He has refused to discuss important issues with members of Town boards and committees.
He has assumed to himself duties that are reserved for trained and qualified professionals.
His arrogance, his unwillingness to communicate with a large part of the Town’s population, his insensitivity to others have all combined to create a deep division in the Town.
All of these offenses are demonstrable and inarguable. Individually, they would be a cause for concern. But taken together, they lead to the inescapable conclusion that Mr. Upham’s continuance in office is a clear and present threat to the health, prosperity and well-being of the Town of Gray and its citizens.
It is time for the people of Gray to take back our Town.
posted 2/11/2006 LINK
<< Home