Last evening a sizable group of citizens came together to discuss their concerns about the newest version of the City of Dillingham's 'Emergency' ordinance as pertaining to Covid-19. There was a general consensus as to what the purpose of the 'meeting' was about... the seemingly tyrannical actions that the City Council is proposing in EO 2020-22. After a talk about on several topics related to the 'mitigation' efforts outlined in the onerous ordinance, the discussion moved into the action planning.
I'll be the first to say that the overall attitude towards doing something was very real and it was easy to tell that people are quite simply fed up with feeling ignored by the City Council. But the real question remains about whether these people have the guts and stamina to follow through with the 'adopted' proposals and make something happen. I know from my own personal experiences in dealing with local and regional politics that any opposition to their power will be met with all manner of nastiness. Absolutely nothing is 'off the table' when it comes to what they will do to maintain their status quo.
I did speak privately to the event organizer and gave that person and a few others a 'sample' copy of the recall petition drafted against a member the council. I had been previously asked to hold off on pursuing the recall petition route until after the 'meeting' so as not to cause any conflicting action that could 'water down' the group's intent. After the conclusion of the get together, several people did approach me about signing on as sponsors of the recall petition. I will be following up with several others today in an effort to gain the rest of the required signatures to apply for the recall petition.
But let's delve into why I believe this recall effort is the way to go for those of Us that want to see something happen sooner than later. The procedural process used by the City Council is mired down with enough rules and personal power that makes any action by the citizens difficult at best. One of the reasons for this is simply because the existing long-standing power structure in Dillingham has insulated itself from We The People so as to continue their stranglehold on the public processes of Our government. They have already proven that they primarily take counsel with the talking heads of the various BB entities that do not necessarily represent the will and/or consent of the general population.
The recall petition process is a tool that was designed to allow citizens to remove from office those elected representatives of We the People that have strayed from the scope and intent of their positions. The Alaska Supreme Court has had very little to say/rule on concerning the recall process because they to realize the intent of giving the citizens a backup when elected officials don't do their job. What is and has happened in the City of Dillingham is a perfect example of why the recall process was written to begin with.
The recall process is a three part effort that has to be done with a clear reason that is backed up with a statutory component. In crafting the recall petition, we decided that using any of the 'incidents/actions' surrounding the Covid-19 'Emergency' ordinances has far too much gray area that is clouded with opposing science views and emotional baggage. However, keeping simple the reason and approach to the language of the required 200 words of the petition is the most expeditious course of action to take.
I am not going to make the petition public until We have recruited the required 10 Co-Sponsors and scheduled an appointment with the City Clerk to submit it. If you are a reader & registered voter residing in the City of Dillingham that wants to read the petition and possibly sign on as a co-sponsor; please feel free to contact me.