Letters to the Editor

Editor

Had the Winslow Mail contacted CFIW (Citizens For the Improvement of Winslow) before printing the article on the Recall Petitions, CFIW could have averted the untrue statement that CFIW was recalling “the mayor, council, and staff”. The recall petitions, which are a matter of public record, were filed against the mayor and six council members. Nowhere does any of the petition mention “staff” or “firing”. The petitions (6 of them) read “Does not represent the wishes/best interests of the citizens of Winslow, as evident by his voting record on Curbside Trash Collection (Toters), water/sewer rate increases, summer rate increases, and routine real estate transactions using the emergency clause.” One petition reads the same, with the exception of the omission of water/sewer rate increases, since the council member did not vote on that issue. Voting records are also a matter of public record.

None of these issues were addressed by the mayor, however; “dog fight”, “pebble”, “so-called charges”, “fables”, and “half-truths” were his choice of words, not ours. We are not “committed to firing” anyone. We are committed to accountability at City Hall.

Why a recall? Many citizens attended at least 13 council meetings requesting that the Winslow City Council not adopt curbside roll-out trash collection. “Toters”. Citizens called individual council members asking them to vote against curbside service; a petition was also signed and presented asking the council to continue alley pickup with bins. In the end the council went against the wishes of the citizens and adopted curbside collection. When any City Council refuses to listen to the people, its members have lost sight of the reason they were elected!

Every opportunity was given to the council to reconsider this method of service. They didn’t. CFIW and other citizens recognized that the council left us only one option: recall. Citizens must be heard and their needs/wishes considered. We deserve elected officials that will listen to the will of the people and be accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, CFIW checks the facts and documents the facts with pictures, City Council minutes, City budget sheets, City employee cost sheets, voting records, etc. We do not present “fables”, “half-truths”, or lies, as the mayor would have citizens believe. Any citizen may review our documentation at 1304 E. Third or call 289-6036. We have nothing to hide, misdirect, or fabricate.

Finally, we invite the Winslow Mail to interview parties from both sides of the issue before going to press. We are always ready to answer your question or concerns.

Bob Howell

Judy Howell

Don Lowry

Sid Moore

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