About the Recall… by Jim Shook

Haines Alaska News: Viewpoints
September 12, 2011, Monday

ABOUT THE RECALL…

As we near the end of another Borough election cycle, we should all make an effort to remain civil in the public forums. Being civil includes avoiding the vitriol that can be the result of innuendoes and inaccurate statements that may mislead or needlessly inflame the reader. In that vein I would like to mention several errors as they regard the recall of two members of the Borough Assembly.

First, the borough code improves on language in the borough charter, within the framework of that charter, and therefore there is no conflict. The Charter is a foundation document while the Code is a living document that changes with the needs of the Government and the people it serves.

Second, if you wish to make a statement addressing the recall and you want to be factual, do your research on line by reading the Code. You will find that Assembly members Scott Rossman and Jerry Lapp were ineligible to be recalled. Third, if one believes Karen Hess had anything to do with the recall you could call and ask me.

The recall was my idea and my responsibility following a great deal of research and soul searching from the beginning. I have asked Mrs. Hess about her law suit and obtained a memo from her. That has been the sum and total of her involvement. The recall effort has been a necessary but difficult and uncomfortable process, as it should be. I hope I will never find the need to chair another.

Jim Shook

Received September 12, 2011 / Posted September 13, 2011
Viewpoints letters are the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Haines Alaska News.