Unofficial general election results for Quartzsite, AZ Nov. 4th, 2014

Quartzsite, AZ

By Shanana Rain Golden-Bear

·            La Paz County continues to tabulate ballots from the 2014 General Election. State law gives the counties five business days, until the end of Wednesday, November 12th, to verify and process the remaining early and provisional ballots. The unofficial results were released late Tuesday evening. All 11 districts had reported. Quartzsite Precinct 58 (north) had a voter turnout of 42.84%. Quartzsite Precinct 64 (south) had 44.22% turnout.

·           QUARTZSITE TOWN COUNCIL:  5 candidates ran for two (2) four-year council seats. Carol Kelley received 246 votes (25.20%) Terry Frausto received 202 votes (20.70%), Hal Davidson received 200 votes (20.49%) Bradley Trainer received 179 votes (18.34%). Monica Timberlake received 141 votes (14.45%) With just 2 votes separating Frausto and Davidson, there will be recount.

·         SCHOOL BOARD QES DISTRICT 4:  8 candidates ran for three (3) 4-year seats. Incumbent Monica Timberlake received 349 votes (19.49%). Carrollynn Henshaw received 327 votes (18.26%). Yesenia Jackson received 284 votes (15.86%). 

Shirley Foster received 266 votes (14.85%). Bonnie Quintana received 175 votes (9.77%). Cindy Drakulich received 150 votes (8.38%). Iliana Cruz received 139 votes (7.76%). Irene Segura received 95 votes (5.30%).

·         La Paz County races: Tammy Carnevale (R) ran unopposed for JUSTICE OF THE PEACE JP 4 and received 686 votes (98.0%).

·         CONSTABLE JP4: Marie Wister (R)  received 578 votes (71.01%) Starr BearCat (D) received 235 votes (28.87%).

Losing candidate Jennifer Jones files claim against Towns of Quartzsite, Parker, a Judge and Desert Messenger Publisher

By Shanana Rain Golden-Bear
Desert Messenger Publisher

Jones' Campaign Scooter
© Desert Messenger

Quartzsite, AZ - Within hours after losing her bid for Arizona State Representative District 5 in August 26th primary election, Jennifer Marie Jones filed a new claim in U.S. District Court - Phoenix, AZ.

The claim dated August 27th, 2014 names the following defendants:
The Town of Parker, Town of Quartzsite, Parker Magistrate James Putz-Artrup, Quartzsite Prosecutor David Ward, former Quartzsite Town Manager Laura Bruno (& husband), former Quartzsite Community Developer Director Stephen Henrichs (& wife), Quartzsite Council Members Mark Orgeron, (& wife) Norma Crooks (& husband), Carol Kelley, and Mike Jewitt (& wife); and Desert Messenger Publisher Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear.

Jones, who represents herself, alleges in the 28-page Complaint CV-14-01907-PNX-SPL, that defendants violated her rights when Quartzsite Police Dept. and Henrichs visited her location at Rice Ranch Swap Meet on August 22, 2013 with a warrant to inspect a 1956 trailer to ensure compliance with Town Codes. According to a press release issued by the Town of Quartzsite they found 15 Pit Bull dogs housed in cages in the trailer. The Town of Quartzsite emailed the press release to the Arizona Republic, Parker Pioneer, Palo Verde Times, and Desert Messenger. It was published on this blog on Aug. 26, 2013. Jones alleges the Press Release was "libelous and defamatory."

Jones' Facebook page profile photo

Jones publishes The Desert Freedom Press, a free tabloid, and proudly proclaims on the paper's Facebook page, "MY FREE SPEECH IS NOT NEGOTIABLE".

In the past few years, Jones ran failed political campaigns for Quartzsite Town Council, Quartzsite Mayor, La Paz County Supervisor and Arizona State Representative Dist. 5. Jones became famous when the 2011 video of her being removed from a town council meeting went "viral." Jones stated she retired from her dog grooming business in the spring of this year.

In her latest claim, Jones alleges Golden-Bear (along with other defendants):
"Violated the First Amendment Right to Free Speech, Press and Assembly; First Amendment Right to be Free from Retaliation; Fourth Amendment Right to be Free from Unreasonable Search and Malicious Prosecution; Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress; Conspiracy to Violate the Constitutionally Protected Rights of the Plaintiff; see paragraph 66. Intentional Interference with Contract; Violating of Equal Protection by Singling out Plaintiff for Unequal Treatment for no other Reason Other Than Malice, as a Class of One."

Jones is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with "attorney's fees" and also demands a jury trial.

As of today, Desert Messenger has not been able to confirm that any defendant has been legally served a summons in this case. See below for the full document.

On a personal note: There is much more I would love to say about a self-proclaimed Free-Speech-Advocate tabloid publisher filing a federal court claim against me for publishing an Official Press Release issued by the Town of Quartzsite, but I won't... for now!

© Desert Messenger 2014

jones vs parker




http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=172397145

Quartzsite Town Council unofficial primary election results

Unofficial results are in from today's election 

for Quartzsite Town Council

Robert "Gunny" St. Germain ran unopposed for a 2-year seat.

Town Council Incumbents Norma Crooks and Mike Jewitt lost their seats. 

The remaining top 8 candidates will face off for 4 positions in the General Election on November 4th. 

Quartzsite's Jennifer Jones lost her attempt for Arizona State Representative District 5 which covers La Paz & Mohave Counties. 

For up to date results visit

http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/AZ/La_Paz/50944/139216/Web01/en/summary.html

Quartzsite Town Council to hold special meeting Friday, June 20th at 3:30pm

Quartzsite Town Council will hold a Special Meeting Friday, June 20 at 3:30pm at Town Hall. The meeting was called after Town Manager Skylor Miller presented council members with a Memo updating them on meetings held with WIFA and USDA regarding the sewer expansion project and the case of Mayor Ed Foster v. Town of Quartzsite.

The full memo is below:

Memo TM to Council 6-18-14.pdf




http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=171285788

Quartzsite Town Clerk seeks emails from Council & Board Members

By Shanana Rain Golden-Bear
Desert Messenger Editor/Publisher

Quartzsite, Arizona
Quartzsite Town Clerk, Terry Frausto, issued the following letter to Mayor and Members of the Common Council for the Town of Quartzsite and Members of Advisory Boards, Committees and Commissions regarding Emails as Public Records and Appropriate Limitations on Email Communications.

The letter is a reminder "that all emails to and from Council members, board and committee members and Town employees concerning Town business are public records. She cautions members not to communicate with four or more members of the same board, which constitutes a quorum. (Evidently Frausto forgot that the Municipal Utilities Commission consists of only five members, and a quorum would therefore be three members. Also, the Personnel Board is a three-member Board, so a quorum would therefore be only two members.)

Frausto then asks the council and board members to forward all emails regarding Town Business to the Town Clerk, even if "only one line is about Town business" stating it is a public record and must be preserved.

Frausto asked Council and board members for their "cooperation in searching your private emails for messages sent or received in the past that relate to Town business," so she may "properly preserve these public records."

However, the Arizona Ombudsman's Open Meeting Law Booklet, clearly defines limitations pertain to a topic that is or may be presented to the public body for a decision, not any issue regarding the very generic phrase, "TOWN BUSINESS"!

OPEN MEETING LAW BOOKLET

Section 7.5.2 Circumvention of the Open Meeting Law.

Discussions and deliberations between less than a majority of the members of a

governing body, or other devices, when used to circumvent the purposes of the Open

Meeting Law violate that law. See Ariz. Att'y Gen. Op. 75-8; Town of Palm Beach v.

Gradison, 296 So. 2d 473 (Fla. 1974). Public officials may not circumvent public

discussion by splintering the quorum and having separate or serial discussions with a

majority of the public body members. Splintering the quorum can be done by meeting in

person, by telephone, electronically, or through other means to discuss a topic that is or

may be presented to the public body for a decision. Public officials should refrain from

any activities that may undermine public confidence in the public decision making

process established in the Open Meeting Law, including actions that may appear to

remove discussions and decisions from public view.

For example, Board members cannot use email to circumvent the Open Meeting Law

requirements. See Ariz. Att’y Gen. Op. I05-004 at 2. “[E]ven if communications on a

particular subject between members of a public body do not take place at the same time

or place, the communications can nonetheless constitute a ‘meeting.’” See Del Papa v.

Bd. of Regents of Univ. and Cmty. Coll. Sys. Of Nev., 114 Nev. 388, 393, 956 P.2d 770,

774 (1998) (rejecting the argument that a meeting did not occur because the board

members were not together at the same time and place.) Additionally, “[w]hen members

of the public body are parties to an exchange of e-mail communications that involve

discussions, deliberations, or taking legal action by a quorum of the public body

concerning a matter that may foreseeably come before the public body for action, the

communications constitute a meeting through technical devices under the [Open Meeting

Law].” See Ariz. Att’y Gen. Op. I05-004 at 1. This may be true even if none of the

members of the public body respond to the email. Id. at 2-3. If the one-way

communication proposes legal action, then it would violate the Open Meeting Law. Id.

However, other one-way communications, with no further exchanges, are not per se

violations, and further examination of the facts and circumstances is necessary to determine if there is a violation. Id. at 3.

http://www.azleg.gov/ombudsman/Open_Meeting_Law_Booklet_w_Hyperlinks.pdf

CLICK LINK BELOW to view letter:

Town of Quartzsite letter to council & boards

Quartzsite's Jennifer "Jade" Jones fired from Planning and Zoning Commission

By Shanana Rain Golden-Bear

Quartzsite, Arizona - In a 5 minute Special Meeting held today at 1 pm, the only item on the agenda was "to rescind the appointment of Jennifer Jones from the Planning and Zoning Commission."

For the first time, Jones offered the invocation, which surprised many in attendance. Foster said there might be another lawsuit, and suggested they adjourn and not take any action. Council Member Mark Orgeron made the motion, and Council Member Mike Jewitt seconded.

Jewitt sponsored the item and had originally nominated Jones for the Commission. Jewitt stated he "did so in the hope that involving her in the governance of the town, it would possibly help her to understand how the Town is run. It seems I was wrong."

The Quartzsite Town Council voted 4 - 2, with Foster and Pat Workman voting nay. (1 vacant seat)

Late Tuesday, Jones "served" a Notice of Claim to the Town of Quartzsite. The special meeting was called Wednesday morning. See below for details:

Jones Notice of Claim



Another interesting document for today's meeting reveals that Jones has still not filed her Campaign Committee Termination Statement for the May 2012 election: 

Quartzsite & Jones campaign finance issues


Another document (see below) released to Quartzsite Town Council members today reveals Jones' emails sent to Arizona Attorney General's Office communicating as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. Bruno states Jones "should have provided a copy of her email to the Town Clerk's office as well as to the other P & Z Commission members."  

Jones communication with AZ AG's office



In a Facebook posting earlier this week, Jones openly advocated to "recycle the 'Mess' [Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper] by the bundle and the armload".  Desert Messenger, the publisher and contributing photographer are often targets in Jones' editorials, articles and political cartoons. 

Jones publishes a tabloid in Quartzsite, however she holds no business license. She has stated multiple times that she doesn't need a license to "give away free papers." However, Quartzsite Town Code 8-2-1 states, "It is unlawful for any person to carry on any trade, calling, profession, or business... without first having procured a license from the town." 

Nationally there have been over 500,000 copies of free student newspapers stolen since 2000, according to records complied by the Student Press Law Center. Colorado law makers are currently considering a bill to reclassify the theft of free newspapers. 

Being such a vocal proponent of Free Speech, and a publisher of a free paper, surely Jones must be aware of the many articles against newspaper theft listed on First Amendment Center's website:  http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/tag/newspaper-theft

Quartzsite Town Council plans special meeting Mon. Jan. 28 at 2pm

Quartzsite Town Council will hold a special meeting 

MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013 at 2:00 pm

Three items on the agenda are regarding the Planning and Zoning Commission.

1.  Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission serve at the pleasure of the Council.
At the Discretion of the council, terminate all current appointments to the Planning and
Zoning Commission.  Mark Orgeron, Council Member

2.  Discussion and Interview of applicants to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Mark Orgeron, Council Member

3.  Discussion and possible appointment of members to the Planning and Zoning
Commission.         Mark Orgeron, Council Member


4.  Executive Session:
•  An executive session pursuant to A.R.S.§ 38-431.03(A)(3) for discussion or consultation for legal advice with Special Counsel for the Town regarding an employment contract with Police Chief Jeff Gilbert dated February 8, 2011.
•  An executive session pursuant to A.R.S.§ 38-431.03(A)(4) for discussion or consultation with Special Counsel for the Town in order to consider its position and instruct Special Counsel regarding the Town's position regarding an employment contract with Police Chief Jeff Gilbert dated February 8, 2011.



The online agenda does not have the time posted nor is it signed by the Town Clerk. Discussions held at the Jan. 22nd Council meeting infer the council wants to "release" the whole volunteer Planning & Zoning Board and start all over, but current members may reapply. Interim Town Manger and the council agreed the meeting to discuss P & Z would be held Wed. Jan. 30th.

   However, Desert Messenger confirmed that five of the seven board members did not receive phone calls from Town Hall notifying them of the change to the Monday meeting until late Friday afternoon. Calls were placed from Town Hall between 3:41 pm - 4:13 pm Friday. There are only seven Volunteer Interest Forms posted online for the seven P & Z seats available. The Volunteer Interest Forms for the current five board members were NOT included.

Can the council include the currently seated Commissions in Monday's discussion if their Interest Forms were excluded from the council packet?

It was also confirmed that at least one council member was not notified the council packet was ready until about 4:15 pm Friday afternoon.

TOWN OF QUARTZSITE  Planning and Zoning Commission Membership Roster 

                    Last Council  Approved          Last Council  Approved    Term Status

                    Term Start                              Term End                     

Bearcat, Starr            August 2010                August 2013                         Current
Bowman, Barbara      August 2010                August 2013                         Current
Kiss, Violet               November 2009           March 2012                          Term Exp
Kuehl, Dennis            November 2012           January 2015                        Current
Murphy, James          June 2007                    June 2010                             Term Exp
Ross,  Doug              October 2010              October 2013                        Current
Wall, Dennis              February 2012             None                                    Current

   
For the full agenda visit:    http://ci.quartzsite.az.us/Support%20Docs/Council_NTS_AGD/2013/012813%20Special%20Meeting%20Agenda.pdf

Town Hall Tues. Dec. 4th at 4pm, Quartzsite Improvement Assoc

The Town of Quartzsite will hold a Town Hall meeting Tuesday, Dec. 4th at 4pm in the Quartzsite Improvement Assoc.(QIA) hall. The town posted a possible quorum notice that council members may appear. This will be the first Town Hall meeting for Quartzsite's Interim Town Manager, Laura Bruno.

Bring your questions and ideas for the meeting.

Tues. Nov. 27th Quartzsite Town Council meeting agenda

It appears it will be another long meeting for the Quartzsite Town Council next Tuesday. Mayor Ed Foster has placed Items which were pulled from the Nov. 13th's agenda back on Tuesday's agenda. There are 14 new business items, including a presentation regarding solar grants awarded to the Town awarding of $12,000 Economic Development Funds, and four Planning and Zoning requests. The link to the whole agenda is below:

http://ci.quartzsite.az.us/Support%20Docs/Council_NTS_AGD/2012/112712%20Council%20Agenda.html

Quartzsite Town Council 15-item agenda for Tues. Nov. 13th

Quartzsite Town Council has 15 New business items to discuss Tuesday, Nov. 13th beginning at 9am, including a four-item Executive Session. On the agenda includes:

NEW BUSINESS:

111312 — 01. Executive Session:
• An Executive Session for discussion or consultation for legal advice with special counsel
for the Town regarding the terms of an employment contract with Alexandra Taft as
Town Manager and liability issues pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3),
• An Executive Session for discussion or consultation with special counsel for the Town in
order to consider its position and instruct special counsel regarding the Town's position
regarding an employment contract with Alexandra Taft as Town Manager that is the
subject of contemplated litigation or settlement discussions conducted in order to avoid
litigation pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(4).
• An Executive Session for discussion or consideration of employment, assignment,
appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining or resignation of Alex
Taft as Town Manager pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(AX I).
• Discussion regarding the Town Manager position.

111312 — 02, At the discretion of the Council, motion to terminate employment of Town
Manager Alexandra Taft pursuant to Town Code Section 3-2-113.
(not open for public discussion) Laura Bruno. Interim Town Manager

111312 — 03. Update on the waste water treatment plant expansion.
(not open for public discussion) Kevin Murphy, Atkins engineering

111312 — 04. Discussion and approval to collect monies owed to the Town by multiple parties by directing the Town Manager to take all actions necessary to collect monies owed to the Town, including commencing any necessary legal action, (not open for public discussion) Mark Orgeron, Council Member

111312 — 05. Discussion with Acting Town Attorney to provide Council with Clear
understanding of the Mayor's duties, responsibilities and role, and limits of his powers.
(not open for public Discussion) Norma Crooks, Council Member

111312-06. To adopt resolution 12-19 which resolves that the Council shall nominate and vote to select two council members to be identified to serve as primary-contact council representatives with the Arizona Municipal Risk Retention Pool (AMRRP), and provides that the same two council members selected thereby a vote of the Council shall also serve as the primary contact council-representatives to the Director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns (LEAGUE), and provides that one of the council persons thereby selected must also be specifically nominated in, by, and though the same motion to be further designated by the council to serve in the additional capacity as a council representative charged with the authority ad duty of seeking insurance/loss coverage quotes from alternative risk coverage providers and/or bonding providers as need be, and that the Common Council directs that the individual who serves in the day-to-day capacity as town manager shall provide ready access to any and all administrative Town resources, any or all Town information, and any and all aforementioned quotes, all of the foregoing being resolved pursuant to the policies and directives as set forth in the aforementioned Resolution. (not open for public discussion) Pat Workman, Council Member


111312-07 To adopt Resolution 12-29 which resolves to reinstate Town Manager Alexandra Taft to full Town Manager duties as of the start of the business day of Wednesday, November 14, 2012 whereby she shall serve at the pleasure of the Common Council of Quartzsite Arizona; and to terminate "without cause" the contract between the Town of Quartzsite and Interim Town Manager Laura Bruno in that Ms. Bruno's Services will be no longer needed after the end of this business day by the Town and/or Council and that Ms. Bruno shall be provided with immediate Thirty (30) day written notice of her termination, forthwith, to be signed by the Mayor and to contain notice that Ms. Bruno shall perform no further duties for or on behalf of the town after 5pm today to the Mayor Or his designee, which shall be a council member of the Town, (not open for public discussion) Pat Workman. Council Member

111312-08. The Council shall by a majority vale rescind the July 10, 2011 emergency suspension of the Call to Public on the council Agendas; and as the Council finds there is no longer any emergency basis for the suspension of Call to the Public, Call to the Public shall be restored under the present Council Procedure rule of the Council which allows for public comment under Council Procedure Policy Section V(1). (not open for public discussion) Put Workman, Council Member

111312-09. Discussion and possible action to direct the acting Town Attorney to draft: Modify Town Code 2-4-1 " Regular Meeting to read : "regular meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday at 7 pm."
(not open for public discussion) Ed Foster, Mayor

111312-10. Discussion and possible action to direct the acting Town Attorney to draft: Modify Town Code 2-4-6 order of business to insert "Call to the Public" after Reports and Announcements and before Consent Agenda. (not open for public discussion) Ed Foster, Mayor

111312-11. Discussion and possible action to direct the Acting Town Attorney to draft: Modify Town Code 34-8, Bidding for professional services, "shall not" with "shall".
(not open for public discussion)  Ed Foster, Mayor

111312-12. Discussion and possible action to direct the Acting Town attorney to Draft: Repeal Ordnance I I-08 referring to Town Code 3-2-5 Town Attorney duties, and restore that section of the Code to its previous form.
(not open for public discussion) Ed Foster, Mayor

111312-13. Discussion and possible action regarding the Town Manager position.
(not open for public discussion) Ed Foster, Mayor

1113-14. Discussion and possible action the approval on change of ownership of license 407150013. Ownership is changing from La Vonne Edna Olson to her daughter, Barbara Helen Oys.
(open for public discussion) Beth Praast, Community Development

1113-15. Discussion and possible action the approval for Liquor License for Shay Oil, Company, lee. This is a new local location of the Chevron Convenience Store located at 41 North Riggles Road.
(open far public discussion) Beth Praast, Community Development

THE FULL AGENDA IS ONLINE AT http://ci.quartzsite.az.us/Support%20Docs/Council_NTS_AGD/2012/111312%20Council%20Agenda.html

(copy and pasting may have caused some typographical errors above)

Quartzsite Interim Town Manager terminates Town Attorney contract

Brannan.termination


Quartzsite, Arizona.
In a letter dated October 30, 2012 Quartzsite Interim Town Manager Laura Bruno terminated Town Attorney Martin Brannan's contract "for Cause". Bruno claims Brannan committed a Material Breach of the contract including
* Violation of AZ Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys by allegedly Giving advice to council members regarding personnel matters and then initiated legal action when they failed to follow his advise;
* Material Misrepresentation to Quartzsite Town Council and Violation of Town Procurement Code by  claiming he was authorized by council to hire investigative firm regarding voter fraud, without approval of the council.
* Brannan repeatedly requested notice of constructive discharge (when an employee believes working conditions may have become intolerable) from then Acting Town Manager Teri Frausto
* Brannan abandoned his position by packing up belongings;
* Intimidation of Acting Town Manager and Coercion;
* Acting in violation of his duties of loyalty.

According to the letter, Bruno has set an appointment with  Brannan on Friday, Nov. 9th to discuss the reasons for termination.

Quartzsite to hold runoff election for mayor in May

Quartzsite, Arizona - The Final un-official election results of March 13, 2012 were released by La Paz County this afternoon. 


After Tuesday's election it was reported Ed Foster was the winner, however according to Quartzsite Town Attorney, Martin Brannan, there will be a runoff for mayor in the May election. 


Foster originally held the lead with over 50% of the votes, but with the additional provisional votes, the percentage is now 49.84% to Lukkasson's 38.94%. Foster received 320 votes to Lukkasson's 250 votes. Jenny Mills received 61 votes (9.50%) and write-ins received 11 votes (1.71%). 642 votes were cast for the mayoral position. 


Candidates must win 50% of the votes plus one to win a seat outright in the primary. 

For the complete information visit:
http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/AZ/La_Paz/38473/75726/en/summary.html 

Quartzsite Candidate flies flag upside down on Federal Lands

Quartzsite, AZ - The photo to the left was taken on Federal BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, located at the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) just south of Quartzsite, Arizona.

Jennifer “Jade” Jones, a candidate for Quartzsite town council and self proclaimed Public Persona, along with her husband John “Jack” Jones have been camping at that site in the LTVA since early fall. Mrs. Jones became famous during the summer when the video of her arrest at the June 28th council meeting went “viral” on the Internet.

United States Code Title 4 Chapter 1 §8. Respect for Flag states “The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.”

The International Code of Signals 2005 Edition, Appendix 1, contains no reference to an upside down national flag as a possible distress signal. However, a German Merchant Captain once explained , “If a crew abandons a ship in distress to save their life, the last thing to do (if they have time to do so) is to turn the flag upside down. This means that they give up any right on the vessel or cargo and anybody who manages to rescue the ship afterwards could keep it.” In court, a company would lose claim of property on an abandoned ship, but if the flag was upright it would indicate that the crew did not leave in distress, and the company would have a stronger case in court to claim the right on the vessel.

Local veterans and their wives interviewed for this story consider the act of flying the flag upside down to be very disrespectful, but a right of expression that they fought for, and many died for.

While the federal government does not prohibit hanging the U.S. flag upside down, many believe the only acceptable reason to hang the flag upside down is in cases of dire distress. However, political activists are taking to flying the upside down flag as an expression of their frustration over government issues. Activists are using the upside down flag as a “symbol of a nation in distress”.

Desert Messenger reached out to Mrs. Jones for comment. Her reply was simply, “Don’t you have any real news to report?”

However, Jones, publisher of The Desert Freedom Press, dedicated almost a half page to her editorial, focusing solely on the upside down flag flying at her campsite. She suggests that her 5 "false" arrests in 13 months, coupled with other public comments and events, would lead a reasonable person to conclude her life and property are in "extreme danger in a country whose leaders have chosen to suspend provisions of the very document that defines us as a nation." She encourages "everyone across the country to do so as well".

Snowbirds from Canada, expressed their shock, as they considered Jones' actions to be "disrespect of a nation's flag". One veteran's widow stated, "It's a slap in the face to those who fought for our country."

[Editor’s note: This article was originally slated for the front page of the January 4, 2012 issue. Out of respect for the family of Council Member Bob Kelley, whose death on December 31, 2011 became front page news, the decision was made to move the story to page 7. Kelley was a proud veteran with very strong convictions for the flag and his country.]

Quartzsite Town Council Member Bob Kelley dies

Quartzsite, AZ- Family, friends and colleagues of Quartzsite Council Member Bob Kelley were saddened by the news of his passing Saturday, December 31, 2011.

Kelley, whose death at 77, followed a prolonged illness, came to Quartzsite almost 30 years ago as a snowbird and vendor. He and his wife, Carol, settled down 20 years ago and became active in the community. Kelley has served on the council from 2008.

Date for a memorial service has not yet been determined.

Quartzsite Town Attorney answers Jennifer Jones' accusations

Just released this afternoon, Quartzsite Town Attorney

Martin Brannan gets up close and personal.

Press Release

Dec. 22, 2011

Martin Brannan
Quartzsite Town Attorney
PO Box 2812
Quartzsite, AZ 85346-2812

I was just notified by a reporter from KSWT television in Yuma that Jennifer Jones has issued a “press”
release making generally silly accusations about her request that I be investigated by the FBI and the
Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) for threatening her and others. Assuming that the FBI and
DPS even find grounds to believe that there is criminal conduct requiring and investigation, which I
highly doubt, I know that I have engaged in no illegal conduct. There is one accusation that Ms. Jones
made which I do want to address, however, because I believe it is of great importance.

Ms. Jones alleged to the KSWT reporter that I am mentally unbalanced. I want to address this accusation
in the hopes that it will help others who are stigmatized by such outrageous allegations.

I am a veteran of the first gulf war (1990-1991). I received an Air Medal for my role in piloting medium
lift helicopters during combat operations in support of the 18th Airborne Corps. Shortly after returning
from the conflict, I began having migraine headaches and experiencing difficulties which fall under the
diagnostic heading of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I receive services from the Veteran’s
administration and have a service-connected disability for, along with several physical ailments, PTSD. I
continue to suffer from occasional depression, anxiety and troubled sleep. I take medication for my
condition which makes dealing with this disorder easier, but I do have symptoms and suffer from a
condition designated by mental health professionals as a mental illness.

I admit this freely and without reservation because, like thousands of other Americans who have served
this country against an armed enemy, I am not ashamed of the scars I earned ensuring that people like
Jennifer Jones have the freedoms that Americans enjoy. While Ms. Jones uses her freedom of speech to
ridicule people who bear the mental scars of combat like myself and Council Member Joe Winslow, she
rails against anyone who dares to exercise their free-speech rights to ridicule her and her “service” to her
fellow human beings.

The last US Combat troops have finally left Iraq and many more are still serving in Afghanistan. Some
of them will soon be returning to the United States and to civilian life. Some of them may return to this
community. All of them will have been impacted by their combat service. Some of them, like me, will
have a service-connected disability as a result of their service. All of them, like me, will nevertheless be
capable of really serving their communities both in spite of and, more importantly, because of the
personal price they paid to secure your freedoms.

How you treat these brave men and women who suffer scars that you cannot see will be up to you. You
can honor their service and their sacrifice and help them to adjust to civilian life.

You can also ridicule them and make scurrilous claims that they are mentally unstable like Ms. Jones
does. Like Ms. Jones you can even claim that you are a “patriot” in doing so. That, too is your right; a
right that these brave men and women and Joe Winslow and I all sacrificed a part of their own wellbeing
to ensure.

Special Meeting of Quartzsite Town Council- Mon. Oct. 31, 1pm

A Special Town Council meeting is planned for Monday, October 31st at 1pm. The agenda is online at:

http://ci.quartzsite.az.us/spcl%20mtg%2010312011.html

Quartzsite Town Council agenda for Tues. Oct. 25th

There will be a council meeting on Tuesday, October 25th at 9am. The agenda information can be found online the town website at :

http://ci.quartzsite.az.us/Agenda1025.html

Special Meeting of Quartzsite Town Council- Tues. Oct. 18, 2011 @ 9am

There is a special Quartzsite Town Council meeting planned for tomorrow at 9am. There are three items on the agenda which can be found at http://ci.quartzsite.az.us/101811%20SPE%20CMEETING.html

An addendum was added to the agenda:
http://ci.quartzsite.az.us/101811%20addendum.html

Quartzsite Town Council agenda for Tues. Oct. 11th

The agenda for tomorrow's meeting is now online at:

http://ci.quartzsite.az.us/2011%20Packets/101111%20REG%20CMEETING.html

Sewer expansion is on the agenda.

Jose Lizarraga still Quartzsite Mayor

Quartzsite, AZ-  PRESS RELEASE from Town of Quartzsite, Sept. 30, 2011

  "The La Paz County Superior Court affirmed yesterday that Jose Lizarraga is the mayor of Quartzsite.  The ruling came after failed mayoral candidate Jennifer Harris Jones filed a contest of the election challenging Lizarraga’s qualifications to be mayor.

   "The Court found that none of Jones’ allegations were founded and denied every request Jones made for relief.  Lizarraga, who had refrained from presiding over the Common Council during the pendency of Jones’ failed suit, has resumed his rightful role and the popularly elected Mayor of the Town of Quartzsite having ousted Ed Foster as a result of the August 30, 2011 recall election.

 "The Town anticipates that Jones, who had publicly been declaring victory in spite of having failed to prove any of her allegations or obtain any of the relief that she was seeking and who had falsely claimed that the Town’s Application to Intervene had been denied, will not accept the ruling of the Superior Court and will either appeal the Superior Court’s order or bring a new suit in light of yesterday’s ruling.  The Town also anticipates that Jones will meet with the same lack of success in any future challenge to Lizarraga’s election."

case no. CV201100117

Jennifer Jones, former mayoral and council candidate, challenged the eligibility of Jose Lizarraga who won the mayoral recall election of Aug. 30th.

A hearing was held Sept. 22, 2011 in La Paz Superior Court. Lizarraga did not file an answer. Town of Quartzsite Attorney Martin Brannan filed an Application to Intervene on the issue of whether the relief requested by Jones could be granted. The relief requested by Jones was to reinstate Ed Foster as Mayor if Lizarraga did not qualify.

Jones first asked that a default be enetered against Lizarraga because he did not file an answer. The court denied the request, citing A.R.S. 16-675 (A) which requires that if the answer is not timely filed, the court shall proceed with the hearing of contest ex parte.

The court found that the Town as an interested party, but only on the issue of whether Foster could be reinstated as Mayor, and allowed the application to intervene on that issue only.

In her Statement of Contest, Jones challenged Lizarraga violated open meeting laws; that Lizarraga thwarted Mayor Fosters' investigation into wrong-doing by him and the council; that the town council, including Lizarraga, unlawfully changed the law to thwart Foster's investigation into conduct by the town council and Lizarraga; that the town council and Lizarraga engaged in various acts in violation of the law intended to impede investigation into Lizarraga's misconduct; that town council and Lizarraga participated in unlawful revocation of town businesses and vending permits; that Lizarraga was unlawfully sworn in as mayor at a special meeting on Sept. 6, 2011; that Lizarraga did not post the required bond prior to him assuming office.

In his ruling, Judge Burke explained Section 2-1-7 of the Town Code covering the posting of a bond by council members appears to all the town to "proceed under A.R.S. 9-302 (B) which allows an incorporated city or town to obtain and deliver to the city or town clerk a blanket bond conditioned on faithful performance of all such city's or town's officers."

Jones argued that if Lizarraga is not qualified to be mayor, then Foster should be reinstated as he received the second largest number of votes. The Court found that A.R.S 19-216 could not allow Foster to be reinstated as mayor, because is is not possible for an incumbent to be recalled and at the same time be retained in the office.

Quartzsite town Attorney, Marin Brannan, filed a memorandum on September 28th, citing various statutes and sections from the Quartzsite Town Code and Arizona Revised Statutes, presenting arguments on the issue of Mr. Lizarraga's qualifications as well as to the relief requested by Jennifer Jones. "The court finds that the pleading is improper given that the Town Attorney did not appear at the hearing to argue the Town's position, and waited until the day before this Court had to file its finding and judgment before filing it, thus not giving Ms. Jones the opportunity for rebuttal argument. Accordingly, this Court will not consider any of arguments presented in the memorandum and will not consider the proposed form of decision order."

In the case of Jennifer Jones vs. Jose Lizarraga, Judge Michael J. Burke ruled Sept. 29, 2011,

"... it is the judgment of the Court that Contestee Jose Lizarraga is qualified to hold the office of Mayor of the Town of Quartzsite if either he posted the required bond or if the town has a blanket bond that covers all its officers. If the required bond is not posted, then he is not qualified to hold the office of Mayor of the town of Quartzsite and the vacancy should be filled pursuant to A.R.S. 9-235 and 9-236" According to Town Manager, Alex Taft, "the blanket bond covers all elected officials, including Jose Lizarraga. "

"... it is the judgment of the Court that Contestee Jose Lizarraga is qualified to hold the office of Mayor of the Town of Quartzsite if either he posted the required bond or if the town has a blanket bond that covers all its officers.

If the required bond is not posted, then he is not qualified to hold the office of Mayor of the town of Quartzsite and the vacancy should be filled pursuant to A.R.S. 9-235 and 9-236"

According to Town Manager, Alex Taft, "we have a blanket bond that covers all elected officials, including Jose Lizarraga."