Candidate Blain Harold makes complaint to La Paz County Supervisors

Blain.Harold.BOS.7-16-12


Blain Harold, a candidate for La Paz County District 3 Supervisor, spoke today before the Board of Supervisors during the call to the public. His two issues were the proposed County Park in Wenden is located in an area that is frequently flooded; most recently this past weekend.

His second issue is that his opponent, Holly Irwin, is using the County Supervisors' office phone number as contact info on her website and in advertising products. http://hollyirwindistrict3.com/

Harold told Desert Messenger that he believes Irwin is violating ARS11-410.

ARS 11-410 prohibits to the use of county resources or employees to influence elections:
A. A county shall not use its personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or other resources for the purpose of influencing the outcomes of elections.
Notwithstanding this section, a county may distribute informational reports on a proposed bond election as provided in section 35-454.
Nothing in this section precludes a county from reporting on official actions of the county
board of supervisors.
B. Employees of a county shall not use the authority of their positions to influence the vote or political activities of any subordinate employee.
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as denying the civil and political liberties of any employee as guaranteed by the United States and Arizona Constitutions.

Desert Messenger reached out to Supervisor Irwin for comment, but there has been no response.

Storm damage road repairs- Hwy. 95 south of Quartzsite

Pavement repair beginning Wednesday on State Route 95 Minor delays expected between Yuma and Quartzsite Arizona Department of Transportation crews are scheduled to repair sections of State Route 95 from milepost 54 to 70 that were damaged during last week’s storms beginning Wednesday, July 18. Drivers should plan for intermittent traffic stops and minor delays north of the Yuma Proving Grounds and south of Quartzsite. What to expect: Work will take place weekdays between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.   Traffic will be temporarily stopped in the work zone during work hours. Delays of up to 15 minutes possible. The work is anticipated to take approximately one month to complete. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1. For more information about this project, please visit www.azdot.gov/statewide or contact Yuma District Senior Community Relations Officer Gabriella Kemp at 928.317.2165, gkemp@azdot.gov or ADOT Community Relations Officer, Paki Rico, at 520.388.4233, prico@azdot.gov.

Slow going on I-10 east of Quartzsite

Pavement striping on Interstate 10 east of Quartzsite scheduled next week

Minor delays expected between Phoenix and Quartzsite

The Arizona Department of Transportation is scheduled to stripe the new pavement on Interstate 10 east of Quartzsite Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20 between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time between Phoenix and Quartzsite due to lane restrictions.

What to expect during striping:

• Slow moving traffic on I-10 in both directions between mileposts 52-63  
• Reduced speed limits through the work zone
• Law enforcement will be on-site to control traffic and monitor speeds 

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1

AZ Attorney General warns small businesses of Telecom invoice

Consumer Alert: Attorney General Horne Warns Small Business Owners to Beware of Bogus Invoice for Telecom Warranty Maintenance Agreement

(Phoenix, Ariz. — July 11, 2012) -- Attorney General Tom Horne is warning Arizona small business owners to be wary of an official-looking Invoice for what is described as a warranty covering “Telecom Maintenance”. This invoice appears to be an attempt to scam small business owners into believing they need to pay for services that they never purchased.

The invoice, which requests a $425 maintenance fee, is a solicitation. The invoice attempts to appear official and contains a “reference number” and “Maintenance Terms and Agreement”. The Attorney General advises careful review of such invoices before paying.

If you believe you have been a victim of consumer fraud, please contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763, in Tucson at 520.628.6504, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431. Consumers can also file complaints online by visiting the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov.

Photos of Quartzsite's 4th of July

Town staff worked overtime to get the Snack Shack ready!

Four local organizations raised money selling fruit smoothies, taco salads, 

hot dogs, snow cones, and sodas

The popular Rock Stacking game by Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite

Lots of Water Fun by Quartzsite Recreation Department

Free water was supplied by Isaiah 58 Project

Candidates had fun, too

Free watermelon was provided by Richard Oldham

Slipping and Sliding, staying cool

La Paz County Search and Rescue showed off their Communications Center

Quartzsite Fire Department provided their fire hose and "burning house"

The first Frozen T-Shirt Contest was a hoot! 

35 contestants of all ages

wrestled with the frozen block of material

Teamwork!

Lots of smiles enjoyed by all. Everyone got a prize inside that was 

donated by former councilman, Joe Winslow. Plus 25 prize hats from Willpower!

Another beautiful sunset in Quartzsite

Quartzsite Fire Department put on a great show!

Thanks to everyone who made this year's 4th of July a fabulous community event!

A huge thanks to Tracey Hess, of Quartzsite Rec Dept. who did a great job of putting it all together!

Orgeron v. Town of Quartzsite moves forward in federal court

Phoenix, AZ - In the case of Mark Orgeron v Town of Quartzsite, U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver issued an order yesterday for an Evidentiary hearing to be held next Thursday, July 12th at 1:30pm in Phoenix. The court will determine whether there is enough evidence to require a trial.

Orgeron took his case to U.S. District Court in Phoenix asking for an injunction to oust then-mayor Jose Lizarraga (who resigned June 25th) and Barbara Cowell.  Orgeron and Ed Foster won the May 15th election, but Quartzsite Town Council members refused to seat either one. Pat Workman, who won against Joe Winslow, was seated June 4th.

Orgeron was evidently not qualified to be seated because he allegedly did not meet the town's residency requirement of one year. Orgeron provided rental receipts from 2009, however he was still registered to vote in Yuma until June 2011.

Foster was not qualified to be seated because he admittedly owes the town money.  Foster was ordered to pay the town's attorney fees when he failed to appear at his own hearing challenging recall signatures. 

Quartzsite's Doug Gilford acquitted on all charges

July 3, 2012 - Quartzsite, Arizona- Doug Gilford today was acquitted of  multiple charges of harassment, criminal trespass, and false reporting to a law enforcement agency, regarding several incidents at Quartzsite Town Hall on July 11, 12, 13, and September 1, 2011. 


Gilford is a local blogger, videographer, and openly critical of Town Hall administration and Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert and officers.


Judge Sherwood Johnston III made no statement on his ruling, however arguments made by Gilford’s attorney, Scott Campbell, focused on the constitutional right to video record in a public place. Town Manager Alex Taft stated she was the person who made the rule not to allow video taping at the front desk of Town Hall, to "protect the privacy of our customers". Taft also said she didn't consider the constitutionality at that time, but said she "considered the rights to privacy, that videos could capture private information." 


Witnesses for the State included Town Manager Alex Taft, Assistant Town Manager Al Johnson, QPD Officer Rodriguez, Sgt. Frausto, Sgt. Garcia, and former Mayor Jose Lizarraga (who was not called to testify).


Officer Rodriguez stated he was sent to Town Hall Sept. 1, 2011 with orders from Sgt. Frausto to arrest Gilford. A text message was also sent to him listing the charges. An audio of that arrest was presented, as well as two other videos taken at Town Hall on Sept. 1st and July 11th.


Regarding the charges of false reporting to law enforcement officers, Gilford's defense attorney argued that what Gilford said on the report was true; while Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Jones responded that Gilford called 911 when there was no actual emergency.

Gilford's attorney motioned for acquittal because he felt the State had not made a sufficient case to continue the trial. Judge recessed to consider, returned and announced acquittals on all charges.