La Paz County Recorder and Quartzsite voter fraud allegations

La Paz County Recorder cooperates with Quartzsite investigation

Parker, AZ - Today, Shelly Baker said, "Our office has received a number inquiries regarding the June 4, 2012 meeting.  Our office is aware that the Town of Quartzsite has hired a firm to investigate concerns they have with 168 voters who cast ballots in the recent election.  

"The investigators have been in contact with our office and we are assisting them in understanding the voter registration and early voting process and we have every confidence that the investigation will conclude that the election was handled properly and professionally.  We take our responsibilities to our voters very seriously and will continue to protect their right to vote and the voting process. 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you."


Town Manager, Alex Taft, explained at Tuesday's council meeting that they have "identified approximately168 voters that we need to look at more thoroughly, for a variety of reasons; out of state license plates, out of state registration, mailing addresses that are out of state, people who have not had their rights restored voting, people that are living in outlining areas and claiming they're living in town."

Shelly Baker

La Paz County Recorder

1112 Joshua Ave Suite 201

Parker, AZ  85344

928-669-6136

sbaker@co.la-paz.az.us

Arizona selected to host Kickoff for National School Choice Week 2013

Arizona Selected to Host Kickoff Celebration for 

National School Choice Week 2013

Arizona's School Choice Efforts to Enjoy National Spotlight 

as State is Selected to Host Major Education Event

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (June 7, 2012) -- Arizona has been selected to host the official kickoff celebration for National School Choice Week 2013, organizers announced today. The event, planned for Friday, January 25, 2013 in Phoenix, will jumpstart a week of excitement and activism that is expected to feature 1,000 events and activities planned by parents, teachers, students, community leaders, and elected officials throughout the country.

The kickoff will feature a school fair along with an evening of entertainment by nationally recognized performers and speakers. Additional details will be released in the coming months at www.schoolchoiceweek.com.

"In 2011 and 2012, Arizona greatly enjoyed celebrating the benefits of educational choice during the first two National School Choice Week celebrations," said Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal. "We're pleased and honored to host the official kickoff of National School Choice Week in 2013, which will give all Arizonans the opportunity to showcase our state's bold commitment to providing greater school choices to all families. There is no question that improving access to quality schools is the single most important issue facing our state and our nation, and National School Choice Week helps bring the message of education reform to the broadest possible audience."

"We can't wait to launch our 2013 festivities right here in Arizona — a state that has played a crucial role in the national movement to enhance access to great schools for children," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "In selecting Arizona to host the kickoff celebration, we commend the dozens of organizations, schools, and community leaders here in Arizona who worked together on an impressive presentation to bring National School Choice Week's kickoff event to the state. We look forward to working with students, teachers, community leaders, businesses, and elected officials from across the state in planning a national event that showcases the tremendous reforms that have taken place in Arizona over the past two decades."

National School Choice Week (January 27-February 2, 2013) shines a spotlight on effective educational options for all children. Participants in the nonpartisan National School Choice Week believe that all parents should have the opportunity to select the best educational environments for their children — including high-performing traditional public schools, public charter schools, private schools, magnet schools, virtual schools, and homeschooling. During National School Choice Week 2012, tens of thousands of people participated in more than 400 events spanning every US state.

For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com

County Attorney Sam Vederman reviewing Quartzsite Town Council actions

Quartzsite, Arizona - In a Press release issued this morning, La Paz County Attorney, Sam Vederman said he is looking into the actions taken at yesterday's Quartzsite Town Council meeting.  He asks everyone to remain calm. The following is the full press release.                         

                                                   PRESS RELEASE

                       SAM VEDERMAN ADDRESSES THE JUNE 4, 2012

         SPECIAL MEETING OF THE QUARTZSITE COMMON COUNCIL

         On Monday, June 4, 2012, the Town of Quartzsite Common Council held a Special Meeting to approve the canvass of the May 15, 2012 runoff election and judge the qualifications of Mayor-Elect Ed Foster, Council Member-Elect Mark Orgeron and Council Member-Elect Patricia Workman.

The Common Council judged Ed Foster and Mark Orgeron to be unqualified to hold office and judged Patricia Workman qualified to hold office. 

This office is currently reviewing the action taken by the Common Council at the Special Meeting.        

I ask that all citizens remain calm and engage in respectful discourse while the review process occurs. 

The results of the May 15, 2012 runoff election are as follows:

Mayor  - Ed Foster received 401 votes (56.32%) and Jerry Lukkasson received 305 votes (42.84%).   

Council Member - Mark Orgeron received 398 votes (29.03%), Patricia Workman received 387 votes (28.23%), Barbara Cowell received 305 votes (22.25%) and Joe Winslow received 264 votes (19.26%).

Night construction on I-10 east of Quartzsite

Pavement maintenance this week on Interstate 10 east of Quartzsite

The Arizona Department of Transportation will be repaving eastbound and westbound I-10, east of Quartzsite on mileposts 30 – 52, beginning Tuesday (June 5) through Thursday (June 14). 

The nightly work is scheduled as follows:

Tuesday (June 5) to Thursday (June 7)

Eastbound and westbound I-10 will have intermittent lane closures from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. the following morning. 

Sunday (June 10) to Thursday (June 14)

Eastbound and westbound I-10 will have intermittent lane closures from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. the following morning. 

One lane will be open at all times. Crews and law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic and message boards and signs will guide drivers through the area.

The schedule is subject to change due to a variety of reasons, including weather, availability of materials, and mechanical difficulties. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through or near work zones with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

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.

Quartzsite Town Council refused to seat 2 elected officials

Quartzsite, Arizona- In an unprecedented move this morning, Quartzsite Town Council voted not to seat mayor-elect Ed Foster and council-elect Mark Orgeron. Council voted that Pat Workman is qualified to be seated as council person. 


Quartzsite Town Council held a special meeting at 9am to canvass the votes of the May 15th election and judge qualifications of three persons elected to the council. Town Manager, Alex Taft, explained they have "identified approximately168 voters that we need to look at more thoroughly, for a variety of reasons; out of state license plates, out of state registration, mailing addresses that are out of state, people who have not had their rights restored voting, people that are living in outlining areas and claiming they're living in town."


Council approved the canvass after Town Attorney, Martin Brannan explained the council has no other option. Brannan explained they "are accepting the count that was presented by the elections department."


Council met in three executive sessions for items on the agenda of judging the qualifications of Foster, Orgeron and Workman. When council returned, they voted that Foster is not qualified to be seated as mayor per Quartzsite Town Code. Section 2-1-10  (Ordinance 9-15) that "includes no delinquent or fixed fines, and penalties, user fees, permit fees and sales tax be owed to the Town of Quartzsite at the time of declaration of candidacy."


Council voted that Orgeron was not qualified to be seated after Brannan explained the law states one cannot be a "resident voter in another county."


Orgeron evidently presented council members with a letter to dispel all misinformation about his residency and qualifications for taking office. The cover letter is posted online at https://www.facebook.com/notes/supporters-of-mayor-ed-foster-of-quartzsite-arizona/cover-letter-of-mr-orgerons-presentation-to-council/302179733204883

Workman will replace Joe Winslow on the council. Swearing in will take place in the near future by Judge Lawrence King, who is not in town today.

I-10 lane closures east of Quartzsite this weekend

Pavement work on Interstate 10 east of Quartzsite The Arizona Department of Transportation will have intermittent closures on eastbound and westbound I-10, east of Quartzsite between mileposts 62 and 63 today (June 1) from 5 p.m. to noon Saturday (June 2) and Sunday (June 3) from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. Monday (June 4). The nightly work will continue nightly through Friday (June 8) from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. One lane will remain closed around the clock to keep traffic off of the newly paved roadway. The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph. One lane will be open at all times. Crews and law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic and message boards and signs will guide drivers through the area. The schedule is subject to change due to a variety of reasons, including weather, availability of materials, and mechanical difficulties. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through or near work zones with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.  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.  Local media should contact the ADOT Public Information Office at news@azdot.gov or 1.800.949.8057. Visit www.facebook.com/azdot or www.azdot.gov for more information about ADOT. For more information about ADOT projects and programs across Arizona see the agency's latest blog posts at http://adotblog.blogspot.com.

Installation of traffic counters US 95 south of Quartzsite Sat. & Sun.

Installation of traffic counters scheduled on 

US 95 south of Quartzsite

There will be intermittent lane closures from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (June 2) and Sunday (June 3), on U.S. 95 south of Quartzsite to install traffic counter loops prior to repaving the roadway.

One lane will be open at all times. Crews and law enforcement will be on site to direct traffic through the area. Drivers should anticipate delays of up to 10 minutes.

The schedule is subject to change due to a variety of reasons, including weather, availability of materials, and mechanical difficulties. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through or near work zones with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

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.