Albert Discusses Recall Effort

IRONWOOD, MI - by Alan M. Traczyk - Friday, June 11, 2010 - Following Thursday morning's DIDA meeting I met with DIDA member Jim Albert to ask him a few questions regarding the 'Discussion of the Commissioners Recall' item that was removed from the agenda. I asked Albert what he thought about having the matter removed from the agenda.

"I placed the matter on the agenda because I believe it's a matter that concerns the DIDA. It concerns every board and committee and it should concern every citizen. To be quite honest, I don't understand why Mr. Goerig is pursuing the matter. There is absolutely no basis to his charges. I sympathize with both Bob and Gemma. I know what it feels like to be targeted unfairly. I think the recall process is deeply flawed. Anyone can make a list of accusations without any evidence or proof and request a recall. Truth doesn't even enter into the equation. All that seems to matter in the recall process is that the verbage is clear and understandable."

I asked Mr. Albert what he hoped would be accomplished by discussing the recall.

"You know, as long as all parties are on an even playfield, open dialog leads to solutions. We spent more time discussing the idea of having a discussion than we would have spent having the actual discussion. Who knows, Mr. Goerig might have a strong argument. I doubt it, but I could be wrong. But I read the wording on the recall petition and I don't think he has a valid reason to be pursuing this action!"

Albert handed me a document he prepared for the discussion.

"I prepared these questions for Mr. Goerig. I'd be more than happy to debate him on the recall. It's not justified."

 

Robert Burchell, by virtue of his position as Mayor of the City of Ironwood, is expected to be knowledgeable regarding the constitution, charter, statutory, and other legal restrictions on his, as Mayor and City Commissioner, and the Ironwood City Commissions actions. He took an Oath of Office affirming to faithfully fulfill his elected position, which includes an inherent commitment to comply with the law. The citizens of Ironwood Michigan are recalling Robert Burchell for the following violations of the State of Michigan Constitution and Ironwood City Charter.

1. Violating State Constitution and City Charter by approving the use of city equipment and employees for removal of snow from the city streets following SISU Ski Race.
Were Bob Burchell and Gemma Lamb the only Commissioners to approve this?
Have previous Commissions or the City Manager similarly violated the Constitution and City Charter by allowing use of City equipment and employees for events like: Festival Ironwood; SkiFest; SnoCross; Snowmobile Races; Snowmobile & ATV trails; the Jack Frost Parade (in fact every parade); Bingo Events and Church Revivals in the Memorial Building; the Ren Faire; Memorial Services at the Memorial Building, the Post Office & the Cemetery; the Clean Up the Caves area; assisting Paid Contractors for doing jobs; cleaning the streets for Jarvi Run; cleaning private lots for Truck Driver Training; etc.?
Would you be taking similar actions had the Mayor NOT cleared the snow after the SISU Race?
Isn’t he obligated to make certain that our streets are safe and cleared?
Are you aware that the Blueprint Plan requires the City’s involvement in events that are designed to benefit the Downtown? Speaking of the Blueprint Plan, why should general taxpayers be burdened with the costs of the plan?
Why were the general taxpayers forced to pay for demolition costs on a building the City didn’t even own?
 2. Violating City Charter "Conflict of Interest" as a member of SISU race committee, using his position on the city commission, condoning the use of the Memorial Building at no charge for the purpose of the SISU organization to sub lease building for monetary gain.
What “monetary gain” did Bob Burchell realize as a result of the SISU Ski Race or the use of the Memorial Building?
How many other organizations have been allowed to use City buildings and equipment without charge?
Were you guilty of such “Conflict” when you, as Chairman of the Civic Center Board achieved “monetary gain” for doing repairs and maintenance on ice making equipment?
Did the Civic Center – with your blessing – use City equipment to do repairs and make improvements to the Civic Center?
Who paid for the Downtown Brochures that were included in every SISU Ski Racers’ welcome packet?
Were DIDA funds used? Or were they paid for by the very Mayor you are accusing of using his position for “monetary gain?” According to the Blueprint Plan, isn’t it the DIDA’s duty to encourage events that are designed to help the Downtown?
Does the City of Hurley use City funds to assist in the Paavo Nurmi Marathon; Festival Italiano; the ATV Rally; the Poker Run, etc.?
Does the City of Bessemer spend any pubic monies on the Bessemer Blast events?
Does the City of Hayward participate in the Berkie?
What does Gemma Lamb have to do with this charge?
3. Violating the open meeting act A. April 21, 2010 Special meeting there was no opportunity for public comment on the published agenda and the agenda was not amended to allow public comment.
Are you aware of the fact that public comment is not required during Special Meetings?
Are you also aware of the fact that agendas cannot be changed for Special Meetings?
How many times have you violated the Open Meetings Act by not allowing people to speak at DIDA meetings? Ken Hazel was not allowed to address the Authority. Steve Frank quit this Authority because you violated my right to be heard. The Vice-Chairman of this Authority would not allow Steve Frank to answer a question that the Community Development Director asked him directly.
Once again, why are Bob Burchell and Gemma Lamb the targets here? If there was a violation of the Open Meetings Act, aren’t all Commissioners equally responsible?

I asked Albert what would have changed had the item not been removed from the agenda.

"Well, people would understand that the recall effort is simply a 'sour grapes' reponse to losing the most recent City Commission Election. I have a list of people who are really behind the recall effort. What a waste of time, effort, and taxpayers' money this whole thing is!"