08-04-09
Now they’ve added half the City Council
This is a press release from the self-styled “Committee to Save Pacific Grove” which states that they are not only trying to recall Dan Cort but have added Bill Kampe, Vicki Stilwell and Deborah Lindsay to the list.
Press Release Tuesday, August 04, 2009 Contact: Terrence Zito: 373-3326 A Recall effort begins today to allow Pacific Grove voters to remove the Mayor Dan Cort, and three Councilmembers, Bill Kampe, Vicki Stillwell and Deborah Lindsay, for their votes to give raises to city employees while cutting back vital services for Pacific Grove citizens.
Terrence Zito said “The final straw was when Mr. Cort and other Council members voted to cut back Library funds and to give away the City’s beloved Museum with a one-sided contract. These did not protect our public interests.”
“Other examples include Kampe, Stillwell and Lindsay voting at the last Council meeting to give Police raises after voting to decrease other services including our Library, our Museum and our Fire Department. The vote was 3-3 and is continued to this week’s Council meeting.
“This Recall is not in response to any single vote, but to a pattern of mismanagement of city assets and finances. Police raises are just one part of the overall pattern of financial blunders.”
David Dilworth added “This Recall is the only option available to the public to turn around a city that is on the edge of insolvency.”
“We are saddened that Mr. Cort continues to demonize citizens who have genuine concerns about the downward spiral the city has endured under his tenure. We believe the citizens of Pacific Grove deserve a civil debate on these grave issues - not more name calling from the Mayor.”
Re: Mayor Cort Resignation
Not only has Mr. Dilworth shown his total disregard for his city in threatening the Mayor with a recall, he’s also targeted Bill Kemp, Vickie Stillwell and Deborah Lindsay as people he thinks should go.
What excellent timing! Is this what PG really needs right now? I’m sure a prospective City Manager will just jump at the chance to get all cozy with us Pagrovians now.
What is this really about? Is this about Dan and these Council members voting on pay schedules for the City? No. Is this about the Library? The Dog Park? The Museum?
No.
This is, quite simply, about David Dilworths lifelong search for acceptance. He’s chosen crusade after crusade, not only to help the environment, to stop the spray, to keep the forests healthy, but to satisfy his own sense of self worth.
Don’t get me wrong, us frogs appreciate the work he’s done on the environment, we really do, but this latest move shows not only a complete lack of understanding of the situation we are faced with, but a complete lack of honor. David has smiled into the faces of the same people he attempts to destroy.
Most folks in PG understand this about David. It’s why he came in almost dead last in his bid for City Council.
Thanks for the help on the forests David, but you really need to stay out of politics. You have hurt the city today.
-Kermit.
Mayor Cort resigns as of Aug. 31
This morning, Cedar Street Times along with most, if not all, media outlets on the Monterey Peninsula, received an email from Mayor Dan Cort stating his intention to resign as mayor of Pacific Grove as of August 31, 2009. He attached a pdf of a recall petition sent to him by David Dilworth, long an opponent of most of Mayor Cort’s policies and actions, but unsigned by any other citizens.
The following is from Mayor Cort’s announcement. Stay tuned.
“Today, I received an email from David Dilworth (attached) threatening me with a recall petition if I did not resign by 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Mr. Dilworth stated that if I resigned “for family or other reason”, that the media and general public would never need to know of the recall effort. I believe this is an attempt to intimidate me into resigning before I am able to vote on the Police Officer Association contract that is on Wednesday’s Council Agenda. I will be at that Council meeting and I will vote on that item. “I am informing the media and the public of this recall effort both because I am confident I could beat the recall effort, and to let the citizens of Pacific Grove know of this small band of citizens who are attempting to use bullying tactics and intimidation to get their way.
“While I am confident that the voters of Pacific Grove would see through the lies and deception of this small minded group, I do not believe it is in the best interest of the City, and its citizens, to spend the next six to twelve months distracted by a recall effort. The issues facing Pacific Grove, and cities throughout the State, are too important right now to be pushed aside for the personal vendetta of a few disgruntled complainers.
“I am proud of the accomplishments of this City Council and the previous Council that I was privileged to serve along side, and it is unfortunate that we will not be able to finish our terms together. However, I believe it is in the best interest of the City, its citizens, and my family and me, that I resign as Mayor and allow the Council to focus their efforts on providing solutions to the many issues facing the City at this time.
“I ask that all those who have supported me in the past, and those that have opposed me, come together for the good of Pacific Grove and support the new Mayor and Council as they do the best they can to provide the most efficient and effective municipal services to Pacific Grove.
“I have been honored to serve as both a Council Member and your Mayor, and wish you all the best in the future.”
The letter: Seppuku by any other name. . .
The is the letter (email) which was sent to Mayor Dan Cort Monday evening advising of a recall petition and inviting Dan to “save face” by resigning.
Hello Dan,
Sorry to bring you bad news.
Tomorrow morning at 11:45 we will begin publicly gathering signatures to recall you from office.
I have attached a copy of the Recall Notice petition.
There is a group of cross-partisan citizens who have committed to work diligently and persistently to allow Pacific Grove voters to remove you from office.
There is one small light remaining for you, assuming you may wish to save your reputation from the Recall footnote that would be in your Wikipedia entry for the rest of your life.
Do not construe this as a negotiation, nor is it up for discussion.
I am authorized to let you know that if you publicly elect to resign “for family” or any other reason before we begin gathering signatures at 11:45 - the people who have already signed have agreed that the media and the general public never need know about you facing a recall effort.
I am authorized to let you know, because I am the only one left who wishes to give you the chance to save face.
with all due respect and haste,
David Dilworth
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