The following is the text of a press release that contains an update on the recall efforts underway against Council Member Joe Mosca.
Additionally, I conducted a Q & A with Mosca last week, not long after the recall efforts became public. I will post the interview as soon as possible.
In the meantime, here is the latest:
Sierra Madre Councilman Joe Mosca filed an answer, as required by law, to a recall notice delivered to him Sunday, Feb. 18, during his “office hours” in Kersting Court.
He delivered his formal response to City Clerk Nancy Shollenberger and petitioner Leslie Hinton on Thursday, March 1, the same day the recall notice was published in the town’s paper of record, MVN News.
He said at the City Council meeting Feb. 27 that the allegations in the notice of were “meritless.” More than 100 people stood silently in support of him.
In his formal reply, he spelled out the reasons the claims in the notice had no basis.
“I supported and still support a public vote on the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP). In fact, the City Council voted unanimously to support my resolution calling for more public input and a public vote in November after the DSP is complete. An initiative interrupted that process, and now a recall could appear on the November ballot instead of the DSP.
“I continue to support responsible development and oppose overdevelopment. While I am one of the three newly elected council members, I vote independently after thoroughly studying the issues, listening to all sides and working through the information in discussion with fellow council members.
“I also volunteer in many local events and participate in community affairs beyond our borders. For example, as the City’s member of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, I fought and won the battle to save our bus service from cuts. During my tenure, the City has successfully lobbied for more funds and grants, and pushed for the first financial audit in three years. In addition, we now have paramedic services, stronger protection of our hillside and an emergency layer of protection for our water services.
“I have kept my campaign promise to work to preserve Sierra Madre and I will fight recall.”
Proponents now have 10 days to file the proposed recall form with the city clerk. She and the city attorney have another 10 days to approve the form before collection of signatures can begin. If successful, the recall would be on the ballot in November 2007.
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