Showdown in Quartzsite-rogue cop update pt.2

Quartzsite, AZ  7-13-11

Pressure is mounting on all sides tonight in Quartzsite.  The past few days have seen a dizzying stream of events.  It all started after video tape of local resident Jennifer Jones being violated by the chief of police at a city council meeting went viral over the internet, this past July 4^th weekend. Since then the town council and police have been squirming under the glare of international scrutiny and condemnation. After a week of this the council blinked.

On Sunday the 10^th, Mayor Ed Foster received an early morning visit from town bad boy, Chief of Police Jeff Gilbert.  The Chief was festooned in full official regalia and body armor, as he told Mayor Foster, “Your presence is required at city hall”. The Chief did not explain but attempted to escort the Mayor should he require it.  Of his own free will, Mayor Foster went to city hall to see what was the matter.

The matter was that the city council was having a meeting, a secret meeting.  Being unscheduled and closed to the public, this meeting was in violation of state law.  The Mayor stood at the doors of the meeting room and told the council he would not attend an illegal meeting. At which time Police closed the door in his face and locked it.

The subject of the meeting was the negative attention the council’s actions had brought upon itself, including allegations of death threats.  A poor mans state of emergency was declared and the chief assumed control of the town. 

By this time however, the council’s ability to conduct its normal Alice in Wonderland form of governance had been destroyed by the global exposure of their misconduct.  And the coup de chief did not hold.  By the end of the day only a few members of the police department continued to tell the mayor that the town was under a state of emergency, while the council members denied it.  That night the Mayor did not know if he would see the morning.

The next morning came and with it,more uncertainty.  And then, on Tuesday, the 12th, yet another meeting of the council. This meeting was open to the public, but it had been called for during the previous illegal meeting.  Since this invalidated the meeting, the Mayor again was forced to inform the council that they were conducting an illegal meeting and that he could not participate.  He walked out.  The council again ignored the Mayor and the law.  And the meeting continued.

Today, july 13th Mayor foster presented to the state attorney general, a formal list of grievances against chief Gilbert and the council members. 20 minutes ago, midnight, Arizona time, Mayor Foster posted this message on the Supporters-of-Mayor-Ed-Foster-of-Quartzsite-Arizonafacebook page:  “sorry I haven posted here but the last week has really been trying times in Quartzsite, AZ. The people out there in the internet world have been of inestimable help to those of us on the front lines here in Quartzsite. Your e-mails and blog post have put tremendous pressure on those people that are really responsible to help us in this matter. Today I delivered “formal” complaints on the official form to the Arizona Attorney General’s office and this evening I received a response requesting the contact info for our town attorney so they can make investigativ demands. Good news the result of all your efforts.
Thank you
Mayor Edward Foster

 Mayor Ed Foster

Tomorrow promises to be an exciting day in Arizona.  Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.  In the meantime please continue to lend your support by letting the Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona state Attorney General’s office know that you support Mayor Foster’s efforts to bring transparent government to Quartzite. http://az.gov/ This fight is not over in Quartzsite and its not over in America.  It is just starting.

For more info about the battle of Quartzsite and how you can help, please visit these sites.

thedesertfreedompress.blogspot.com/

Terror_of_Tiny_Town–AZ_Rogue_Cops_Update

quartzsitearizona.blogspot.com/