July 24, 2009

TO:Mr. Robert Leger

Scottsdale Republic

FR:Bob Gemmill

RE:Opinions / My Turn

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Carefree must reject mayoral recall effort.

It is time for Carefree’s residents to sit up and take notice of what is happening to their town.  The recent recall movement of Mayor David Schwan is the tipping point for what could become a long road of negative publicity and embarrassment for Carefree’s citizens and merchants alike.

David Burnell Smith the recall legal ‘whiz’, was tossed from the Arizona Legislature for election violations and lost in a run-off with Mayor Schwan in 2007.   Rod de Szendeffy the recall Chairman has organized the petition, and most would say, simply because he lost a lawsuit against the town.  Both men are less concerned about the damage this recall will do to Carefree’s image and reputation and far more concerned about getting even.

What benefit will be gained by dragging Carefree through a tedious and over-publicized exercise, when we are facing one of the most challenging economic periods in our town’s history?  What good will this do for our economic development? Is this going to encourage new business ventures to invest in our town or help sell homes and condos in an already difficult market? What will happen to the value of your home during all this chaos, disruption and bad press for Carefree? At what point is enough, enough?

We as a community need to come together and look to move Carefree forward in a positive and constructive way, that reflects the values and principles established by our towns founders and accepts diverse views and opinions without fear of hostile retribution.

Before you sign the recall petition, I respectfully ask you to consider the possible consequences of doing so and how it might affect the future prosperity of the town we all cherish. 

Thank you.

Bob Gemmill

Carefree Councilman