Carefree's citizens should know real story behind recall

Arizona Republic - Phoenix, Ariz - Aug 27, 2009

By Glenn R Miller

  

In the Aug. 1 editorial, a reference was made to the unwarranted recall campaign against Carefree Mayor David Schwan. In this editorial, you mistakenly reference how town leaders are trying to influence these recall efforts.

    This statement is blatantly incorrect, produced by those who wish to create controversy to entice voters into signing recall papers. No town leaders are involved in the dispute between the leaders of the recall effort and the private-property owner from whom the town leases office space.

    The dispute lies between this owner and those supporting the recall effort, not the town. To associate the town with this dispute is a disservice to the citizens of Carefree and helps to perpetuate the controversy the recall supporters wish to create.

    Furthermore, the chairman of the recall effort, Rod de Szendeffy, recently lost a lawsuit against the town in which a structure he was building violated the height requirements of the Carefree zoning ordinance. The Superior Court rulings and Arizona Court of Appeals decision clearly articulate his transgressions and are public record. Each time the town has to defend itself it has a financial impact on the town.

    Recently, de Szendeffy's disregard for Carefree's zoning ordinance was evident when a banner sign in clear violation of Carefree's size requirements was placed on a building owned by him within the Town Center. The banner was eventually removed, and a sign was placed along the street and another in a large window fronting the street in plain view of all vehicles along the street. Still this individual wants a third sign, a banner.

    The bottom line is de Szendeffy has a history of disregard for Carefree's zoning ordinance. All one has to do is to review the public records to verify this. I find it ironic and disturbing that someone who has so much disrespect for the zoning ordinance that helps define Carefree can question the work of Mayor David Schwan, who has put forth countless hours to make Carefree such a great place to live.

    In Carefree, the mayor and council do not receive compensation, unlike those in many of our surrounding communities. These people run for office because they are passionate about preserving the unique qualities of Carefree. Mayor David Schwan is a man of integrity who cares deeply about the citizens of Carefree.

    The recall effort is being carried out by an individual who does not attend council meetings, does not get involved in town issues or functions but simply believes the rules that apply to everyone else should not apply to him.

Glenn R. Miller is vice mayor of Carefree.