Let's recall the facts

Background: A couple letters in Sunday's Farmington Observer got their facts on the Aldo recall wrong. Just thought I'd provide a little plain truth on the subject.

As the campaign to recall Representative Aldo Vagnozzi heats up, attempts will be made to confuse voters with inaccurate information, rumors, and spin. Even though the recall attempt was only announced a short time ago, a couple of letters have already distorted reality.

One letter incorrectly claims the recall will cost taxpayers upwards of $70,000. According to rules set by the Secretary of State office, any recall election would be on the ballot of "the next scheduled election”. In addition, the costs for collecting signatures are paid by the private committee organizing the recall, not taxpayers. Taxpayers will not incur costs unless Rep. Vagnozzi challenges the validity of the recall in court while trying to deny citizens their constitutional right to petition the government.

Another letter labels the recall a “partisan shenanigan”. Both Republicans and Democrats are being targeted for recall. This recall pits taxpayers against tax-raisers. This recall is about holding elected officials accountable for actions that hurt this state economically.

Some people may disagree about whether Rep. Vagnozzi should be held accountable for his vote, but at least we should agree to keep the facts straight.

[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 02/03/2008.]