Tabloid Newspaper Design by Md Shahidullah

SIERRA VISTA ELECTIONS SPECIAL EDITION www.CochiseCountyRecord.com | Sierra Vista, AZ | August 20, 2014

VOTER GUIDE August 26, 2014 Elections

COUNTY RECORDER: Early voting very slow

27,545 CITY VOTERS CAN DECIDE 5,000 expected to vote by mail; 7,000 expected Tuesday at polls

Turmoil results in uncertainties for candidates, voters

BISBEE, AZ – Two weeks before the August 26 elections, Juanita Simmons Murray was relieved of her duties as head of the Cochise County Elections Department. The County Board of Supervisors met in closed session last Monday [Aug 11] to discuss what to do about the management of the department after multiple complaints of serious errors committed by Simmons-Murray and/or her small staff. Deputy County Manager Jim Vlahovich was named Interim Elections Director but an independent contractor is being sought to oversee the next two elections. ....Continued on page 12

314 ballot types in Cochise County WARNING FROM

COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPT: it’s your responsibility as the voter to check and make sure that you have received the correct ballot.

IN THIS EDITION City and County Contact Data . . . . . . .pg 2 Publisher's Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg4 Voting map, locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 4 City of SV Organization Chart . . . . . .. .pg 6

LACK OF LOCAL NEWS PUTS DEMOCRACY AT RISK

HOW WILL SIERRA VISTA VOTERS LEARN ABOUT LOCAL ELECTION ISSUES, CANDIDATES ?

- SF, SO [Some fact, some opinion] by David M Morgan

City Council Candidates . . . . . . . . . . pg 8-9 Voter Identification Requirements . . . pg 11

If you receive a ballot that does not include city council races and you live in the city limits please notify the poll worker so you can be given the correct ballot. Cochise County has 49 election precincts. Of those, 16 are entirely or partially within the Sierra Vista city limits. These precincts include various jurisdictions (districts) such as the community college district, justice of the peace districts, school districts, fire districts, etc.

IN THE NEXT EDITION What was learned in the August elections? The growth of "independent" voters, candidates The Traffic Camera Initiative The Kings Court proposition The Importance of the Justice of the Peace

A very small percentage of Sierra Vista citizens and residents read the local newspaper regularly. We have no local TV station, nor local radio stations with local news. We have no public access channels on the local cable TV system. [The Sierra Vista city council approved in 2006 a new 15-year franchise agreement with Cox Communications without requisite for public access channels.] ....Continued on page 12

....Continued on page 12

******* ECRWSSEDDM *** RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER SIERRA VISTA, AZ

County Elections Chief Pushed Aside

WHAT DOES YOUR BALLOT LOOK LIKE?

CCR New Media Services via Allegra Marketing Tucson, AZ

Appointed Director Murray under fire, again

Despite many encouragements to vote early by mail, and rapidly growing numbers of voters who request early ballots, the rate at which they are being mailed back is slower than expected. “Very low numbers” said Cochise County Recorder Christine Rhodes last Friday. Her office receives all mail-in ballots. The sealed envelopes are scanned and quantified daily, but not opened. By the end of business Friday, Aug 15 – 10 days before the official election day - her office had mailed out 23,990 ballots as requested by Cochise County voters. 7,587 had been returned/voted, a little less than one-third. Sierra Vista voters represented about one-third of the number of early ballots requested but at the end of last week were returning voted ballots at a lower rate than several parts of the County. Douglas area was even slower, Bisbee substantially higher. ....Continued on page 14

PRSRT STD EDDM U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tucson, AZ Permit #414

Page 2

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Cochise County Record

AZ CITIZENS CAN REMOVE AN ELECTED AN ELECTED OFFICIAL FROM OFFICE BY THE LEGAL PETITIONING PROCESSFOR

Current Management Contacts City of Sierra Vista

RECALL A relatively simple guide is published by the AZ Secretary of States office. Free at www.azsos.gov/election/IRR/

City Manager Chuck Potucek charles.potucek@sierravistaaz.gov 520-458-3315

City Attorney Nathan Williams nathan.williams@sierravistaaz.gov 520-458-3315

Assistant City Manager Mary Jacobs mary.jacobs@sierravistaaz.gov 520-458-3315

City Magistrate Tim Dickerson tdickers@courts.az.gov 520-803-3800

City Clerk Jill Adams jill.adams@sierravistaaz.gov 520-458-3315

Chief of Police Tom Alinen tom.alinen@sierravistaaz.gov 520-452-7500

Elected Officials Mayor Rick Mueller – Term expires Dec 2014 rick.mueller@sierravistaaz.gov

City Councilmember Bob Blanchard - Term expires Dec 2014 Robert.Blanchard@sierravistaaz.gov City Councilmember Rachel Gray – Term expires Dec 2016 rachel.gray@sierravistaaz.gov

City Councilmember Gwen Calhoun – Term expires Dec 2016 gwen.calhoun@sierravistaaz.gov

City Councilmember Tom Reardon - Term expires Dec 2014 Thomas.Reardon@sierravistaaz.gov

City Councilmember Tom Crosby - Term expires Dec 2014 Tom.Crosby@sierravistaaz.gov

City Councilmember Henrietta Huisking – Term expires Dec 2016 hank.huisking@sierravistaaz.gov

Cochise County Record Wednesday, August 20, 2014

In the election for

MAYOR OF SIERRA VISTA

Winner decided Tuesday, no run-off required

Tom

Crosby

Frederick "Rick"

Mueller

[No Photo Submitted] Obama's disastrous government overspending is causing inflation, stopping job growth and hampering economic prosperity for our citizens; The clear trend for this administration is to weaken the economy, the border, and the military. Without a strong economy, we won’t have a strong military. And our enemies hope that we will not be able to afford to defend ourselves. The way forward is nothing new or surprising; Avoid disincentives like taxes and over-regulation to job creating capital investment. Have a competitive tax code. Just having the traffic cameras dissuades potential new businesses, residents and tourism. Then sucking $1.2- 2 million out of the local economy with traffic cameras is the opposite of economic development, at a time when the City has liabilities of $65 million in debt, interest and pensions.

From the City of Sierra Vista budget presentation at http://tinyurl.com/qgdsaa3

"This candidate did not submit a statement"

By showing my resolve to stand up for the principles of liberty I believe in, I hope to convey that I’m not in polirtics for my own advancement.

From the City of Sierra Vista budget presentation at http://tinyurl.com/qgdsaa3

It’s not unusual for me to find myself caring for other people’s rights more than they do, until they’re informed. My goal is to convince the skeptical citizen to possess the power they rightfully have, and should exercise over their government. MORE ABOUT THIS CANDIDATE

MORE ABOUT THIS CANDIDATE

3807 Fiscus Loop, SV 85635 520-439-2829 crosbywillhearyou@live.com https://www.facebook.com/tom.crosby.169 Age: 55 Work: Retired, U.S. Border Patrol [agent, pilot] Political Affiliation: Republican Wife, Ronda, two adult children

1940 S Gnome Trl, SV 85635 520-459-0958 No e-Mail No Website Age: 60 Work: U.S. Army [retired] Political Affiliation: Republican Unmarried, no children

ABOUT THIS INFORMATION All candidates for Sierra Vista Mayor and City Council were invited [several times, and by several methods] to submit a portrait-style photo and a 200-word statement about their candidacy. The statements received were reproduced exactly as submitted and were not edited for spelling, grammar, or punctuation. These statements represent the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy of content. Additional information about each candidate was obtained from public documents and/or public statements made by the candidate or other reliable sources.

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Cochise County Record

PUBLISHER'S PICKS by David M Morgan

CROSBY FOR MAYOR Choosing candidates to support, particularly if those choices are to be very publicly known, can be tricky business. But making decisions, explaining them publicly, and accepting the results [and criticisms] is for me a very important part of leadership and life. That is one of the reasons I choose to support Tom Crosby for Mayor of Sierra Vista. Mr Crosby and I did not start off well when we met several years ago after a city council meeting. But he was forthright in explaining why he had not sought to make my acquaintance any sooner. He told me what he thought I was doing wrong [in my personal life, and my political efforts]. I told Crosby that I didn't agree with him, but that I appreciated his candor with me. Then Crosby gave me a ride to the grocery store. Over the next several years we communicated more and more often, in person, by telephone and e-mail. We met at large and small events, in public places and less than public places. I observed him in many circumstances.

When Crosby didn't understand something, he said so. When Crosby didn't believe something [or some one], he said so. And when, on occasion, he realized he was wrong, he said so. When Crosby saw in 2010 that the City Attorney had written confusing ballot language about the Wards [city-district voting] Initiative, he cried foul though he wasn't certain he favored the proposal. When the City Administration wanted to double the tax on electric services, passing the costs on to the citizens but refusing to clearly explain it, Crosby fought again for a forthright approach. When I started my own campaign for Mayor, councilman Crosby fought to make the City treat me fairly and honestly. We lost at that effort, but Crosby did the right thing when it might well have hurt him. There are facets to Tom Crosby's personality, his demeanor at times, that I do not understand. Sometimes I cringe. Some of his statements in public political settings are nearly incomprehensible. But I know where Crosby stands. And I know that if I want to ask him why he believes what he believes, he will tell me. And I know that if he's proven to be wrong, he's strong enough to admit it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; publicly if appropriate.

List of Voting location # - Name of Precinct

Name of Location

Street Address

#26 - SV AVENIDA DEL SOL

NEW HOPE FELLOWSHIP

5420 DESERT SHADOWS DR

#28 - SV BUSBY

BUENA FITNESS

255 W WILCOX DR

#30 - SV CLOUD

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

55 KINGS WAY

#31 - SV COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA SOUTH, GROTH HALL

1140 N COLUMBO AVE

#33 - SV ESTATES

GOLDEN ACRES CLUB

3623 E FINCH CIR

#35 - SV MOSON

FRY FIRE STATION #3

5019 S ARABIAN DR

#36 - SV PUEBLO DEL SOL

SIERRA VISTA FOOTHILLS SERVICE CENTER

4115 FOOTHILLS DR

#38 - SV SNYDER

SIERRA VISTA FIRE STATION #2

4127 AVENIDA COCHISE

#39 - SV SOLDIER CREEK

ST. ANDREW'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

800 TAYLOR DR NW

#40 - SV TOWN & COUNTRY

JOYCE CLARK MIDDLE SCHOOL

1045 S LENZNER AVE

#41 - SV VILLAGE MEADOWS

SIERRA VISTA CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

1215 EL CAMINO REAL

#42 - SV VISTA VILLAGE

BELLA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

801 N LENZNER AVE

#43 - SV YAQUI

FRY FIRE STATION #2

4817 S APACHE AVE

....Continued on page 5

Drop off your sealed early voting ballot at any location TO VERIFY PROPER LOCATION TO VOTE IN PERSON CALL COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPT 520-432-8970 or 520-458-3315 CITY OF SIERRA VISTA Or call one of the candidates [see pages 3, 8, 9]

Cochise County Record Wednesday, August 20, 2014

PICKS

Page 5

What did we fail to answer?

...from page 4

CROSBY FOR MAYOR Faced with the choice of Tom Crosby or Rick Mueller, I'm hard-pressed to give much thought to Mr Mueller's best qualities because it's not clear to me what they are. Mr Mueller never sought to have a conversation with me, and gives the impression [to me, and others] that suits him just fine.

What would you like to know?

Mueller has supported all of the devious acts of the city administration for a decade, or longer. When Mueller ran for Mayor in 2010 he knowingly ignored campaign laws. After winning he made a near-secret deal with the City Attorney, paying $500, to avoid prosecution. Tom Crosby won't be a perfect Mayor. But he's by far the best choice in this election.

FOR CITY COUNCIL:

It's your city and it's ours, too

CRAIG MOUNT TONY WENC WILLIAM BENNING

We like to learn how things work [or why they don't], and explain those things to anyone that wants to know.

Craig Mount has significant high-level management skills and a keen interest in fact-based decision-making and analysis. Tony Wenc is an entrepreneur who will bring to the council a sorely-need eye for detail, verification, cost justification. William Benning is a likeable fellow, though of uncertain talents. He has enough life behind him, and ahead of him, and enough investment in the community that he might develop into a fine representative for his constituents. I don't dislike any of the other three candidates. In fact, I like Bob Blanchard and suspect that I could like Alesia Ash. But Alesia is too young. Bob is too old. Larry Hampton doesn't belong on the council [or on the ballot]

The object of this presentation isn't to attack council member Huisking but to point out how a very small percentage of people obtain and keep political power in Sierra Vista. This is much less likely to happened with wards system voting [dividing the city into six districts and requiring that one council member be elected from each district]. Of course, if more citizen-voters were aware of how government was operated in Sierra Vista [and Cochise County], they would more likely participate in the decision-making, at least by voting. BELOW: The current Sierra Vista City Council members

So call, write, e-mail, FB Message Whatever, let's communicate.

David M Morgan, Publisher 520-236-4051 editor.SVDR@gmail.com

Page 6

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Cochise County Record

Sources of Funds

Cochise County Record Wednesday, August 20, 2014

ABOUT THIS SPECIAL EDITION This Special Edition of the Cochise County Record was created with two objectives in mind; first better inform the citizens of Sierra Vista about the local elections process, and; second, to demonstrate capabilities. The edition was developed collaboratively using people and computer resources in Sierra Vista and Bisbee, plus design and technical assistance from associates in Mexico, Spain and Bangladesh. The edition was printed in metro Phoenix. The U.S. Postal Service delivered more than 18,000 copies - to every deliverable residential address in Sierra Vista - 2 days.

Page 7

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Cochise County Record

6 CANDIDATES FOR 3 S

Some winners may be dec

Alesia

William

Ash

Benning II

[No Photo Submitted]

Bob

Blanchard

[No Photo Submitted] PROVEN ADMINISTRATOR • 5 years management experience as Facility Engineer – 2 at Ft. Huachuca • 10 years working for Sierra Vista as Assistant City Engineer, Building Inspector, and Superintendent of Public Works • 16 years experience on city council

This was the second cartoon commissioned by David Morgan for benefit of the Cochise County Institute

"This

candidate

did not

submit

for FREEDOM & JUSTICE. Morgan has fought since 2006 with the City of Sierra Vista over access to public records. Current City Clerk [and legal custodian of all city records], Jill Adams, is a great improvement over predecessor Jack Cook but the City continues to violate Arizona Public Records laws with regards to access to Police Dept records.

WITH THE RIGHT BACKGROUND • B.S. degree in Geological Engineering, Texas A & M • M.S. degree in Engineering (Civil), Texas A & M • Retired Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army • Experienced Planning & Zoning Commissioner • Experienced City Councilman • Past Board of Director for Friends of the San Pedro • Past City Representative to SEAGO

statement"

WORKING FOR YOU TO ENSURE THAT • Residents are kept informed on all important issues • A general plan is updated and voted on by city residents • Streets and bike paths continue to receive attention • Voter confidence in city government continues to be a priority • The city continues to enact a simple, easily understood budget • City taxes continue to be among the lowest in the state • Funds are allocated for park development and recreational facilities

MORE ABOUT THIS CANDIDATE

1100 La Rosa Court Street, SV 85635 520-226-6317 ash.alesia@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/AshforCityCouncil Age: 23 Work: ex-office of Congressman Ron Barber Political Affiliation: Independent Unmarried, no children

1065 Paso Robles Ave, SV 85635 520-456-7534 benning4citycouncil@cox.net

264 Highland Dr, SV 85635 520-227-8338 No e-mail

https://www.facebook.com/benning4citycouncil

No website

Age: 44

Age: 77

Work: Retired military, contractor/consultant

Work: Retired [civil engineer]

Political Affiliation: Republican

Political Affiliation: Republican Unmarried, 4 children, 8 grandchildren

Wife, Kelly Benning; 2 adult children, 1 teen

Cochise County Record Wednesday, August 20, 2014

SV CITY COUNCIL SEATS

cided on Tuesday, August 26 Craig

Tony

My wife, Brittney, and I have lived in Sierra Vista since 2006. We own a house, attend Calvary Chapel, established careers, and made Sierra Vista our home. I'm running because we must improve Sierra Vista's economy. Our economy is failing: 7.9 percent unemployment, dramatic decreases in home values, and declining construction, hospitality, retail, and tourism industries are unacceptable. We need new leadership and a new vision for success. I'm the only candidate that has provided a clear economic plan for the people of Sierra Vista. I'm an employer with years of managing large budgets and project experience. I've earned graduate degrees in management and public administration. I teach management for a local university. I work for a locally founded company that has become a national success. I know we can revitalize Sierra Vista's economy. I'm against the Red-Light cameras and helped get them on the ballot. I'm the best candidate to protect Fort Huachuca, with nearly a decade of military intelligence modernization experience and I'm a proud veteran. I believe in water conservation, not radical environmentalism. I'll eliminate wasteful spending of your tax dollars and bring creative ways to fund our city's programs.

Sierra Vistans, it is time for a change for the better. As a third generation Sierra Vistan, it is clear we have had the same people in control of the council, some for 14 or even 16 years that want to return yet again. What have they accomplished? Well, we now have a $1.8 million stage in the City Park, adding to city debt for which debt service now totals 7% of the budget. Frankly, anyone could squander our tax dollars like that.

MORE ABOUT THIS CANDIDATE

5170 Camino del Norte, SV 85635

1910 Knowlton, SV 85635

303 W Mallard Cr, SV 85635

520-227-5291

832-492-6753

520-458-3693

hampton4council@aol.com

craig.mount17@gmail.com

tony4council@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/larry.hampton3

https://www.facebook.com/Mount4SVCC

http://www.tonywenc.com/

Age: 61

Age: 36

Work: Dept of Army, Intel Analyst [ret]

Work: Project Manager for DoD contractor

Larry

Hampton

Mount

Wenc

Page 9

CITY SPENDS $50 to $100 million PER YEAR The graph below depicts the total budgets for FY2001 to FY2014.

[No Photo Submitted]

"This candidate did not submit a statement"

Political Affiliation: Republican Unmarried, 2 adult children

Political Affiliation: Republican

We also have other candidates trying to pat themselves on the back for having done their job in terms of having Fry or Wilcox repaved. (Both paid with $2,000,000 of our federal tax dollars.) The new pavement is great, the problem is no effective and needed improvements were made driving east/west bound on Wilcox crossing 7th Street or crossing Coronado or north/south bound Coronado crossing Fry. All these intersections are poorly designed and you cannot even drive the speed limit through them without a huge harsh slam on your car's suspension. This is not satisfactory. We don't have that many major intersections in town, the least we can do is make them drivable. Please visit my website.

Age: 43 Work: Self-employed entrepreneur Political Affiliation: Republican Unmarried, no children

Wife, Brittney Mount, no children

From the City of Sierra Vista budget presentation at http://tinyurl.com/qgdsaa3

The Mayor and City Council make decisions about taxes and other revenues to pay the costs of operating the city. The also make decisions about spending that money, and borrowing money when there are not enough funds to pay for what they believe needs to be done. The City's annual budget for the last 14 years has ranged from $50 million to $100 million.

LOOKING for a

DESIGNER ? +

www.freelancer.com/u/mdshahidullah609

CCR NEW MEDIA SERVICES David M Morgan, Cochise County Record, PO Box 1218, Bisbee, AZ

85603 520-236-4051

editor.svdr@gmail.com

Page 10 Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Cochise County Record

From the City of Sierra Vista budget presentation at http://tinyurl.com/qgdsaa3

Cochise County Record Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Page 11

If you are voting in person on Tuesday, take note:

ALL VOTERS MUST HAVE ID LIST 1 Acceptable Forms of Identification with Photograph, Name and Address of the Elector Valid Arizona driver license The short explanation is that before you will be handed a ballot for voting you will be required to prove who you are. For most people that is not too difficult – a current Arizona Drivers License with your correct address is sufficient. The third cartoon commissioned for CCIJF [the Cochise County Institute for FREEDOM & JUSTICE] takes aim at the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. The CCSO regularly fails to comply with the letter, or spirit of Arizona Public Records laws. They delay, ignore and lose requests. Former deputies say it's a regular practice to alter records. Sheriff Mark Dannels proposed changing the law so that they would not be required to release some information. That information, like autopsy and crime scene photos, might allow independent [non-police] investigators to verify that reports are accurate.

But hundreds of people in Sierra Vista will likely be delayed or turned away because they did not think to check – to be certain – that their identification was not expired or from other another jurisdiction, etc. The Arizona Secretary of State reminds us that ID at the polls is required for all Arizona elections. [more information at http://www.azsos.gov/election/prop_200/poll_identification.htm] Here's the formal explanation of the law: Every qualified elector is required to show proof of identity at the polling place before receiving a ballot.

Valid Arizona non-operating identification license Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification Valid United States federal, state or local government issued identification An identification is "valid" unless it can be determined on its face that it has expired.

Acceptable Forms of Identification, One Identification With Name and Photo of the Elector Accompanied By One Non-Photo Identification With Name and Address Any valid photo identification from List 1 in which the address does not reasonably match the precinct register accompanied by a non-photo identification from List 2 in which the address does reasonably match the precinct register.

LIST 2 Acceptable Forms of Identification Without a Photograph that Bear the Name and Address of the Elector (Two Required) Utility bill of the elector that is dated within 90 days of the date of the election. A utility bill may be for electric, gas, water, solid waste, sewer, telephone, cellular phone or cable television.

The elector shall announce his/her name and place of residence or present the elector's name and residence in writing to the election official. The elector shall present acceptable identification that:

Bank or credit union statement that is dated within 90 days of the date of the election Valid Arizona Vehicle Registration

1. bears the name, address, and photograph of the elector (see List 1 below) or 2. two different forms of identification that bear the name and address of the elector (see List 2 below) or 3. one form of acceptable photo identification with one form of non-photo identification that bears the name and address of the elector (see List 3 below). [A.R.S. §16-579(A)]

Property tax statement of the elector's residence

Acceptable proof of identification includes but is not limited to the sources listed below. Other forms of identification not on this list must be deemed acceptable by the county election official in charge of elections and must establish the identity of the elector in accordance with the requirements of A.R.S. § 16-579(A)

LIST 3

Indian census card

Tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification Arizona vehicle insurance card Recorder’s Certificate Valid United States federal, state or local government issued identification, including a voter registration card issued by the County Recorder Any mailing to the elector marked "Official Election Material" An identification is "valid" unless it can be determined on its face that it has expired.

U.S. Passport without address and one valid item from List 2 U.S. Military identification without address and one valid item from List 2 An identification is "valid" unless it can be determined on its face that it has expired.

Page 12 Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Cochise County Record ...from page 1

Elections Chief Most recently the three Supervisors voted to ignore the advice of the County Attorneys Office and seek a course of action that would allow candidates George Nerhan [running for Justice of the Peace, Div 5 – Sierra Vista] and C.J. Garan [running for Justice of the Peace, Div 2 Benson] – to remain on the November ballot despite having turned in fewer signatures than required by law.

This graph was created by CCR in late 2012. The circulation numbers for the SV Herald have dropped since then but audited circulation figures are not currently available.

...from page 1

HOW WILL VOTERS LEARN ? By far, most citizens of Sierra Vista do not have readily available resources to learn about how local government works, let alone learn about local issues and local candidates. The situation has worsened in the last few years [graph prepared in Oct 2012]

and the estimated "in city" circulation of the Sierra Vista Herald is now below 6,000 reaching perhaps 1/3 of the registered voters. Fewer citizen-voters hear about local problems from reliable sources and many decline to participate in elections that they know little about. The result is that a very small percentage of city residents have effective control over local elections.

In both cases the candidates were given inaccurate information as to the signature requirements for candidates not seeking the nomination of a recognized political party, that is, running as an independent. Other independent candidates, for other offices, were also given the incorrect information but several turned in sufficient quantities of signatures to exceed the requirements of state law. It is uncertain if they knew of the erroneous information at the start. The affected candidates for JP posts have both said they will go to court, if necessary, to maintain their placement on the ballots. The County may well seek a court decision as the Elections Director is not an elected or executive level post and does not have final authority to make such judgments. It is also possible that one or more opponents would be party in court actions. At the moment, neither the candidates nor the voters are absolutely certain what the options will be. In an earlier similar incident, Grace Wiggins, independent candidate for Clerk of the Superior Court, was told she did not turn in sufficient signatures after having obtained a receipt in late May for what she, and Director Murray, thought was more than enough. Ten days later she was told by Elections Program Coordinator Martha Reynolds that she, Reynolds, had given Wiggins inaccurate information and also that the receipt given the candidate was erroneous. Wiggins says she complained to the Director, and to County Manager Mike Ortega, the County Board of Supervisors and the County Attorneys Office.

A June 25 letter from Deputy County Attorney Elda Orduno to candidate Wiggins says in part “ the Department misinformed you . . .” and “miscounted” and “erroneously determined” but concludes, “I wish there was more I could do, but the County must follow the law.” [read the letter at http://tinyurl.com/lterqlx ] Ms Wiggins' situation and candidacy is also in limbo. Misstatement to the Arizona Supreme Court ? In late June during a mid-day telephonic conference with Arizona Supreme Court Judge John Pelander, Deputy County Attorney Orduno told the court that County Elections Director Murray had just told her that “the ballots are being printed as we speak, yet that day”. Based on that statement alone, said the Justice, he was dismissing as “too late” court actions challenging the candidacies of SV City Council candidates Alesia Ash and Larry Hampton. Hampton's name remains on the City of Sierra Vista ballots despite evidence from the County Recorder's office that his nominating petitions contained an insufficient number of valid voter signatures. There is now speculation [with some evidence] that the ballots being printed “that day” were in fact “printer's proof's” subject to verification, corrections, and changes before the final ballots were prepared a week or so later. Signs of serious problems within months of appointment

During the 2012 elections cycle, less than a year after Ms Simmons-Murray took the post, the department was accused of co-mingling city and non-city ballots in at least one Sierra Vista precinct. Simmons-Murray denied the allegations despite witnesses at the voting location who gave written statements about the errors. Sierra Vista City Council member Tom Crosby brought up the matter with City Elections official Jill Adams, then City Attorney Stu Fauver and the full city council.

The city took the position that any such errors were impossible to prove and, in any event, were insignificant. Crosby then approached the County Attorneys Office. Crosby says that County Attorney Ed Rheinheimer “blew him off” and wouldn't take the matter seriously. Deputy County Attorney David Fifer did a limited review of the matter, evidently without talking to all witnesses. Rheinheimer, who reportedly has been living in the Tucson area for most of the last two years, recently announced his resignation [effective in January]. Deputy County Attorney Fifer has since relocated in the state. Elections Director had no previous elections management experience

Murray was hired in late 2011, selected by County Manager Mike Ortega and formally approved by the County Board of Supervisors. Murray [at the time, Juanita Simmons] had no elections experience but was said to have considerable management experience with private companies in the health industry. In selecting Simmons-Murray, Ortega passed over long-time county employee Pat Viverto who had worked 5 years in the department with retiring Elections Director Tom Schilling. Viverto was very disappointed and left the county's employ. Viverto now works in Phoenix with the Arizona Secretary of State's office, in Voter Outreach. Also rejected was Terry Gish of Virginia, an applicant with elections management experience in a larger county. Murray is currently reassigned to be an elections supervisor and is no longer speaking on behalf of the department.

Cochise County Record Wednesday, August 20, 2014

COUNTY CONTRACT FOR SV ELECTIONS EXPLAINED The County is not responsible for municipal elections but City Clerk Jill Adams [also the Elections Official for the City] contracts with the County to handle some facets of the elections under an Inter-governmental Agreement [IGA] approved by both the Sierra Vista City Council and the County Board of Supervisors. Ballot printing and use of elections machines, computers, software and personnel are part of the contract. However, say lawyers with the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, the City Elections official [the City Clerk] cannot lawfully delegate her responsibility and authority to determine who is placed on, or left off , the city's election ballots.

Page 13

...from page 1

YOUR BALLOT

Also, in Arizona there are four recognized political parties (Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Americans Elect). All of these districts and varying political parties result in a very large number of different ballot styles. For example: Ballot 1 maybe for a Republican who lives inside the city limits and within a special fire district and in a certain school district. All races for these districts would be on this ballot style. Ballot 2 maybe for a Republican who lives outside the city limits and not within any fire district but within a different school district. Different ballot styles are required for voters based upon where they are registered to vote . For the August 26 election there are 314 ballot styles [though far fewer for voters within the city]. Ballots received for possible mail-in voting are only slightly different in appearance for those at the polls. Based on voter registration information the poll workers, and those in charge of mailing ballots, know which ballots each voter is supposed to receive. But the County Elections Dept and others still warn to check for yourself. Having a Sierra Vista street or postal address does not automatically mean a voter is registered to vote in municipal elections matters. The voter must be properly registered and live within the city limits [which are different than postal zones].

A series of political cartoons have been commissioned to be drawn by Cochise County artists. "Welcome to Cochise County" was the first. Based upon a joke told to him by a former local judge, David Morgan financed the original art. Proceeds from the sale of numbered, framed prints support the activities and development of the Cochise County Institute for FREEDOM and JUSTICE.

From the City of Sierra Vista budget presentation at http://tinyurl.com/qgdsaa3

Page 14 Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Cochise County Record ...from page 1

VOTERS CAN DECIDE Proponents of voting by mail argue that it encourages greater participation. Opponents argue that it is more subject to fraud or manipulation. Both sides agree that sometimes people vote before information becomes available that might have swayed their votes. 27,545 voters are eligible to vote in City of Sierra Vista municipal elections [for Mayor, city council members, and local issues like the traffic camera ballot initiative this year, and the authority to allow the city to sell the King's Court tennis club property. Based on previous non-Presidential election year statistics, and the reduction in registered voters in the City in the last two year, some are estimating that the number of voters participating in the local elections will not exceed 11,000 with half or more voting by mail. Other observers are suggesting that the traffic light camera initiative has re-awakened

-interest in local politics and that the stark differences in personalities and platforms between incumbent Mayor Rick Mueller and his challenger, city councilman Tom Crosby, will result in a significant jump in numbers. The Mayor's race will be decided Tuesday. There are only two candidates, one of them will win at least the 50% [plus one vote] of total ballots cast for Mayor. That circumstance may also bring out voters who would not ordinarily participate in what for partisan races is the primary election. City council seats may be decided Tuesday, but not necessarily all three of the positions open. While voters may vote for three candidates [from the field of six] some may vote for just one or two. In order to be elected Tuesday and not face a â&#x20AC;&#x153;run-offâ&#x20AC;? in November, a candidate must win a vote from 50% of all ballots cast for the council seats.

From the City of Sierra Vista budget presentation at http://tinyurl.com/qgdsaa3

Cochise County Record Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Page 15

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Page 16 Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Cochise County Record

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