Duckro: Responding to Boe James on council appointments

Mr. Boe James left out some important information in his summary about filling the Town Council vacancy.

First and foremost, the council elections when Dickey was appointed in 2006 were in March/May, not in the partisan primary scenario that the Arizona Legislature purposely created.

But there’s more. The vacancy she filled was actually left open for nearly a year by that council and that revered mayor, from April 2005 until the election was held in March 2006. And further, the three seats open were all filled in that March 2006 election; there was no run-off to determine who else might yet be elected. There was no more decision-making to be done to fill all the seats in a run-off election.

And go a step further, check who was on council at the time. Then, it was six Republicans. But I still maintain that party standing was never an issue in that election; and I argue she was not a “well-known” Democrat, but what if she was? Frankly, no one cared. You know why? The election was never a contentious partisan one to begin with — that was then. Can’t say that today. And the council tie-vote at the recent meeting?  Even a Republican councilperson said “let’s wait” with that vote.

By the way, Mr. James, I bet you had no problem when the U.S. Senate decided to not fill that Supreme Court seat until a presidential election was over, then did the opposite under Republican leadership. So, you can’t have it both ways. The Republicans created this scenario; guess you’ll have to live it.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.