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OFFICIAL SAMPLE BALLOT SPECIAL ELECTION
PACIFIC COUNTY, WASHINGTON
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2003
CITY OF RAYMOND
RECALL ELECTION OF MICHAEL “HAWK” RUNYON, MAYOR
Notice to the voter: State law requires the ballot at any recall election to contain a Ballot Synopsis of the charge and the officer’s response to the charges.
Ballot Synopsis
Prepared by the Grays Harbor Prosecuting Attorney and authorized by Pacific County Superior Court.
Should Michael S. Runyon, the mayor of the City of Raymond, be recalled from public office for alleged acts of malfeasance, misfeasance and violation of the oath of office based upon the following alleged actions taken by him during 2002, in connection with personnel actions involving the City of Raymond Chief of Police:
- Mr. Runyon demoted Raymond Chief of Police Bill Wilson on August 7, 2002, without conducting a pre-disciplinary hearing and without an open meeting of the Raymond Civil Service Commission in violation of Sections 2(2), 9 and 11 of the Raymond Civil Service Rules, and in violation of RCW 42.30.110(f); and
- Mr. Runyon created a new city department, Department of Public Safety, and new position, Public Safety Director, without the approval and adoption of an ordinance by the Raymond City Council in violation of RCW 35A.21.010(1)-(4), Raymond City Code Section 2.080.010 and Raymond Civil Service Rules and Regulations Sections 3(4) and 3(5), 9 and 11.
Response to Ballot Synopsis
Prepared by Michael “Hawk” Runyon
- I did not demote Chief Wilson before I talked to him and explained what I wanted to do. Chief Wilson did not object when I spoke with him. I specifically assured Chief Wilson that I wanted him to remain as an important part of the Raymond Police Department. I asked Fire Chief Betrozoff to administer both the police and fire departments, with what I believed was agreement of Chief Wilson. I took this step only after getting advice from the City union personnel contractors. As soon as Chief Wilson objected, I immediately looked into his objections got further advice from legal, union and civil service experts and reinstated him as Police Chief.
- I did not create a new department within the City of Raymond. Only the City Council has the power to create new departments. I appointed Fire Chief Tom Betrozoff to administer both the fire and police departments, in an effort to save money. The position was labeled “Director of Public Safety”, but was in reality only a means of identifying that Chief Betrozoff held two positions. This was an experiment and only for a 6 month period, on a provisional basis. There was no actual department of public safety, all department functions were either in the fire department or the police department, including the budgets. After 6 months, the situation would be assessed to determine how to continue.
Recall Yes
Recall No |