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Georgetown Divide Public Utility District board member Kathy Otermat provided the following response to the failed movement to recall her:
“I’d like to thank the voters who chose not to sign the recall petition thus defeating the special interests that started this baseless recall.
“This confirms that the will of the people was made known in the 2010 elections, when voters said ‘no’ to the unacceptable and unsustainable status quo at GDPUD and ‘yes’ to fiscal responsibility and a new direction by voting for Director Bonnie McLane and myself over two incumbents.
“Although we are currently a minority on the board, we remain strong and organized with momentum on our side. I believe in November voters will demonstrate that they want the same by voting for two new directors with the courage to tackle the long-term fiscal challenges at GDPUD and put the best interests of the ratepayers before GDPUD management.
“The recall proponents used scare tactics and spread misinformation in order to persuade voters into signing while I have always armed myself with facts.
“California Law Elections Code Section 18600 clearly describes unlawful signature gathering tactics, including providing fraudulent information to persuade and the Penal Code for punishment. For the last three months I have been contacted by several members of the public with their personal experiences with these unlawful tactics. This information is currently being prepared for submission to the EDC Grand Jury. The recall proponents have produced a toxic political environment and I hope that punishment for unlawful activities will dissuade future similar tactics and that differences of opinion can be worked out in the boardroom and not by untruthful personal attacks.
“I look forward to continuing to speak up for the financial interest of GDPUD’s 3,700 ratepayers to the best of my abilities.”
The Mountain Democrat does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy
M.W. - GeorgetownJuly 18, 2012 - 8:11 am
Congratulations and well said Kathy! Big sigh of relief to know that it is possible for one person to stand-up for the good of the people, bear the brunt of viciousness that the small group of Hank White supporters aimed at you and come out stronger and more respected at the end. I did listen to many months of GDPUD meeting audio and although I saw an advertisement paid by Mr. Villalobos starting with the words that you are "hostile", perhaps he should listen to the tapes himself. You seem to be the only one in the room that is always poised and calm. You have gained even more respect in our small community by the way you have handled yourself throughout this unnecessary ordeal. Thank you for representing us.
Message Is ClearJuly 18, 2012 - 8:35 am
The name "Kathy Otermat" may have been what was on the recall petition but it was was really the goal of representing the public and not the GM that was behind her name. The people have spoke now twice that we want a GDPUD Director who has this goal. Now we just need two more! Did I hear someone say "party"?!!!
Evelyn VeerkampJuly 18, 2012 - 9:07 am
Party? Please say "outsiders" may attend!
Proud to Be Kathy's FriendJuly 18, 2012 - 10:35 am
Evelyn, to Kathy there is no such thing as an outsider! I'm sure she is ready for some fun social activity like a party - or perhaps combination party / fundraiser for future GDPUD candidates? We'll be in touch!
Evelyn VeerkampJuly 18, 2012 - 11:01 am
Kathy's friend: The party may need a press release! Yesterday another "outsider" mentioned having learned about the recall failure at McDonalds - of all places. Caring people have been paying attention.
Judith MathatJuly 18, 2012 - 12:09 pm
Congratulations Kathy, do not often take time to join this format unless it is necessary. Bonnie will tell you that champions of the truth always produce facts and those that are blow hards and think they know what they are talking about use untruths to cloud the real facts they are trying to hide. Party on and in November hope you have at least two others join you to take out the ridiculous over reaching GDPUD board. In this economy it is most important to "get real" or more than just a few of California cities and utilitiy districts will be going bankrupt.
EndorsementsJuly 18, 2012 - 12:10 pm
I can't wait to see who Kathy & Bonnie endorse.
Karen DiamondJuly 18, 2012 - 1:03 pm
Regarding endorsements, I was just part of an email exchange with several friends here on the Divide how the recall proponents and their dirty politics protecting the GDPUD GM have probably unwittingly given a leg up to whoever McLane and Otermat do choose to endorse. This is a HUGE BLOW to the likes of Hank White, Norm Krizl, Bonnie Neeley, Ray Griffiths and their cronies. Their tactics have really offended many people up here. I have one personal experience of saying "No. Kathy's doing a great job" to Mae Harms when she asked me to sign a petition and she kept on my heels, pecking at me with her nonsense BS, totally dis-respecting my statement of "No!". If not for the recall, we may not have seen the true colors of these folks. I believe I speak for a majority of the Divide voters when I say "we've had a lot of time for the problems at GDPUD that Kathy exposed and how she has been treated by those backing the recall to sink in and WE ARE PISSED!" Directors McLane and Otermat, if you feel you can endorse two fiscually responsible candidates, I am all ears!