El Mirage group launches councilman’s recall

A group of El Mirage residents filed papers Tuesday to recall Councilman Adam Super, saying he violated city codes by failing to maintain his property.

Bob Jones delivered the paperwork to City Clerk Richard Saathoff, who said Jones has 120 days - until Nov. 25 - to gather 262 signatures. The number is based on 25 percent of the votes cast in the 2004 general election. Petitions will be checked by Saathoff and sent for verification to Maricopa County Recorder's Office, which may take up to 60 days.

If the petitions are verified, a letter is expected to be sent to Super, who has five days to resign or a recall election will take place.

"The election would probably be scheduled at the next available opportunity depending on when all of the pieces are put together," Saathoff said.

Jones and other residents are upset with Super, who was cited for violating several city codes that included not keeping up his yard.

They said the councilman failed to pay the fines until recently.              

"The citizens of El Mirage deserve better, and we have to do something about this," Jones said. "The city has known about this for two years now that he's had outstanding fines."

Super did not return calls seeking comment.

El Mirage Mayor Fred Waterman said he's in full support of Super until there is actual evidence that he cannot serve as an effective councilor.

"I don't believe that there is evidence that Adam actually received notice of his zoning violations until he paid them," he said.

However, Waterman hassent a letter to the Arizona Attorney General's Office seeking an investigation into allegations Super and

Councilman Javier Bedolla don't live in El Mirage, a requirement to hold office.

The Attorney General's Office declined the investigation because officials said the don't have the staff to look into it. City Attorney Rick Flaaen suggested Waterman go through an private agency to investigate and to write the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

"Because of the allegations, we had to look into this and until we find different what we've heard is unsubstantiated," Waterman said.
Jones said he'll begin the process immediately of gathering signatures to recall Super and doesn't expect to have a problem getting enough residents to sign.

"We're going door to door to let people know about this," he said.

Councilman Roy Delgado said he's no stranger to a recall, having seen the previous mayor, Robert Robles, ousted in 2006 and replaced with Waterman.

Delgado said the situation is unfortunate, but if the residents are unhappy it's up to them to find a solution.

"It's a sad thing to see in the city of El Mirage, but if a councilor is not living up to the rules and regulations set up in front of him, then the citizens have to do what they have to do find someone to represent the city," he said.

Mitchell Vantrease may be reached at 876-2526 or e-mail mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.