This page contains the notice of intent documents that were served on RLECWD Board Members Mel Griffin, Jay O'Brien and Jerry Wickham on May 14, 2001, by Mr. Darrell Nelson. The documents were published in the Rio Linda Elverta News on May 17, 2001.

I have attempted to repeat all of the errors contained in the notice of intent documents exactly as they were presented. Click here for more information on the errors.

The answers from Griffin, O'Brien and Wickham follow the notice of intent documents.

The statements of the proponents and the statements of the respondents will appear on any petitions that are legally circulated to obtain the necessary 2000 plus signatures to force an election.

For discussions of the issues from those being recalled, click Jay O'Brien, Jerry Wickham or Mel Griffin.

An example of a notice of intent document as filed on the Trustees of the Grant Joint Union High School District (GJUHSD) is also included here for reference. All of the GJUHSD notices were published in the Rio Linda Elverta News on April 19, 2001.

Statement of proponents of recall:
 
 

TO THE HONORABLE: Mel Griffin

   Pursuant to section 11020, California Election Code, the undersigned registered qualified voters of the Rio Linda / Elverta Community Water District, in the state of California, hereby give notice that we intend to seek your recall and removal from the office of Board of Directors for the Rio Linda / Elverta Community Water District, in Sacramento, California and to demand election of a successor to that office.

The grounds for recall are as follows:

With all due respect, the customer of RLECWD are recalling Mel Griffin. The district has been operating at a financial loss since 1995. Director Griffin has shown repeatedly that he is interested only in personal gain. He took no steps to implement reasonable rate increases knowing that the district was operating at a loss. He voted to spend 5 million dollars for a dry pipeline, consulting fees, attorney fees and huge salary increases for the District employees. Director Griffin supported the rate increase knowing that it violated the intent of Prop 218. A majority of ratepayers defeated the 100% proposal only to have a larger rate increase illegally passed and implemented. He is a part of a dysfunctional board, which passed a rate increase which will approach 200% for our local schools, parks and agricultural customers devastating their finical situation leaving the community with dry fields and fire danger. Director Griffin indicated he would push for more increases within the next 6 months. The current General Manager indicated that a 40%

The printed names, signatures, and business or residence addresses of the proponents are as follows:

1.  Evelyn Antonelli       6121 De Anza Court       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
2.  Darrell R. Nelson      7262 Dry Creek Rd.       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
3.  Ronald VanSant         6151 De Anza Court       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
4.  Faye Wilder            636 Q Street             Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
5.  Charlea R. Moore       8840 El Verano Ave       Elverta,   CA 95626  /s/
6.  Robert Antonelli       6121 De Anza Court       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
7.  Mary Harris            1020 Q Street            Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
8.  Aldena Hensley         7250 Dry Creek Road      Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
9.  Edie Rand              636 Q Street             Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
10. John V. Shepherd Sr.   230 West Delano Street   Elverta,   CA 95626  /s/

 [A copy of this notice and proof of service will be filed with the registrar of voters within 7 days after filing. You may file with the Registrar of voters, an answer, in no more than 200 words, to the statement of the proponents. If an answer is filed, a copy of it must also be served personally or by certified mail within that same 7 day period on one of the above proponents. The answer shall include the printed name, signature, and business or residence of the officer sought to be recalled.]

Reply from Director Griffin that will appear on each petition:

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THIS PETITION!

Please note that the proponents of this recall effort have made unsupported statements and unsubstantiated accusations. If, as alleged, the Water District is operating at a loss there is a need to raise rates. The increasing Water District costs require a rate increase. I have suggested rate increases in past years. The proponents are opposed to an equitable rate increase which will require them to pay for what they use. Where is the personal gain for a person who has worked for their community for over 25 years as President of the Chamber, Lions, CPAC, an Incorporation effort, Save the Fire Dist. Committee, a PTA and SITE Council, on the High School Booster Club, appeared before the Board of Supervisors, LAFCO, and the Planning Commission at personal cost and time, before being elected to the Water Board? Is it wrong to want to keep the community viable and strong? The Water District is not required to comply with Prop. 218 but chose to have community input. Is that dysfunctional or representative leadership? Employee salaries are on the low competitive scale. Expert consultants are few.

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THIS PETITION!

(The above was published as a letter to the editor in the June 7, 2001 Rio Linda Elverta News)

TO THE HONORABLE: Jay O'Brien

   Pursuant to section 11020, California Election Code, the undersigned registered qualified voters of the Rio Linda / Elverta Community Water District, in the state of California, hereby give notice that we intend to seek your recall and removal from the office of Board of Directors for the Rio Linda / Elverta Community Water District, in Sacramento, California and to demand election of a successor to that office.

The grounds for recall are as follows:

With all due respect, the customers of the RLECWD are recalling Jay O'Brien for his betrayal of public trust. In 1998 Director O'Brien campaigned to keep water rates at a minimum. After election, he proposed a 100% rate increase. The customers followed the Districts Prop 218 guideline and defeated the proposed 100% across the board increase only to have a larger rate increase illegally passed and implemented. He is part of a dysfunctional board, which passed a rate increase that will approach 200% for our local schools, parks and agricultural customers, devastating their financial situation, leaving the community with dangerously dry fields and fire dangers. Director O'Brien will tell you he voted against alternative two knowing that there were enough votes to pass. He did not attempt to discuss Alternative 1, his 50% across the board increase. Director O'Brien indicated he would push for more increases this year despite customer concerns. The current General Manager indicated a 40% across the board increase would generate enough funds to pay District bills. Capital improvements can be paid from settlement of lawsuits, the FPL project and Elverta Village's revenue. For these reasons we are recalling Director O'Brien.

The printed names, signatures, and business or residence addresses of the proponents are as follows:

1.  Evelyn Antonelli       6121 De Anza Court       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
2.  Darrell R. Nelson      7262 Dry Creek Rd.       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
3.  Ronald VanSant         6151 De Anza Court       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
4.  Faye Wilder            636 Q Street             Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
5.  Charlea R. Moore       8840 El Verano Ave       Elverta,   CA 95626  /s/
6.  Robert Antonelli       6121 De Anza Court       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
7.  Mary Harris            1020 Q Street            Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
8.  Aldena Hensley         7250 Dry Creek Road      Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
9.  Edie Rand              636 Q Street             Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
10. John V. Shepherd Sr.   230 West Delano Street   Elverta,   CA 95626  /s/

 [A copy of this notice and proof of service will be filed with the registrar of voters within 7 days after filing. You may file with the Registrar of voters, an answer, in no more than 200 words, to the statement of the proponents. If an answer is filed, a copy of it must also be served personally or by certified mail within that same 7 day period on one of the above proponents. The answer shall include the printed name, signature, and business or residence of the officer sought to be recalled.]

Reply from Director O'Brien that will appear on each petition:

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THIS PETITION

The person circulating this petition must allow you to read this statement.

Review http://obri.net first!

You are being asked to create a recall election costing RLECWD’s ratepayers thousands of dollars. This is wasteful.

Proponents claim I betrayed public trust, yet do not provide an example, as there is none.

Proponents incorrectly claim I campaigned in 1998 to minimize rates. My campaign about rates was my desire to eliminate the “STAB” charge, based on a proposed sale of our pipeline. The prior Board instead settled with Northridge before I took my Board seat.

Proponents state “after election” I proposed a 100% rate increase. The fact is that nearly two years after election I agreed with ALL Board members to propose the increase.

Proposition 218 does not apply. However, Proposition 218 procedures were followed and the proposed increase was shelved. As suggested by some of the recall proponents, I moved for a 50% increase. I voted against the increase that was ultimately passed by the Board.

I did not “push for more increases” and will not until the voter’s rate committee completes its work.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED.   The statements by the proponents are not factual.

(The above was published as a letter to the editor in the May 17, 2001 Rio Linda Elverta News)

TO THE HONORABLE: Gerald S. (Jerry) Wickham

   Pursuant to section 11020, California Election Code, the undersigned registered qualified voters of the Rio Linda / Elverta Community Water District, in the state of California, hereby give notice that we intend to seek your recall and removal from the office of Board of Directors for the Rio Linda / Elverta Community Water District, in Sacramento, California and to demand election of a successor to that office.

The grounds for recall are as follows:

With all due respect, The customers of RLECWD are recalling Jerry Wickham for his unprofessional, arrogant and extreme rudeness in dealing with the public regarding public debate of rate increases for our locally owned water district. Director Wickham campaigned on the promise that he was looking out for the ratepayers interest and for what the ratepayers wanted. Director Wickham supported the rate increase knowing that it violated the intent of prop 218 and the will of the ratepayer who defeated the 100% proposal only to have a larger rate increase illegally passed and implemented. he is part of a dysfunctional board, which passed a rate increase that will approach 200% for our local schools, parks and agricultural customers, devastating their financial situation leaving this community with dry fields and fire dangers. Director Wickham indicated he would push for more increases within the next 6 months. It was made clear by the current General manager that a 40% across the board would generate enough funds for the District to pay its bills. Capital improvements can be paid for from the settlement of lawsuits, the FPL project and revenue from Elverta Village. For these reasons we are recalling Director Wickham

The printed names, signatures, and business or residence addresses of the proponents are as follows:

1.  Evelyn Antonelli       6121 De Anza Court       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
2.  Darrell R. Nelson      7262 Dry Creek Rd.       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
3.  Ronald VanSant         6151 De Anza Court       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
4.  Faye Wilder            636 Q Street             Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
5.  Charlea R. Moore       8840 El Verano Ave       Elverta,   CA 95626  /s/
6.  Robert Antonelli       6121 De Anza Court       Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
7.  Mary Harris            1020 Q Street            Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
8.  Aldena Hensley         7250 Dry Creek Road      Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
9.  Edie Rand              636 Q Street             Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
10. John V. Shepherd Sr.   230 West Delano Street   Elverta,   CA 95626  /s/

 [A copy of this notice and proof of service will be filed with the registrar of voters within 7 days after filing. You may file with the Registrar of voters, an answer, in no more than 200 words, to the statement of the proponents. If an answer is filed, a copy of it must also be served personally or by certified mail within that same 7 day period on one of the above proponents. The answer shall include the printed name, signature, and business or residence of the officer sought to be recalled.]

Reply from Director Wickham that will appear on each petition:

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THIS PETITION. DON'T BE DECEIVED BY WATER WASTERS!

I am looking out for ratepayer interests. I promised this when reelected last November by the highest number of votes ever received by a Water Board member. Recall proponents admit we needed a rate increase but wanted most of you to pay for others high water usage. Proponents said in public meetings that low and average volume water users should pay the same increase as water wasters! They told us to adopt a 50% across-the-board rate increase. Instead, the Board adopted my rate plan to generate the needed revenue increase; under my plan most District customers will see an annual increase of less than 50% while the water wasters would see higher increases. We included "water budget" provisions for legitimate extremely high volume users who conform to accepted conservation practices (particularly schools, parks, industry, agriculture, gardeners). That wasn't good enough for proponents.

Please know that election laws do not protect me or you from deception. I believe it would be unfair for most of our customers to pay for the few water wasters. Tell them to quit wasting water! Don't support this recall!

(The above was published as a letter to the editor in the May 24, 2001 Rio Linda Elverta News)

This is an example statement by the proponents of the recall of four Trustees of the Grant Joint Union High School District. The four statements for the four Trustees were identical, with the exception of the substitution of names. This example is for Trustee Bryce J. R. Vernon; additional notices were served on Trustees Jason L. Sample, Paul R. Green, Jr., and Annette Emery.

Statement of proponents of recall:
 
 

TO THE HONORABLE: Bryce J. R Vernon

  Pursuant to section 11020, California Election Code, the undersigned registered qualified voters of the Grant Joint Union High School District, in the state of California, hereby give notice that we intend to seek your recall and removal from the office of Board of Trustees for the Grant Joint Union High School District, in Sacramento, California and to demand election of a successor to that office.

  The grounds for recall are as follows:

The Students, Parents, Teachers and Community Members within the Grant Joint Union High School District are dissatisfied with the unconditional support given to the current Superintendent and for allowing the reassignment of Principal Ralph Vandro. Mr. Vandro has been an effective administrator and has given stability to Rio Linda High School and Community. The stability that has been lacking at Rio Linda High School due to the numerous changes of administrators. Mr. Vernon has allowed the District to spend millions of dollars on a community newspaper, the lease of Winona warehouse, radio towers and has also hired many district administrators at the cost of losing school site administrators. Money is being spent at District level and not going towards our children. Districts own consultant told us that there is no funding offered for professional development for reading and math, our greatest need. Also, for failing to take action when it is clear that Dr. Buchanan has violated the term of his contract concerning integrity and character. Mr. Vernon states that he is doing " What's best for the District" and we want " What's best for our students".

The printed names, signatures, and business or residence addresses of the proponents are as follows:

1.  Darrell R. Nelson      7262 Dry Creek Rd.  Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
2.  Karla Marie Alsgood    308 Q street        Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
3.  Ida Annette Harrison   308 Q Street        Rio Linda, CA 95673  /s/
4.  Douglas E. Nelson      14 Baywind Ct.      Sacramento, Ca 95838 /s/
5.  Mary Harris            1020 Q Street       Rio Linda, Ca 95673  /s/
6.  Charlea R. Moore       8840 El Verano Ave  Elverta, Ca 95626    /s/
7.  Jeff A. Gordon         644 U Street        Rio Linda, Ca 95673  /s/
8.  Regina Gutierrez       1641 C Street       Rio Linda, Ca 95673  /s/
9.  Karen Dahlke           7748 Marindell St.  Elverta, Ca 95626    /s/
10. Aldena Hensley         7250 Dry Creek Rd   Rio Linda, Ca 95673  /s/

[A copy of this notice and proof of service will be filed with the registrar of voters within 7 days after filing. You may file with the Registrar of voters, an answer, in no more than 200 words, to the statement of the proponents. If an answer is filed, a copy of it must also be served personally or by certified mail within that same 7 day period on one of the above proponents. The answer shall include the printed name, signature, and business or residence of the officer sought to be recalled.]