Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
Not long ago the manic-depressives in the Arizona political media were all but declaring the recall of crazy Uncle Joe Arpaio "dead." It seems they were a bit premature in pronouncing the time of death.
The Arizona Republic reports today, Law-enforcement veterans join Arpaio recall:
Several retired Valley law-enforcement officials have joined the recall effort against Sheriff Joe Arpaio, criticizing him for using what they consider scare tactics to raise money to fight the recall.
Respect Arizona is in the process of gathering signature petitions seeking to hold a recall election to oust Arpaio.
The group obtained a letter — signed by Arpaio and paid for by the Elect Sheriff Joe Arpaio campaign — that was e-mailed to conservative supporters urging financial donations to help fight the recall.
In the letter, Arpaio said the Valley’s public safety was at stake in the recall.
Without Arpaio, the letter said, those who would be in danger include single mothers whose children face “a rampant drug culture,” the hypothetical mother of a child killed by a drug dealer whom Arpaio is not able to keep in jail, and small-business owners whose livelihoods are threatened by illegal immigrants who have control over neighborhoods.
Respect Arizona released statements purported to have been provided by retired Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris and retired Phoenix Assistant Police Chief Bill Louis, accusing Arpaio of misleading supporters by taking sole credit for community safety. Former U.S. Attorney for Arizona Paul Charlton and former Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard were also quoted in the group’s statements.
“Arizona law enforcement will continue to fight crime and ensure public safety long after Mr. Arpaio leaves office,” Harris said in his statement.
Two other retired law-enforcement officials and former Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon echoed those sentiments in person. During a Wednesday news conference, they called Arpaio’s fundraising letter disingenuous.
“Elected officials come and go, and the state moves on,” Gordon said.
UPDATE: Here is another 1.5 million reasons to recall crazy Uncle Joe Arpaio on top of the millions of dollars he has already cost Maricopa County taxpayers. Lawsuits against Maricopa County, Sheriff Arpaio settled: The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle two long-running federal lawsuits against the county and Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
You can make a donation or volunteer your time to circulate petitions in Maricopa County at Respect Arizona | Recall Arpaio.