Recall effort targets Purcell

BY TODD L. DISHER
Frontiersman
Published on Thursday, February 11, 2010 7:01 PM AKST

HOUSTON — Controversy surrounding the mayor of Houston is coming to a head, as an application for a recall petition was filed with the city earlier this week. Six specific violations the application alleges Mayor Roger Purcell committed are as follows:

• Traveling to Fairbanks in a police vehicle without council approval.

• Purchasing an airline ticket without prior council approval.

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

• Exceeding the $700 amount the council approved for a travel expenditure.

• Authorizing the city clerk to file a complaint with the Alaska Public Offices Commission knowing it included a false complaint.

• Using unauthorized blue flashing lights while making a traffic stop.

• Participating in executive sessions without stating the specific topic to be discussed.

As required by state statute, the application for the recall petition includes the name and address of two registered Houston voters as the contact person and an alternate. It also includes the required 10 voters’ signatures in support of the petition.

It is now up to City Clerk Steven Cunningham to determine if the reasons for recall cited in the application are particular to misconduct in office, incompetence or failure to perform proscribed duties.

Cunningham said the state statutes are vague about what constitutes “particularity,” but previous recall attempts around the state have created case law on the matter. As such, Cunningham said he will turn the application over to the city’s attorney for review.

If the attorney finds the statement for the grounds for recall not particular enough, the recall attempt is dead. If the application gets approval, Cunningham will prepare the official petition to give to the contact person on the application. The contact then has 60 days to gather the 73 signatures necessary to take the recall question to the voters.

Since the application is still under review, Purcell said there is no reason to comment yet. He faced two applications for recall when he was a councilman in 2008, both of which were rejected.

The contact who submitted the application is Wayne Oliver. He filed the application because “based on observation, research and facts, I think the mayor has been dishonest with the citizens of Houston and am taking the steps necessary to try and do something about it, with the help of my neighbors.”

Oliver said his concerns about the mayor’s actions became serious when the city filed the complaint to APOC about an ad that ran in the Frontiersman before last October’s city election.

Oliver said the city’s complaint was against four people, one of whom was Councilwoman Vergie Thompson. The complaint said the city received written notices from four members of the council asking the city to file the complaint. However, when Oliver asked for the notices, he said he only received three, none of which named Thompson in the complaint. Oliver said the one notice he did not receive was from Purcell, and he believes Purcell had the clerk file the complaint citing his nonexistent complaint and adding Thompson to the list of names.

This started Oliver doing more research through the Houston Municipal Code, council meeting minutes and agendas and state statutes. He said he never found any indication of the council approving Purcell’s trip to Fairbanks to hand deliver a grant application. He said the council only heard of a recent plane ticket to Juneau after it was purchased. This is despite the resolution passed at the beginning of 2009 requiring council approval for all travel expenditures before they are made.

Oliver said he found two instances of the council going into executive session last October without the proper notification of what was being discussed. Additionally, after coming out of executive session, the council acted on two issues that were not indicated in the little description that was given.

Both executive sessions were entered to discuss “legal matters.” After the first, the council accepted the resignation of Houston Police Officer Aaron Parker. After the second, the council approved a resolution to enter into a contract with the Alaska State Troopers for law enforcement services within the city.

Oliver said the council approved $700 for Purcell to use on airfare when going to pick up a new heavy rescue truck for the city. However, Oliver said Purcell found another truck he thought would work better for the city and bought tickets to that destination. When he came back to the city council, Purcell had spent more than double of what was originally allocated, Oliver said.

Lastly, everyone is familiar with the incident in which Purcell used the blue flashing lights installed on his personal car to make a traffic stop, Oliver said. Oliver said Purcell claimed to have authority to authorize the use of emergency lights, but Oliver said the state fire marshal issued a letter saying he was the only one with that authority and he never gave that authority to Purcell.

If confirmed, of these alleged incidents are infractions of either Houston Municipal Code or Alaska state statute. Oliver said everything except the letter from the state fire marshal is public record, but it took him countless hours to go through everything and piece together the charges he is alleging.

For her part, Councilwoman Thompson — often a critic of Purcell — confirmed the alleged infractions. Now, it is up to the city’s attorney to make his determination. City Clerk Cunningham said he will give the application to the attorney as soon as he is done preparing the documentation he expects the attorney will ask for.

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.

Copyright © 2010 Frontiersman

Comments

100 comment(s)

    Give it up wrote on Feb 28, 2010 2:04 AM:

    " chance_giver I don't even think you are in support of the crooked mayor. You are so unrealistic your words are only meant to give rise to emotion and seek response. A day real soon to come houston's mayor will be wearing a one piece orange suit with his serial number written on the back. I know people in houston. They deserve better! "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 27, 2010 11:09 PM:

    " It is famously amusing when a hoard crying "guilty" can assail the values of one who calls for calm and, yes, patience in the hope of forestalling a lynch mob.

    Repeated calls for the mayor's head is an expression of something so singularly un-American, it should be disallowed on this forum. My gorge rises at the sight of such abundant simpleness.

    An underpaid and under-appreciated mayor delivers a grant application for the benefit of his domain, and a bombastic segment insists on quibbling.

    No charges filed, yet "HE'S GUILTY?" For SHAME! "

    houston resident wrote on Feb 27, 2010 11:47 AM:

    " Chance_Giver - what color is the sky in your world? Out patienced??? Purcell is breaking the law, again. The city is required by law to respond. Patience is not an option. Response is the only option. How can you applaud a law-breaker? What values does that demonstrate? None that a responsible citizen should be proud of!!! "

    Stormy wrote on Feb 27, 2010 10:36 AM:

    " chance giver, do you think the law was broken by "who ever" it was in the video driving the police cruiser? Do you think lives were in danger because of the erratic driving and high speeds for no reason? Just a simple answer is fine. Thank You "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 26, 2010 5:56 PM:

    " "Recall effort targets Purcell." See that? It's the title of this article. The word "effort," a pivotal part of the title, is defined by the Random House dictionary as "an earnest or strenuous attempt." Anyone hear read the word "guarantee" into this? Or "accomplish?" "Achieve?" "Succeed?"

    Some of you tried. You "ATTEMPTED." "Failed." "Lost."

    Time to "surrender." "Give up." "Pack it in." "Concede."

    Congratulations, Mayor Purcell. You outpatienced them. You've earned your job and deserve to keep it. Bless you. "

    Support the Clerk wrote on Feb 26, 2010 2:49 AM:

    " The Frontiersman should do an article on recall and how the city clerk is directly under the mayor's thumb to reject the recall. The clerk has to choose between feeding his family or accepting the recall. Let's start a fund to support the clerk and family, so he can do what's right! "

    Stormy wrote on Feb 25, 2010 10:51 PM:

    " What is the next step then? Who files charges against the city for not abiding by the law? Is it the responsibility of the borough to pursue this because of what I understand and have read here the law has been broken. Maybe I am wrong and things are happening behind the scenes. How much is roger going to cost the taxpayer again? My class is very anxious to see the results of our legal system. Even if rog is found innocent the students want to know the reasons why. "

    Houston Resident wrote on Feb 25, 2010 8:30 PM:

    " to 'The Man' - see my earlier comment. The city clerk is required by law to act on the petition. Yet he is not. He is sitting on it, most likely per Roger's orders. It is in limbo, hoping people will tire of it and go away. As I said, the clerk is required by law to certify or reject, yet neither is happening. Call the city and ask Steve. He's the clerk. Talk about perverting the law! "

    The Man wrote on Feb 25, 2010 2:25 PM:

    " Does anyone know the status of the recall petition?? Frontiersman, anyone?? "

    stormy wrote on Feb 25, 2010 10:52 AM:

    " Has the Troopers or the DA filed any charges against him for breaking the law as the video shows? The young people in my class are waiting to see the outcome and the reasons why? "

    if it works wrote on Feb 24, 2010 11:00 PM:

    " You can always use the Roger Plan - SUE SUE SUE it seems to work for him at least from what some reported stories say.
    Must be nice when a city can ignore the will of the people and feels the people are not smart enough to go and vote for change or vote to keep things the same if that is what they will. "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 24, 2010 7:50 PM:

    " ... Let's see... Houston Citizen wrote on Feb 24, 2010 10:28 AM... Just making a note here of when someone asked the question "which is it," to which I was able to answer truthfully and accurately "both."

    Silence is golden, but my eyes still see
    Silence is golden, golden, but my eyes still see...

    Thank you, Frankie Vali and your 4 wonderful Seasons.

    Silence is golden, golden... "

    houston resident wrote on Feb 24, 2010 1:07 PM:

    " to Houston Citizen - the city is sitting on the application and is going to wait it out, hoping it will die out. The city is required by law to either cerify or reject the petition, but since when has the city cared about the law? Only when it works in their interest. Be interesting to see what happens next. "

    Houston Citizen wrote on Feb 24, 2010 10:28 AM:

    " chance giver, on the 22nd at 9:47 PM you wrote that there was "total vindication" and the mayor is here to stay... that would indicate to me that the recall application had been denied... today you seem to say nothing has happened with the application. Which is it? "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 23, 2010 9:46 PM:

    " Houston Citizen, regarding the status of the application? Silence is golden here in the real world. "

    houston resident wrote on Feb 23, 2010 4:32 PM:

    " Julia would know the status of the petition. "

    Houston Citizen wrote on Feb 23, 2010 3:31 PM:

    " By the way, more legal proceedings filed on February 19th regarding their housing issue. To be initially heard in court on March 4th. "

    Houston Citizen wrote on Feb 23, 2010 12:08 PM:

    " Does anyone that resides in the real world (meaning not chance giver) know the status of the application? "

    Cast stones in glass house wrote on Feb 23, 2010 10:30 AM:

    " chance-giver: "Learn you all that contrived accusations, innuendo, libel and slander lead nowhere.The Mayor is here to stay. Thank goodness" - Are they not everday actions of you mayor? "

    alaskaveritas wrote on Feb 22, 2010 11:33 PM:

    " To Fred in Crapper Creek,

    Hey I'm with you on this one. I think that we can swing a deal. You can have Roger Purcell in trade for say, two chickens and a pig. This would replace what we have on the council - two chickens and a mayor. "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 22, 2010 9:47 PM:

    " Just as I predicted: complete and total vindication. Learn you all that contrived accusations, innuendo, libel and slander lead nowhere.

    The Mayor is here to stay. Thank goodness. "

    SandyM wrote on Feb 19, 2010 5:11 PM:

    " Roger needs to Move farther North.
    Hope they can afford him after Houston gets ................cleaned out...............

    Oh I mean cleaned up. "

    To Fred in Crapper Creek wrote on Feb 19, 2010 11:52 AM:

    " quote:

    " I wish we had a strong public servant here in Trapper Creek, to run the Community Council. "

    I fixed it for you.

    Roger is not a strong PUBLIC SERVANT.

    He is a crook, a swine, a law-breaker, a bad councilman, and a TERRIBLE mayor.

    That, Freddy, is the truth. "

    I LIKE ROGER wrote on Feb 19, 2010 7:57 AM:

    " I wish we had a strong public servant here in Trapper Creek, like Roger, to run the Community Council. Also, it would be
    good if all the "Roger haters" and "legal experts" would sign their names so we could send them typing and spelling programs!
    FRED AGREE, Petersville Road "

    Clock watcher wrote on Feb 18, 2010 6:22 AM:

    " Remain patient...they have 10 business days which puts us into next week. "

    Timekeeper wrote on Feb 17, 2010 12:44 PM:

    " The 10 days to approve the petition is coming near. The clock is ticking. Where are we? "

    houston resident wrote on Feb 17, 2010 9:15 AM:

    " to 'Recall' - not the entire council. Don't include Virgie in the clean sweep, Virgie has her head screwed on straight. But the others...? Yes, I agree. Time to clean house. Had it. "

    FormerEmployee wrote on Feb 17, 2010 1:10 AM:

    " To "Former Council"

    Thank you! "

    Stormy wrote on Feb 16, 2010 11:32 PM:

    " I hope for us all that charges are filed against him for breaking the law. My students are studying this situation very closely. What will they learn from the outcome? I really hope it will be positive! "

    recall wrote on Feb 16, 2010 6:47 PM:

    " maybe the only way to get the message out is to recall the entire city councel. If they won't clean house maybe the people of houston needs to help them not make the decsionn. kick them all to the kurb "

    Houston Citizen wrote on Feb 16, 2010 4:10 PM:

    " Any updates on the review of the recall application or if the Sergeant has been reinstated? "

    FormerCouncil wrote on Feb 16, 2010 1:08 AM:

    " Previous Mayor is correct. Lance should be next up for recall. Being attached to Purcell via super glue, he participates in Purcell's every move, and is guilty by accomplice.
    Houston was a happy, positive community with hopes and dreams before Purcell showed up in 2007. We can get that back. The time is NOW!!! "

    Previous Mayor wrote on Feb 14, 2010 8:43 PM:

    " The mayor of Houston is a representive of the of the City Council and only has the authority give by the Council. He/She has only one vote as other Council Members. If the City Council continues to allow him to serve as Mayor they agree with his actions. Council members who support him should be part of a recall if he is in vilation of City of Houston Ordances, state laws and they fail to take corrective action.. "

    Palmer Farm wrote on Feb 14, 2010 2:11 PM:

    " Is it arrogance or ignorance that keeps this clown from resigning? Both? "

    Charlie wrote on Feb 14, 2010 2:04 PM:

    " Write the city council askeing them to take immediate action. Suspending Roger today pending an investigation or vote him out. "

    Commuter watchin my mirror wrote on Feb 14, 2010 1:58 PM:

    " It appears this insanity is not limited to Houston Alaska. This loon uses emergency vehicles outside the city limits. We are all at risk. A survey of Alaskans shows we want licensed police officers, not big boys playing with sirens and guns and bullet proof vests. This also shows an apathy with the State Troopers. Somebody needs to take action to protect the public. The district attorney always has the workload but where is the action on this. Somebody write this fool a ticket at least. There is enough points to least his drivers license at least. "

    Eradication wrote on Feb 14, 2010 1:07 PM:

    " What is to stop the council from passing a resolution of "no faith" and demanding Roger Purcell vacate his seat as mayor? Like a moth seeking flame, Rodge is going to burn himself. "

    smurf wrote on Feb 13, 2010 11:06 PM:

    " What I was wondering is since the city can not afford to put down animals with lethal injection - how are they affording an atturney to review possible charges against the police officer?

    Last time I checked lawerys are not cheep? "

    MeadowLakers wrote on Feb 13, 2010 9:57 AM:

    " The only problem with ole Rog is everyplace he goes he takes himself with him. "

    alaskaveritas wrote on Feb 12, 2010 9:25 PM:

    " chance_giver, you either are the most sarcastic person on these blogs or you have an opinion that seems absent of any factual basis.

    The city attorney is not responsible for rejecting or accepting the petition for recall. That is the City Clerk's job. Now he can consult wiht an attorney, but if the clerk finds that it is incomplete, be sure that a lawsuit will be filed in the State Superior Court. Based upon information that I gained from DCRA, I am sure that the judge will most likely find the petition complete and sufficient. "

    Gary C. wrote on Feb 12, 2010 7:21 PM:

    " Based on everything I've heard about this guy, Mayor Purcell seems to be the exact real-life duplicate of Mayor Adam West from Family Guy! LOL!!! "

    hey roger I mean chance_giver wrote on Feb 12, 2010 7:06 PM:

    " give the computer a reat nobody is buying your line of trash but keep trying we all need a good laugh. your not kidding anybody but yourself "

    Houston Citizen wrote on Feb 12, 2010 3:33 PM:

    " I wish I knew what medications Chance Giver is taking. What a world they live in, glad I am not a resident there. "

    Previous Mayor Houston wrote on Feb 12, 2010 2:30 PM:

    " The Mayor of Houston is not elected by the people.He/She servies at the pleasure of the Council. He/She can be removed from office my a simple call for a confindance vote by a council member at a metting.. If four members vote against him he is out and the council must elect a new mayor.Four members may call for a special metting at any time by notifying other council members of the time and place. "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 12, 2010 2:23 PM:

    " Mr. Madman, I applaud your recognizing that looks account for something - not everything, of course, but something. Roger does indeed have the look of a statesman, of someone whom we can be proud to have representing us in Juneau or (dare I dream it) in Washington D.C. Today is a joyous day for freedom and liberty. Our judicial system works. The reasonable have undone the jumpers to conclusions. The protectors have vanquished the torch wielding horde. The innocence of a dedicated public servant and God-fearing philanthropist and humanitarian has been preserved. God Bless America! "

    HouatonJulia wrote on Feb 12, 2010 2:19 PM:

    " Don't panic! The petition has NOT been rejected. It is being reviewed, and we'll know within 10 days from last Tuesday when it was delivered to the City Hall. "

    Idea wrote on Feb 12, 2010 2:13 PM:

    " Attorney denied the petition? Sounds like he's buddy-buddy with Mr. Purcell.

    Answer: pay attention, folks...

    SUE THE MUNICIPALITY OF HOUSTON AND THE ATTORNEY FOR ERRORS AND OMMISSIONS.

    That's right, class-action lawsuit. The claim, you ask?

    The city and attorney are not acting on behalf of the constituents. Easy to prove- since so much abuse of power and policy/legalities are being committed.

    Go to the District court in Palmer. File suit against the city.

    Done. "

    houston resident wrote on Feb 12, 2010 2:10 PM:

    " Indeed, purcell is truly sent to us from above. In fact, in all honesty, the only people he offends are those with ethics, morals, integrity, honesty and honor. "

    houston resident wrote on Feb 12, 2010 2:05 PM:

    " BTW, the city attorney was hand-picked by roger dodger. "

    Rjected wrote on Feb 12, 2010 2:03 PM:

    " Who is the City Attorney? "

    Meadow Lakes Madman wrote on Feb 12, 2010 1:03 PM:

    " Glad the Frontiersman finally posted a picture of the Houston Mayor. Sadly it shattered my image that I held of him being a bald headed kid playing a banjo. "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 12, 2010 12:36 PM:

    " city lawyer rejected recall petition


    I. Rest. My. Case.

    Swift and sweet justice. YES! "

    why wrote on Feb 12, 2010 12:23 PM:

    " Why is there a city government in Houston when most of the people who live there don't want any form of government in their lives? Of course the answer lies in the money that cities receive from the State of Alaska. But money doesn't make the city, people do. The same people who abuse their official duties, mishandling public funds, and misbehave at public meetings every year. Get your act together or rescind your city charter. Other cities in Alaska can use the money to help build good places for people to live. "

    SallyJoe wrote on Feb 12, 2010 12:03 PM:

    " Latest word is city lawyer rejected recall petition and a new one is being drafted already. "

    Impersonating wrote on Feb 12, 2010 11:27 AM:

    " To Patriot, I was at a gun shop in Anchorage when Roger Purcell was shopping for police gear. He was showing off his badge to everyone and claiming to be a police chief. The badge says something like Mayor in Chief. It was all we could do to keep from laughing at him. "

    Hybrid wrote on Feb 12, 2010 9:53 AM:

    " to No. 1 Hockey Mom: "...the city and the peaceful setting that it used to represent."??? Are you kidding me? Yeah sure, with the fireworks going off all the time bangity bang bang! And all over the boro too? Houston is a tainted, immoral entity and it should disband and apologize to all the citizens of the Mat Valley that it has harmed over the years. "

    Give him a chance wrote on Feb 12, 2010 9:16 AM:

    " Please, I implore you....Give him a chance. He has done so much for us with his larger than life manner of leadership. He is a man of such political influence and saavy that we will soon be worthy of first class status. He is well respected by his peers. I hope that I will never see the day that he leaves office. We should all desire to be lik.......whoa, what the heck. That was the worst nightmare I have had to date. Glad I woke up. "

    to No chance wrote on Feb 12, 2010 9:08 AM:

    " you missed sitka that is the most interesting of all the places he got ran out of.

    My question is where is the state autorney. How many laws can he break and still walk free.
    1. inpersinating a police officerr.
    2.theft of houston money...plane tickets
    3. pergery lieing agout the meeting
    any body else would be in jail
    hey STATE AUTORNEY WHERE ARE YOU? "

    Ha wrote on Feb 12, 2010 9:08 AM:

    " Commander in Chief of the Police? How about calling him what he is....administrative head. That in no way constitues driving a police car around. Had purcell showed up in court he would have got his hand slapped and the judge would have defined what his role really is and then we would have had an answer that the Alaska DPS has not answered yet. He is not a cop. "

    To Braindead wrote on Feb 12, 2010 9:05 AM:

    " I can't tell if you are being sarcastic or really are just that, Brain dead. Svaing the city money is not hand delivering a grant application by traveling twelve hours, in a V-8 powered police vehicle. Certainly at the speeds he was driving and the manner in which he was he was not getting the best fuel economy. Over $300 in gas alone versus $4.00 or so to send it priority mail. How do you figure he is saving money?? "

    BACK TO THE BOROUGH wrote on Feb 12, 2010 8:38 AM:

    " HOUSTON CANNOT HANDLE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. IT IS TIME TO RETURN HOUSTON TO THE BOROUGH CONTROL. "

    to chance_giver wrote on Feb 12, 2010 8:37 AM:

    " look, roger,

    you break laws.

    you tussell with staff.

    you ignore policies.


    you're outta here.

    get it? "

    No Chance wrote on Feb 12, 2010 8:01 AM:

    " Chancegiver, here's a lesson for your pea brain on Purcell: quick claimed some property before bankrupcy (under investigation),owes cash alaska for a loan, not working,so called investment company does not have current business license,living in his foreclosed home, his wife fired from APD, towns he has been ran out of. Anchorage, Bethal, Skagway, Seldovia, Haines, Hoonah. Used a police vehicle as a police officier, which he is not. You must be related or Roger and Bianca making these posts. "

    HoustonJulia wrote on Feb 12, 2010 7:46 AM:

    " Glad "chance giver" sited "relevant facts" like "whining these liberal crybabies." Might this blogger be the President of the Chamber of Commerce who gets $500 a month to keep the Visitor's center open all winter, An not the $500 doesn't pay the heat, light, phone, and internet services that go with it. The tone sounds that way. And, by the way, Roger has been given way too many chances to shape up. Time to go, Roger. "

    Houston Citizen wrote on Feb 12, 2010 7:37 AM:

    " Ha ha! Now I get it! I thought Chance Giver was actually serious! They certainly faked me out! Obviously they are being sarcastic and speaking with their tongue firmly in cheek! Good one, Chance Giver! Golf claps all around! "

    Patriot wrote on Feb 12, 2010 7:20 AM:

    " As Commander in Chief of the Police, Roger has every right to drive one of his vehicles. The recklessness charge is also without merit, and is an obvious and blatant vicious political ploy. The voters of Houston have a right to have their vote respected. NO DO-OVERS! "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 12, 2010 7:19 AM:

    " I've failed to convince Roger's detractors with my pleas for the presumption of innocence afforded by our system of "justice." Alas, I make one last attempt to argue reason: Let me direct unbelievers' attention to the photo of Roger the Frontiersman selected for this article - a picture being "worth a thousand words," after all. Has there ever been a person who exudes more clarity of thought and purpose? Has any man possessed a steelier gaze? Has any leader ever looked more the part? Bless you, Mayor, borne of angels from heaven. Surely, I speak for all reasonable Alaskans. "

    WOW wrote on Feb 12, 2010 6:47 AM:

    " To Braindead... Fitting name...

    I guess it's ok to break the law as long as it is saving money?
    The last time someone broke into my shop it must have saved someone money? I'm sure it made the pawnshop money as well as the theif...but thats ok right?
    You and chance_giver can go with roger when he leaves...Alaska doesen't need or want YOU! "

    JonT wrote on Feb 12, 2010 12:25 AM:

    " Ilikepurcell.... yes, but that half does not vote! Houston has a small number of voters compared to the number that live there check your numbers. N. sult needs to stop posting for her buddy roger or the wife could get suspicious.
    braindead should quiet their bantor lest they get roger in more trouble, though your remark shows where you live.. certainly nowhere where there is law. "

    Stormy wrote on Feb 12, 2010 12:18 AM:

    " As far as charges against him, its not as much the point of making an example of him as it is of just doing what the law dictates and punishing him if he broke it. That is why the laws are there. If I break the law I understand the consequences. That is what helps deter people of lesser character from breaking them in the first place. If rog broke the law he darn well better be punished! If not what kind of message does this send to our young people. What does it say about us. "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 11, 2010 10:46 PM:

    " How did this become an attack on personal opinion validity? Keep this a discussion of the relevant facts about this horrid attempt to unseat HIS HONOR. This man is owed not only the utmost respect of all Alaskans, but their deference as well. This list of six baseless allegations might as well be expanded to double digits with charges of excessive flatulence, a day's growth of beard, jacket lint, and tooth spinach. What a ridiculous, petty, and contrived litany of whining these liberal crybabies have come up with. Roger, please stand your ground. We need you. "

    Valley Girl wrote on Feb 11, 2010 10:30 PM:

    " Purcell has stepped over the line. The financial liability to the City of Houston for his shenanigans is large.

    I'd check out whether he drove the fire truck 'lights and siren' driving it up from outside. And WHY is Houston paying for his and his wife's vacations??

    Time for old Roger to dodge his way out of town. He has too much bad baggage.

    Too bad the 'old days' of running somebody out of town on a rail with tar and feathers is over. Might have been a Kodak (or U-tube) moment. "

    houston be gone wrote on Feb 11, 2010 9:15 PM:

    " Could you be more dysfunctional? Year after year, more stealing and officials run out of town. Disband and tell the gang to go home, give the computer to the senior center and close the books. Save yourselves the tax money and save the rest of us from watching the ongoing 'drama of dysfunction' coming from north of the fireworks stands. Please stop, if only for your children who are learning that American democracy is a nightmare in Houston. "

    To the city of huston wrote on Feb 11, 2010 8:23 PM:

    " Don't just turn a blind eye to the facts!This person has not done near enough for your city.As an outsider looking in I'm not so shire that I would want to live there with governing like that. "

    braindead wrote on Feb 11, 2010 7:00 PM:

    " I think roger has been doing doing a wonderful job. He has made Houston the City it is today. What is the matter with breaking a few minor laws to save the city money. No one got hurt. When I was a kid I always wanted to drive a police car and turn on the lights and siren. He was way out in nowhere when it happened and he could save time by going fast which saves money for us. And he not just anybody, he does really have an extensive history in the criminal justice field. "

    offsoapstone wrote on Feb 11, 2010 6:34 PM:

    " chance_giver..... Bush one of the great country's leaders? Where were you from 2000 to 2008 I wonder. Sounds like houston needs a new mayor. "

    Meadowlakers wrote on Feb 11, 2010 6:28 PM:

    " High Plains Drifter headed south? Go ahead and make my day. "

    to I LIKE PURCELL wrote on Feb 11, 2010 1:14 PM:

    " What bridge did you fall off of, Roger Purcell has been a cancer in every village or town he has ever lived in, if you want him as your mayor you deserve him, but i believe most of the houston residents do not, KICK PURCELL TO THE GUTTER THAT HE CAME FROM!!!! "

    wow. wrote on Feb 11, 2010 12:09 PM:

    " a lot of crazies (or purcell and his wife) posting here.

    most likely him, his wife, or one person who posts a lot.

    that's my bet. "

    Alden wrote on Feb 11, 2010 9:27 AM:

    " My concern: Ths guy committed multiple acts of criminal impersonation, drove recklessly, made Houston liable for false arrest & imprisonment/kidnapping claims, possibly a federal civil rights calim under 1983USC. Aside from being a loose cannon, a gypsy cop with TERRIBLE reputation and power trip, what would in theory make his moronic lunatic desciples condemn his crimes? Does he have to be sent to state or perhaps feceral prison to shut him down for good? The imbeciles who support this type of criminality are the root of the problem and an embarassment to AK. "

    i like purcell wrote on Feb 11, 2010 9:19 AM:

    " i think he does a good job and i bet he is a better person than half u monkeys commenting on him. GO PURCELL! keep fighting the good fight! u have supporters! half the population of houston doesn't know how to sign their name so i wouldn't worry abt the petition. "

    Houston Citizen wrote on Feb 11, 2010 8:12 AM:

    " Hmmm... let's check the logic. Houston is blessed, he is "donating" his time, a "man of obvious means" because he owns a BMW... but he can't make his mortgage payments... "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 11, 2010 6:54 AM:

    " Again, Purcell is a survivor, just as many of this country's great leaders (Bush). His instincts will serve him well in this matter. The old adage, "best under pressure" applies. I'm reminded of so many stories of battlefield heroics. Roger will not only prevail, but his strength of character will increase and the public's adoration will broaden and heighten. I encourage all naysayers here to visit with him. He really is a remarkable, kind, smart, and inspiring leader. Please be patient. Don't trust the mainstream media and their vile, spiteful lies and slander. "

    Dave Herrmann wrote on Feb 11, 2010 6:08 AM:

    " Oh ,Laura...Just how much, (REALLY), did it cost for that firetruck trip, do you think?

    This man would put flashing lights on a bicycle as he continues to pretend he's a policeman Wasn't there a BMW, yes a BMW, equipped with police lights for a while up there that the "Mayor" was flashing about town?

    Hmmmm Seems I could go on with the Mayberry~Barney Fife shenanigans....but I gotta go to my real job.

    Ta Ta to La La Land and Laura! "

    Uncle Jed wrote on Feb 11, 2010 2:52 AM:

    " Purcell is a dangerous man and needs to be locked up. I think justice will prevail and the whistleblower cop will be a valley hero. We need more cops like him out here. "

    alaskaveritas wrote on Feb 10, 2010 9:57 PM:

    " Laura,

    The issue is not the ability to operate a vehicle, its a matter of law. Roger Purcell comitted a felony by his actions. Impersonating a Police Officer is a class C Felony. In addition, he comitted reckless driving on the way to Fairbanks. Further, he comitted Official Misconduct by using his position an ordering Sgt. Seidl to relinquish his police vehicle and then using it for unauthorized use - a policy that he voted in earlier in 2009. This is one of many things that he has done. Sgt. Seidl did his job and reported Roger. "

    laura wrote on Feb 10, 2010 9:28 PM:

    " laura- i mean bianca-

    do u realize it cost the city TWICE AS MUCH to drive it here compared to shipping it?

    Oh, wait- yo got a free vacation out of it.

    Your days in Houston are numbered. "

    chance_giver wrote on Feb 10, 2010 9:14 PM:

    " I'll wager the Mayor will survive this tempest in a teapot. The citizens of Houston (or enough of them, at least) are clear-minded enough to recognize a railroad job when they see one. Purcell will persist, as he should. Times are tough in America, and now isn't the time to remove from office a man who has given so freely of his time for a pittance in return. Watch the KTUU video. See for yourself how a man of obvious means (note the BMW SUV) is essentially donating his time to Houston. Fight on, Roger! "

    WhoDat wrote on Feb 10, 2010 7:40 PM:

    " The former mayor of Houston is a present Wasilla Police Officer. Go for it J.H. "

    Roger Roger wrote on Feb 10, 2010 7:30 PM:

    " Laura.....or Roger shall we say. You were not good enough to drive the rescue truck, you bullied the fire chief into it. Just like you bullied the cop into taking the car. Must be nice to be mayor, look at the perks. Roger......Roger "

    MeadowLakers wrote on Feb 10, 2010 7:22 PM:

    " LOL

    Don't come here. We just got rid of Tom. "

    houston red wrote on Feb 10, 2010 6:29 PM:

    " he never turned the lights on the rescue truck, but did on the police car. thats the deal. he broke the law, only this time on film, and isnt grown up enough to admit and apologize. and only grown ups should be mayor. "

    go figure wrote on Feb 10, 2010 6:10 PM:

    " I remember reading warning after warning about this guy when he was running for office. The people of Houston elected him anyway. I guess the people of Houston should unelect him, because if they are dumb enough to keep Roger Dodger...this stuff will just keep happening. Follow the bread crumbs to anywhere this guy has been. It's a disaster "

    Uh Laura wrote on Feb 10, 2010 5:50 PM:

    " -Laura
    Did you read the original article? Besides driving a police vehicle, he was driving recklessly and impersonating a peace officer. Not to mention the constant lying after he is caught goofing up each time. The guy is a slimeball. "

    Power Wagon wrote on Feb 10, 2010 5:49 PM:

    " "Laura" smells like Purcell. Hmmm....

    Why doesn't the clown just resign already?! Is it over-inflated ego or just ignorance? Both? Sheesh...some people just don't know when to quit. "

    to laura wrote on Feb 10, 2010 4:32 PM:

    " you left out the part about the side trip. How much did that trip cost anyway, that has sure been kept quite "

    Laura wrote on Feb 10, 2010 3:51 PM:

    " Purcell is good enough to go back east and drive Houstons Rescue Truck back to Alaska, But not good enough to use a city car to deliver a grant for Houston in Fairbanks... You people are nuts!!! You have a mayor looking out for Houston and all you want to do is give him heck! Don't you have jobs to go to? "

    Bye Bye Roger wrote on Feb 10, 2010 3:39 PM:

    " This should be a piece of cake! "

    step one wrote on Feb 10, 2010 3:36 PM:

    " is complete.

    step two begins.

    bye, roger.

    don't let the door hit you or your wife's butt on the way out. "

    No.1HockeyMom wrote on Feb 10, 2010 3:13 PM:

    " Whew!!!!! It is about time! Don't let the city deny this and even if they do keep going back. Houston has to get back control of the city and the peaceful setting that it used to represent. There are a couple of other councilmembers who need to go as well, maybe this is the first step!!! "

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