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September 25, 2007
District 6 group calls for unity as Rutherford ouster suit filed
The newly formed Brainerd Unity Group today defended its independence from the citizen alliance that plans to pursue a recall effort against Councilwoman Marti Rutherford, despite some commonality in members. In an e-mail and on the group's blog, BUG founder Candy Corneliussen said the following:
The Brainerd Unity Group's primary goal is to unite Brainerd. Those of us committed to uniting Brainerd are doing so for one reason: we love Brainerd, it is our home, and we want to make our home a better place. The District 6 debate [over Marti Rutherford's residency] affects some of us in Brainerd. In order for Brainerd to unite and move forward, we do not all have to agree on this controversial issue. But after a decision is reached, we should all support it and move forward with our goal to unite Brainerd. [snip] This morning on WGOW, Jeff Styles incorrectly referred to Stuart's clients as the Brainerd Unity Group. Stuart James corrected him immediately.
Ms. Corneliussen is also one of those who hired attorney Stuart James to advise on a potential recall effort, as well as one of the seventeen District 6 residents who signed the formal complaint that prompted City Attorney Randy Nelson's investigation.
In related news, Nelson filed suit in Chancery Court today to commence ouster proceedings against Rutherford. More at Chattanoogan.com and the Times Free Press; this site will follow the developing story with commentary as I see fit/have time.
Finally, Stuart James provided welcome feedback to my questions on how partisan (or not) the recall effort is.
I wanted to let everyone know on this website that Alan and Candy retained me irrespective of any past associations with any political group. Alan and Candy have consulted with me as their lawyer, not as a politician. [snip] I've consulted with them as a lawyer, and I do not represent any political organization or group. I represent Alan, Candy, and perhaps more individual voters who live in District 6--these citizen voters are concerned that their rights have been violated by the election of someone who does not represent their district and who lived in another district at the time she was qualified to run for office.
Government | By joe lance | 05:09 PM