[G.R.I.T. NOTE:  The author of this report was Joe Beaver, based on discussion and action of Gold Bar’s council on Aug. 3, 2006.]

FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST LONN TURNER

GOLD BAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

AUGUST 03, 2006

At the Gold Bar City Council Meeting of August 03, a formal complaint was lodged against Lonn Turner by another councilperson.  The issue was taken to executive session, with the City Attorney present.  Once the complaint was made in closed session, it was brought out into open session for discussion.

The formal complaint against Lonn was for his leaving two meetings early.  One was a special meeting called on short (some say illegal) notice on a Saturday that interfered with Lonn's family activities.  The other was an executive session after regular council hours.

Mayor Crystal Hill responded that the episode at the special meeting was due to a privileged motion of adjournment that had been made.  At the previous regular council meeting, this action had been taken and was argued to be within parliamentary procedures, although it was out of order for other reasons.  However, the City Attorney Designate determined that the technique was not correct only after Lonn had left the meeting.  At the executive session in question, the session had already been adjourned yet discussion had continued.  Lonn was justified in leaving at any time.

This attack on Lonn was over mundane parliamentary procedures and could have been resolved with a simple conversation.  Making such an attack in the manner done cost additional attorney fees, wasted council meeting time and served no useful purpose.

Plus, this personal attack was made against the councilperson who personally does more for Gold Bar than any other. 

When Lonn obtained low cost Reformatory Labor to help with Gold Bar's grounds maintenance, other councilpersons kept this off of the agenda (while they tried to help a non-resident with her lawsuit against the city) until all of the available help was taken by other cities.

While other councilpersons pass out flyers about forming committees, Lonn brought in a boom lift and power washed City Hall.

While another councilperson accused the Sheriff of intimidating citizens into not calling 911, Lonn held a Town Hall Meeting with the Sheriff and his Deputies for citizens and business owners on how to guard your property against theft.

When another councilperson could not figure out how to order playground equipment for the Gateway Park, Lonn took over and completed the task. 

After Lonn spent time to go to Index and drive over a speed bump to see that it was reasonable and effective in reducing traffic speeding, another councilperson stepped up to take credit for getting something done.

 While other councilpersons walked around, Lonn worked hard to set up the National Night Against Crime and helped serve hot dogs to the crowd. 

While another councilperson took up council meeting time trying to look active on the U S 2 Route Development Plan, Lonn has spent over a year working with the U S 2 Safety Coalition who were instrumental in getting the plan started.

This attack against Lonn Turner has no merit and only attempts to intimidate a good man.  There was nothing to gain by doing this.  Lonn is passionate about serving Gold Bar without looking for publicity, with no hidden agendas, and without aiming for self-promotion. 

Would that the whole council were like Lonn.