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Mr. Valenzuela, you are not the victim when forced to deal with a public charge, by the Arizona State Attorney General office of a class-5 felony in violation of ARS-13-1802, which in a nutshell, is unauthorized use of services or property entrusted to you by the citizens of Superior. The many citizens of our community, who attend monthly council meetings on a regular basis, since your unopposed election, have witnessed or been on the receiving end of your disrespect, condescending attacks on fellow councilmembers, nonprofit groups, and citizens who are working passionately to make our community a great place to live, work, and raise families. From these observations, one may come to the conclusion that your tarnished reputation and questionable integrity were already earned prior to being charged with theft by the AG’s office.
Now for the important facts: at a council meeting you admitted to accidentally using the Town of Superior ATM card for a one time cash withdrawal at a Valley casino, but had already repaid the amount to the town manager who confirmed repayment. However, in actuality you had not repaid this onetime amount until the following week. It was at this meeting you neglected to mention the additional eight cash withdrawals between August 2013 and December 2014 for a total of $2,300. An internal audit revealed these additional questionable withdrawals amplified your problematic integrity.
Regardless of the legal outcome, for the citizens of our community actively involved in building sustainable economic diversity for our town’s future, the AG’s felony charge was the catalyst for a recall. It’s the disrespect and intolerance towards new and pioneer families moving and returning to Superior, including new business owners. It’s the retaliatory tactics when challenged, and missed or delayed opportunities to move our community and schools forward. It’s the gross display of authority and not as an elected servant of the people. It’s the inability to nurture common ground on complex issues. All these limiting leadership attributes are justification for your recall.
Yes, Mr. Valenzuela, the people of Superior are smart enough to know we are the victims of your gross misconduct, not you. It’s time for new mayor leadership, leadership that will make our community a great place to live, and raise our children with a vision of a bright future with integrity and sense of community.
“Many people are good at talking about what they are doing, but in fact do little. Others do a lot but don’t talk about it; they are the ones who make a community live.”
― Jean Vanier, Community And Growth
/s/ Hank Gutierrez
Fourth Generation Familia, and Business Owner
Superior, Arizona
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