Statement of Reasons to Recall Phil Barlow

from the petition:

STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR DEMANDING THE RECALL OF ST. HELENS CITY COUNCILOR PHILLIP BARLOW

The undersigned voters of the City of St. Helens petition to recall Councilor PHILLIP BARLOW because he is NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OFFICE and for reasons of FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY, ETHICAL VIOLATIONS and ABUSE OF POWER.

Specifically, PHILLIP BARLOW

1. is not eligible for office; he does not own real property within City limits as required by City Charter;
2. approved the City’s FY2009 budget which could deplete the $1.6 million contingency fund and lead the City to bankruptcy by June 2010, against recommendations of the Budget Review Committee and City Finance Director;
3. approved a Councilor pay increase of 800% as an incentive to do a good job, potentially costing taxpayers more than $75,000 annually in Councilor compensation;
4. voted to give Councilors expanded powers, changing the City Charter, against the recommendation of the City’s Charter Review Committee and without a vote of the people; and
5. lobbied the Parks Commission and City Council for City-owned BMX track improvements and a concession contract that could benefit his family bicycle business.

THE CITY OF ST. HELENS AND HER CITIZENS EXPECT MORE AND DESERVE BETTER.