With recall efforts underway, Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner decided to fight back.
‘It seems like a lot of people get stoked up,” Wagner said. ‘I start getting calls to my house, it’s like enough is enough.?
The Committee to Elect Dave Wagner will hosts a ‘Keep Independence Township Growing and Financially stable, Stop the Recall Fund-raiser,? March 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Deer Lake Athletic Club in Bullwinkle’s Lounge, which will include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
‘It’s just for people who are interested in coming and hearing what I have to say,? Wagner said. ‘Focusing just a small part on the recall, but mainly on the things going on, positive things happening in the township, which are very few, but what strides we’re trying to take to promote us and secure our future.?
Wagner said information spread about him are ‘half truths and outright lies.?
‘This is the way I’m going to try and get it stopped,? he said. ‘I don’t want to devote all of my time to this.?
Wagner already spent $12,000 out of pocket and plans on probably spending another $12,000-$14,000 for a mailer.
He still believes the recall is linked to bringing in a township manager.
‘It’s got nothing to do with Dave Wagner and what he’s done, right or wrong,? Wagner said. ‘They can say all they want that they’re not affiliated, but everybody knows the truth on that.?
However, recall group activists see it differently.
‘It has always been about transparency and accountability in government,? said Henry Wolson, recall group member. ‘Had the same action been taken by a hired employee, we would strongly recommend that hired employee be fired. The way you fire someone who is an elected official is through a recall.?
Wolson also said he has not been told by anyone circulating petitions that their goal get a professional manager.
‘He (Wagner) is trying to make this into something that the public has already said they’re not in favor of,? he said. ‘When is Mr. Wagner going to take responsibility for his actions??
Woloson also knows of nobody who has taken it upon themselves to call Wagner.
‘If it is true, I don’t believe it is our organization.?
As far as the ‘half-truths and outright lies,? Woloson said they have documentation.
‘We would encourage people to go to the website (www.recallwagner.com),? he said. ‘Where we have posted articles, documents, and board commentary and decisions to allow people to decide for themselves?