White recall “definitely making progress”

The Independent Maricopa Political Action Committee to Recall Timothy P. White is well on its way to achieving its goals of 606 signatures on the recall petition. “We are definitely making progress,” said committee chair Lezah Saunders.

Maricopa Unified School District governing board member White was elected to a four-year term, expiring in 2010, last fall. Since then he has been criticized for unprofessional behavior and speech in his public criticism of Superintendent Dr. John Flores and Administrator of Business Services Mark Busch as well as fellow board members, particularly board President Jim Chaston.

Allowing a convicted sex offender, his brother-in-law, to reside at his home located across the street from a school in 2004 is also considered an issue by some citizens. White has contended that the individual registered with the county as required by law.

The recall request was filed on May 10 with the Pinal County School Superintendent’s office; since then approximately two-thirds of the required signatures have been gathered.
Signatures must be turned in by the first week in September and will be verified by the county’s elections department before the recall can appear as a stand-alone ballot in early November.

Following the submission of the signatures, White will have 60 days to respond or resign. He has previously indicated that no resignation will occur.

Recall committee chairperson Saunders, who was also a candidate for a school board seat, indicated that her involvement had nothing to do with not being elected. “I was asked by a group of citizens to launch the recall, and I was appointed committee chair,” she said. Saunders has previous school board experience in Washington state.

“I can’t predict the future,” explained Saunders, “but I do have concerns about the person in this position and the past proceedings. School board members should always exhibit professionalism. If that professionalism is not there, what can you expect from your child’s education?”

The committee will be announcing additonal locations where citizens will be able to sign the White recall petition.