Editor:

The recall is headed by the same group of angry, destructive people who have brought repeated stress and turmoil to our community over the years. Some of them have filed meritless lawsuits against the CSD and they send in countless requests for thousands of pages of data – both of which have cost the town time and dollars – and some have viciously attacked community leaders in blogs and the local newspapers.

They backed the failed 2010 campaigns of Walter MacVittie and Jonathan Silver. Dawson’s win in last year’s election stopped them from having a majority on the CSD (along with their allies Mark Simon and Ray Tetreault), which would have allowed their interests to prevail in all town business. It seems that this recall effort is Plan B.

Then Director Dawson had some personal problems with his family that became very public, though they have nothing to do with his public office. I do not defend what may have happened in the Dawson home, but using this private matter as fodder for a recall seems like a cheap way to give their candidates another shot at a seat on the board.

However, throughout what must be a very difficult time for Dawson and his family, has he shirked his responsibilities at the CSD? No. Has he continued to work hard on the key issues that face us, including our water and sewer systems, parks and potential community center? Yes. Is the CSD making important steps forward because of Dawson’s efforts and leadership? Absolutely.

Brian’s wife Jessica has stated verbally and in writing that she supports her husband and that they are working through their personal, family matters. She has asked us to respect her family’s desire for privacy. The Dawsons have two young daughters, one of whom is old enough to read her father’s name in the newspaper. Disrespecting Mrs. Dawson’s requests on behalf of her family, the same angry, power-hungry crowd instead have used Brian Dawson’s mistake as a golden opportunity to overturn last November’s election. That is clearly what this is about.

Last Friday we saw a very expensive sticker advertisement on the front cover of The Press. Claiming that they’re concerned about “family values,” the unidentified purchasers encourage people to help the Dawson recall. You must be kidding! They want control; they want the taxpayers to be forced to pay for a second, unnecessary election. (Aren’t we in the middle of a recession, with government bodies small and large tightening their belts?)

As far as family values are concerned, I’ll honor the requests of the Dawson family. Please don’t support the power grab.

Ashton Rogers, Discovery Bay