Opinion: Vote 'no' on recall of Augusta Township Clerk Kathy Giszczak

Ms. Giszczak has assumed everyday accounting duties that were previously "outsourced" to an outside accounting agency, which had cost the taxpayers of Augusta approximately $50,000 per year. I am sure that if she is recalled, the new clerk (candidates yet unnamed) will go back to the previous practice of hiring the expensive outside accountants.

It is no secret that most of the zealous recall petition carriers are people who have run unsuccessfully for office, have been voted out of office, or have some personal hatred for Ms. Giszczak. What do they care if the cost to taxpayers will run between $6,000 and $7,000 per election? They clearly are not looking after the best interests of Augusta citizens. They are hoping to promote their own personal agendas. In this time of reduced public revenues does it make any sense to spend scarce public money on a foolish vendetta?

During her six-year tenure Ms. Giszczak has been harassed, threatened, stalked and assaulted. You might well ask, "Why doesn't she just quit the job"? That is exactly what the malcontents are hoping for. Ms. Giszczak is determined that she will not give up on an important job that the citizens of Augusta have duly elected her to do.

Please attend township meetings occasionally, read meetings minutes which are readily available on the township website or at the township hall, and judge Ms. Giszczak's competence for yourself.

A message that often comes with my email is: "The only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good men (and women) to do nothing". In this inclement weather, it would be easy to ignore this election, but it is an important opportunity for us all to do our civic duty.

Please vote “no” on the recall!

Rita C. McMahon Augusta Township