Vulgar Display of Orange
12-16-2009, 08:27 AM
Supporters of Stillwater mayor speak out
By AMANDA O'TOOLE World Correspondent
Published: 12/16/2009 2:32 AM
Last Modified: 12/16/2009 5:08 AM
STILLWATER — About 75 residents at a town hall meeting Tuesday night asked Mayor Nathan Bates to stand his ground on allegations outlined against him in an ongoing recall process and ignore recommendations to resign.
Bates, 27, an Oklahoma State University student, said he was disappointed that none of the recall petition's signers spoke at the meeting.
"It would've given me more of an opportunity to refute their statements," he said.
The petition demanding his recall was certified Monday, allowing the process to move forward. Bates has eight more days to file a written response, which will be included on a second petition requesting a recall election.
The petition includes four allegations, all of which Bates has denied, that range from corruption in public office to public intoxication.
Bates said he has no intention of resigning.
"It's my opinion that if I'm bullied out of office by people who wouldn't even let me address them, it would set a dangerous precedent to any elected official," he said.
By AMANDA O'TOOLE World Correspondent
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What the hell is going on in Stillwater? Is there any merit to the accusations and if so is it really anything to be concerned about? Or is it just the other side still pissy that a 27 year old was elected?
By AMANDA O'TOOLE World Correspondent
Published: 12/16/2009 2:32 AM
Last Modified: 12/16/2009 5:08 AM
STILLWATER — About 75 residents at a town hall meeting Tuesday night asked Mayor Nathan Bates to stand his ground on allegations outlined against him in an ongoing recall process and ignore recommendations to resign.
Bates, 27, an Oklahoma State University student, said he was disappointed that none of the recall petition's signers spoke at the meeting.
"It would've given me more of an opportunity to refute their statements," he said.
The petition demanding his recall was certified Monday, allowing the process to move forward. Bates has eight more days to file a written response, which will be included on a second petition requesting a recall election.
The petition includes four allegations, all of which Bates has denied, that range from corruption in public office to public intoxication.
Bates said he has no intention of resigning.
"It's my opinion that if I'm bullied out of office by people who wouldn't even let me address them, it would set a dangerous precedent to any elected official," he said.
By AMANDA O'TOOLE World Correspondent
--
What the hell is going on in Stillwater? Is there any merit to the accusations and if so is it really anything to be concerned about? Or is it just the other side still pissy that a 27 year old was elected?