WATCH: Why this Ruling is so Significant
In the on-going effort to bring open, responsible, and ethical town government to Edgewood, a major milestone was achieved this week when Judge Kathleen McGarry Ellenwood of the 1st Judicial District ordered Acting Mayor John Abrams and Councilor Holle to follow the law and do several things that Councilors Abraham and Jaramillo have been asking them to do for months.
On Friday, March 5, Judge McGarry Ellenwood issued a Final Writ, in which the court directs Abrams and Holle (Respondents) to:
1) Appoint a New Council Member (to fill the vacancy left by the removal of John Bassett from the position of Mayor). VIDEO: Judge defines need to function
2) Allow Any Individual from Governing Body To Place Items On Agenda and allow the Public to speak during public meetings. (Abrams has been illegally violating Abraham and Jaramillo’s right to place items on the agenda and refused to allow the public to speak at meetings for the first time in Edgewood’s history). VIDEO: Judge explains inappropriate agenda control
3) Take Appropriate Actions To Transition To Commission-Manager Form of Government, Specifically Including The Redistricting Of The Town Into Five Districts (town email records show no actions were being taken which could have sabotaged the upcoming election and left them in office for another extended term). VIDEO: Judge outlines transition mandate
The hearing and subsequent court decision was initiated by a petition filed by governing body members Sherry Abraham and Audrey Jaramillo (Petitioners) .
The court wisely recognized that the inactions of Abrams and Holle could lead to the town missing key deadlines and steps necessary to transition to Commission-Manager form of government which was overwhelmingly chosen by Edgewood voters in August 2020. That election saw historic voter turnout and an outcome showing 70% of Edgewood voters favored the change to Commission-Manager government.
The court further expressed its disappointment in the intentional misinterpretation of the town’s ordinances in order to block Councilors Abraham and Jaramillo from being able to add items to the agenda and do the will of the people. READ: Final Amended Writ (issued 3-5-2021)
With these important steps, Edgewood can move forward toward having a government that is a reflection of the will of the people that live here rather than the hidden agendas that were being implemented by Abrams, Holle, and former mayor Bassett.
Special thanks and kudos to Councilors Sherry Abraham and Audrey Jaramillo for their tireless efforts on all our behalf.
