KINGMAN - Mohave County resident Luca Zanna got a chance Jan. 12 to speak briefly to some of Mohave County's supervisors before being asked to sit down because he was in violation of Open Meetings Laws.
Zanna said he has been trying unsuccessfully for the past several weeks to reach each of the supervisors and the county attorney about a county policy that prevents residents and county employees from passing out political materials. Zanna and another man were asked by Supervisor Buster Johnson and a security guard to stop passing out information about Sen. John McCain's voting record during McCain's visit in November.
According to Zanna, Johnson and the security guard told him there was a county policy against handing out political information on county property.
Zanna said he contacted all three supervisors and County Attorney Matt Smith, asking to see a copy of the policy. None of them returned his calls.
He did get an e-mail from the County Attorney's Office on Dec. 18 stating, "It has long been our position and policy that county property is an appropriate place to conduct county business unmolested by political activities and opinions. It is not meant to be a forum for constitutionally protected free speech as there are other convenient places where those rights can be exercised without disrupting the rights of others."
Last Monday, Zanna signed up to speak on an item on the Board's agenda. He managed to ask the Board to put discussion of the policy on the next agenda before County Manager Ron Walker called a point of order.
Walker reminded the Board and Zanna that state Open Meetings Laws require that the Board and anyone speaking before it stick to the agenda item currently under consideration. The item under consideration at that time was extension of time for the rezone of a piece of property in Mohave Valley.
Board Chairman Tom Sockwell suggested Zanna speak to the County Attorney's Office about the policy.
"He doesn't return phone calls either," Zanna said. He then sat down in the audience.
"How can I be on the agenda if they don't returns my calls?" he said after the meeting.
The policy against campaign literature, petitions and other political information applies not only to county employees but also to anyone who steps on to county property, Ekstrom said.
"We have to maintain a level of order and decorum for the public," he said. "Once we allow one person to do something like that, we have to allow others to do so, too."
Residents have a right to enter a county building or property without being constantly stopped by people asking for petition signatures, passing out campaign literature or other information, he said.
Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Article comment by:
Patricia Moran
I am following this story closely. It has become of great interest to me because I have always been passionate about justice. I am the 80-year-old woman from Pittsburgh. I want to state that I have many friends in Pittsburgh and the Lake Erie area. I know editors of papers, lawyers, journalists, and am friends with most of the City Council here. I go to coffee at Starbucks with them. I have, as a matter of interest, kept them informed about this matter and most of them are also following this story. So, Mr. Sockwell? You are becoming well-known (and not flattering to you) in the Pittsburgh area. They are 'watching' the outcome of this fascinating story and hoping to see you recalled. There is not ONE of them who, after seeing the facts, does not agree with Mr. Zanna. Not one. And these people are, as I said, members of the community who are well-known citizens. One journalist of the Pittsburgh Gazette even said he was thinking of looking in to the facts of this story and perhaps, using it as a point of interest regarding free speech. Just wanted to let Sockwell and his "people" know that people outside his state know about this. Also, I am wondering if Mr. McCain has been informed about this issue..since he will, I am sure, remember the tall, 'dark-haired" handsome man who had to shout out at the end of the session...to be heard. McCain tried his BEST to ignore Mr. Zanna, but Zanna persisted and was amazingly polite after having kept his arm held up for the better part of an HOUR to be called upon. He began his speech by thanking McCain for his service to the country and thankingh him for the opportunity to speak. Patricia
Posted: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Article comment by:
We Can Recall Sockwell
Folks, the recall is really charged up, we are raising money and getting signatures! This county has been under the corrupt thumbs of this BOS for too long, and they have gone too far. We can now remove Sockwell from office. Help us do this. Please go to RecallSockwell.com to help! We meet every week, we need your help, be part of history to clean up this county! RecallSockwell.com for info!
Posted: Monday, March 22, 2010
Article comment by:
Please Step Up and Help with www.RecallSockwell.com
To help with RecallSockwell go to www.RecallStockwell.com or email MohaveFreedom@Yahoo.com. We are getting stronger every day but we still need people to circulate petitions and we need donations. Now is the time for change and we can do it. Thank you.
Posted: Saturday, January 23, 2010
Article comment by:
D. King
Mr. Luca Zanna
Thank You for clarifying your oath keepers position!
I still have questions, but apparently I miss read the document.
I hope You will except my apology for the miss understanding!
I see way too elected officials who do not seem as like they have ever read or understand our Constitution.
My main complaint with most of them is they say the pledge of alligiance
then in the next few minutes violate someone rights under the constitution.
It has happened at most every meeting of the Hacberry School District for the past year.
I may not completely agree with your position on McCain's voting record. However I intend to find out exactly what law they claim you were in violation of. I will challenge that law every chance I get.
We the people have the right to peacefully demonstrate, and we must all protect that right.
God Bless the USA!
Posted: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Article comment by:
Luca Zanna
Dear D. King,
you say:
"As I read the paper You were circulating a few month's back, I believe what you were asking Police and Fireman to sign onto was to not follow their sworn duties."
My answer: It is exactly the opposite. We were asking the local peace officers, and military to renew and to uphold their oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Also, nobody has ever ask to sign anything... we just did a not formal ceremony Mohave County Oathkeepers. Watch the video here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWyrCt51tfI
I hope this is enough to clarify your doubts.
thanks
Luca Zanna
Posted: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Article comment by:
First Amendment Rights
Posted: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Article comment by:
D. King
Mr. Zanna
As I read the paper You were circulating a few month's back, I believe what you were asking Police and Fireman to sign onto was to not follow their sworn duties.
If that is incorrect then I do owe you an apology, and will give it as soon as you correct my thinking.
Trouble maker I do agree that if to stand up for the Constitution is a trouble maker then I to want to be associated with that group!
I have re-read my statement and hope that I have explained my remarks, and once again if I read the paper wrong then please clarify!
Thank You D. King
Posted: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Article comment by:
V Stokes
Hey ....Show Cause
I can't find anything like what you are saying. Everything I can find says that a "Show Cause" is issued by a Court when a Court order of some sort has been violated. Like failing to pay support...or a gag order or similar.
Can you post some sort of reference to a site? Thanks
Posted: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Article comment by:
Lee
As a side note; I emailed Trent Franks(our State Rep.) about HIS stand on the constitution and never received a reply. I will remember this next election!
Posted: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Article comment by:
Dave
Since "county property" is not the place to do county business in the form of petitions...just where is "the place"? Where do you supervisors and mayor do "county business" in the local bar?...that is just like a legal opinion, as ignorant as you know what! What more likely place to hand out petitions than at the court house or county or city offices? Why is it, common sense seems to be flushed down the toilet, the moment someone becomes an elected "whatever"??? Americans need to stand up with their local inept city and county people and make them accountable.... because as small fires(placed at the base) grow, they climb the pile of dead wood ! Oh just as a refresher, I believe the actual wording was "employees" handing out material, this is a convenient misuse of an ordinance to fit whatever it is they want to stop!!! imho
Posted: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Article comment by:
Show Cause Action is remedy
Altogether now class, repeat after me:
"Show Cause Action"
Anytime you cannot get a strait answer from an elected official, any elected official, all you have to do is go down to the court house and file a show cause action. This causes them to have to come to court and answer your questions under oath and under penalty of perjury. Many times just the threat of such an action will cause the official to get up off the truth but be willing to take it to the mat if you must. I suggest starting a "Show Cause Fund" which concerned citizens can put money into so whenever a politician tries the two step around the truth tango then slap him/her with a summons and see how fast they step up to the bar and spill their guts. None want to be under oath and questioned about their decisions or official actions. It would be a good idea to have a street-fighting lawyer on your side to handle the paperwork and perform the grilling. If you cannot trust a local lawyer then do it yourself. Good Hunting.
Posted: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Article comment by:
Jeff C.
McCain was there to spout off his political propaganda and his opinions. People that reach over the isle to liberal socialists are liberal socialists, and that is saying it in a polite manner.
Remember JIM DEAKIN is running against John McCain and McCain has a terrible voting record towards amnesty for illegals and massive bailouts.
If there is a county policy on keeping people from handing out fliers, it is a corrupt policy made by and enforced by corrupt people.
I hope Luca does take this matter to court as it should be considered a violation of his liberty.
When a person blocks or infringes on the rights of people to enter a building it is not good....but people that ban a man from standing and peacefully handing out fliers should be placed in prisons...and that is my opinion.
They should be considered enemies of the Constitution and of the State.
They seem to think they are the ones that have the authority to hand out "liberty" as they see fit.
Notice the quote from the County Attorney's Office;
"It is not meant to be a forum for constitutionally protected free speech as there are other convenient places where those rights can be exercised without disrupting the rights of others."
Do you notice that McCain has the right to protected free speech and others dont even have the right to hand out fliers?
Luca was not even in the forum.
How does a person handing out fliers disrupt the rights of others?
I tell you people, vote the rascals out.
Remember JIM DEAKIN
Posted: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Article comment by:
Paratrooper
A little lesson here . Imagine you are invited to join a group of people . Not knowing exactly how things are done you ask what the rules are . In this case the rules are called The Constitution . After that there are more rules not only of behavior but civility . We also have guidelines that folks are asked to adhere to for the sake of an orderly society . Now we have a person that learns them .... WELL . Then when he attempts to function within the confines that are supposed to govern us ALL "somebody" or somebodies change the rules . Well , actually they didn't change the rules but rather lied about the fact that there existed other laws that in fact DID NOT exist . In any other town/city this would garner a charge of " abuse under the color of authority". The person/'s directly responsible for this travesty should be held accountable . A charge like this with numerous witnesses should be enough for either termination or at least relegating them to life as a "buck private" as far as advancement goes . Anyone that thinks that business as usual will last forever missed the news from MA tonight .I think Luca should run for office . I live rural but right thinking does not have a specific zip code .I'll help him all I can . He knows the rules as they should be which will trump those that think they know the rules the way they WANT them to be .
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
P-Rod
Woody: the problem is there is no "right person" all the good ones can't afford the money it takes to run for an office. All politicians are in someone's pockets before they ever run for an office. Where does that leave us? If the average "Joe Blo" could run... this country would be a hellufalot better off!
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
Jeff
Notice part of the statement from the County Attorney's Office;
"It has long been our position and policy that county property is an appropriate place to conduct county business unmolested by political activities and opinions."
Notice that John McCain was not conducting county business and was involved in political activities and giving his opinions!
These county supervisors and the county attorney office are nothing but a bunch of goofs as far as I am concerned and the quote whould have been more correct like this;
***It has long been our position and policy that county property is an appropriate place for us to promote our agenda unmolested by the political opinions of those we do not agree with.***
But what else would you expect from them?
How does it hurt to hand out fliers when it disrupts nothing and no one is forced or intimidated to take any?
But hey, we are talking about an attorney for crying out loud.
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
Luca Zanna
To woody
and everybody wants to contact me directly with input
my email is mohavefreedom@yahoo.com
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
Woody
Some of the politicians in this County are some of the worst I've seen ANY where... and I've seen some bad ones. Chicago for example. All you Constitutionalist, Conservatives, Right-Wingers, Republicans, don't forget where you came from.
Luca Zanna isn't even from THIS Country, but he knows more about it and how it should be governed than most of you so-called American Citizens. But, IF you don't want, or like this socialist government and it's errand boys/girls, Luca speaks of, here is the opportunity to "CHANGE" back to the kind of government our Fore Fathers envisioned for us. This election, let's "TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY" and vote for the RIGHT person!!! That Right person can be determined largely by his/her voting record.
Public SERVANTS are just that... SERVANTS of We The People and have no right or business telling Citizens what they can and can not do, contrary to the Constitution.
Luca, if you would like some assistance preparing suit against these Public Servants for Civil and Constitional Rights violations under Title 43 & Title 18, I would be glad to help. I think it's time we all cleaned out these rats nests...
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
SaveOurRepublic
We should be so lucky to have someone like Luca in local office.
These current selfish pig representatives only care about serving themselves, it's time to shake the rotten apples out of the tree. Another vote for Luca!
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
No name provided
@ Guillermo Tarango --
I'd vote for Luca simply because he probably knows the Constitution better than a lot of us that were born in the U.S. Beyond that, he CARES about the Constitution.
So, yeah, run for office Luca. You'd get my vote.
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
Guillermo Tarango
Luca,
Sounds like you have a lot of support. Run for local office. Personally, in reading the article and previous ones similar to it, I believe there is much more to this story as to why you are not allowed to speak. But run for office nevertheless and see where you stand with the locals.
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
nuzzelfut
Looks like "We the people" are starting to wake up.
These career politicians better sit up and take notice, or they will find them selves in the UNEMPLOYEMENT line.
I was at the meeting mr. Zana speaks of, and it was a pittiful moment for the Board to be so biased.They have forgotten who they work for...ban together citizens and let's show 'em.
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
WORKIN MAN
mohave county makes their own laws. they do what they want when they want to
its time to do something about this.
i think politicians should pay for their lies.
when the companies that they support dont bring in the money and jobs they claim they are going to bring into this town if approved doesnt happen they should be sued for every penny that they burdoned the tax payers with.
ill bet if we make our politicians pay for their lies things would change quickly and the next guy wont lie as often as these guys do.
lets face it their liers
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
Luca Zanna
Personal to D. King
You are using slander when you say "I do not agree with his push to try to get public servants to sign his statement against following their sworn duties."
What are you talking about??? This is a pure lie. Be a man and show your name like I do and proof with fact what you say.
Before you slander people, try to get your facts straight.
My last note about being a trouble maker... if to stand for our Constitution and Freedom in those days means to be a trouble maker... I am proud to be one.
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
Fitzhugh Havens
I was at the McCain visit at the Mohave County building in November. Two fellows sitting in the seats directly in front of me, handed me a paper with McCain's voteing record. OK, so thats his voteing record and I accept that. How that information effects me is up to me, wheather I agree or disagree.
So my question is: If a political rally/agenda or whatever is allowed at this venue, then why is free speech not allowed??? Mr McCain was allowed to voice his opinion, why not Mr Zanna??
Wheather or not one agreess or disagres with Mr Zanna's agenda, it should not prevent him from stating his opinion.
Posted: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Article comment by:
BlueStreak Patriot
JOSHUA:
Luca Zanna didn't "morph" from any group or movement. His spirit and inspiration are sparked by the U.S. Constitution and the fact that he actually has read and learned American History. I suggest you learn about our guaranteed freedoms before flapping your yap again!
