Think about this . . .

Washington County currently has approximately 10,000 residents and nearly 1,000,000 acres of
land. Under True’s interpretation of the law, this could allow for development of up to 50,000
homes. If each of those new homes had a mom and dad, and two kids the County could explode
in population by 200,000.
This kind of unrestricted development could make our county look more like Canyon County or Payette County
almost overnight.

Is Washington County for Sale?

What is the True Memorandum?

21 reasons to vote FOR recalling True Pearce

The following list of reasons provide facts and information that demonstrate Washington County Prosecuting Attorney True Pearce’s misuse of power, selective and inconsistent application of the law, lack of transparency, and exposure of Washington County to unnecessary legal and financial risk and cost. These issues have undermined public trust and have resulted in a lack of confidence in the Prosecutor’s ability to effectively carry out the duties of the office.

1. True sent a letter to Ron Jaeger, a private citizen, that was perceived by those involved as intimidating or coercive.

2. Former P&Z employee Charley Downey transferred out of P&Z following an atmosphere described by employees as involving berating, lack of support, and fear of repercussions, contributing to an uncertain work environment and low morale.

3. Pearce’s interactions with P&Z employee Cindy Womack-Steele were described as intimidating and contributed to an uncertain work environment, after which she resigned.

4. Former Planning & Zoning Administrator Bonnie Brent-Dowell’s resignation letter.

5. Pearce created an atmosphere described by employees as lacking support and creating fear of repercussions, following which Maria McConnell resigned.

6. True’s interactions with County employees have been described as contributing to resignations and transfers of experienced personnel.

7. Pearce initiated litigation against Delton Walker for providing information to the BOCC, raising concerns that County resources were used in a manner perceived as retaliatory and unnecessary.

8. True has provided legal guidance or direction that some believe exceeds the advisory role of the Prosecuting Attorney and encroaches on authority reserved to the County Commissioners.

9. Pearce has provided legal guidance or direction affecting Planning and Zoning functions that some believe encroaches on authority reserved to the BOCC, the P&Z Commission, and P&Z administrators.

10. Concerns have been raised that legal interpretations advanced by True have resulted in inconsistent application of building permit standards.

11. True’s advice to the BOCC regarding attorney fee issues has coincided with increased litigation involving the County, resulting in additional costs to taxpayers.

12. Pearce’s advice or failure to advise the BOCC regarding the Attorney House/Office has resulted in litigation filed by the City of Weiser against Washington County.

13. True has provided direction regarding proposed County Code changes to the Planning and Zoning Administrator without formal action or direction by the County Commissioners.

14. Pearce has advised or supported actions by the BOCC that appear inconsistent with Idaho Code sections 67-6504 and 67-6509 without formal amendment of the County Code.

15. True has not advised the BOCC to formally move forward with County Code amendments despite awareness of inconsistencies between practice and adopted code.

16. Pearce has selectively relied on the Holland and Hart code analysis to support preferred interpretations of County Code.

17. True incorrectly advised the County Commissioners regarding residency requirements for Planning and Zoning Commissioners.

18. Pearce incorrectly advised the BOCC regarding their authority to perform Planning and Zoning functions without formally amending the County Code.

19. True’s advice to the BOCC regarding limitations on public comment content has raised concerns about infringement on citizens’ First Amendment rights.

20. Pearce’s advice or failure to properly advise the BOCC preceded the removal of the nine-member P&Z Commission, resulting in months of disruption and additional costs to taxpayers.

21. Concerns have been raised that insufficient enforcement of County Code has allowed residential construction that may not comply with adopted standards.

Why the Recall of Prosecuting Attorney True Pearce?

We did not rush to judgment. We did what engaged citizens are supposed to do. We asked questions. We attended meetings and public hearings. We wrote letters. We met directly with Prosecuting Attorney True Pearce to share our concerns and seek clarity.

We gave every opportunity for these concerns to be addressed. We simply asked to be heard.

Our statement outlines those concerns:
“Mr. True Pearce’s actions and omissions as Washington County Prosecuting Attorney have undermined public trust in the office, including the misuse of authority in civil and criminal matters, failure to uphold a consistent and impartial application of the law, and decisions that have exposed the county to unnecessary legal and financial risk. The petitioning registered electors of Washington County believe these actions and omissions represent a substantial failure to carry out the duties of the office in the public interest.”