In a contentious development that has divided the Fairfax community, longtime Town Council member Barbara Coler has taken a firm stand against the recall effort targeting Mayor Lisel Blash and Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman.
Coler, with nearly 12 years of service including three terms as mayor herself, characterizes the recall as divisive and financially irresponsible. She suggests it stems from dissatisfaction with recent election results rather than legitimate grievances.
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As this debate unfolds across Marin County, residents are weighing questions of civic responsibility, fiscal prudence, and the proper use of recall provisions.
Understanding the Roots of the Fairfax Recall Controversy
The recall effort in Fairfax, one of Marin County’s most politically engaged communities, emerged following the November election when two incumbent council members lost their seats.
According to Coler, this has prompted certain residents to seek a “do-over” election to advance what she describes as a “new” agenda.
Communities throughout Marin County, from San Rafael to Mill Valley, have been watching the situation develop with interest.
Recall elections remain relatively rare in the region’s typically stable political landscape.
What Warrants a Recall Election?
Coler emphasizes that recall provisions should be reserved for serious circumstances, not merely policy disagreements.
“Recalls should be used only in cases of corruption or gross negligence,” she argues, a position that aligns with respected Marin political columnist Dick Spotswood, who maintains recalls are intended specifically for instances of malfeasance.
While Ross, Tiburon, and Sausalito have historically managed political disagreements through regular election cycles, the Fairfax recall represents a departure from this tradition.
This could set precedents across Marin County.
The Financial Impact on Fairfax
Perhaps most concerning to Coler and other opponents is the approximately $60,000 cost of a special election.
She argues these funds are desperately needed elsewhere in the town’s budget.
Like many Marin communities including Corte Madera and Larkspur, Fairfax faces infrastructure challenges that require immediate attention.
Budget Realities and Outside Influence
Coler directly refutes claims that the town has budget problems, noting that throughout her tenure, Fairfax has maintained clean audits despite limited resources for road repairs—a common issue across Marin from Novato to San Anselmo.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Coler expresses concern about potential outside interference in local Fairfax politics.
She specifically points to Chris Moore, an East Bay real estate investor who has reportedly advised recall proponents despite having “no apparent connection to Fairfax.”
Such external involvement raises questions that residents of nearby communities like Woodacre and Point Reyes Station might find concerning for local governance.
Looking Forward: Alternative Approaches
Rather than proceeding with what she characterizes as a costly recall that “poisons our community’s spirit,” Coler suggests patience and perspective. She urges Fairfax residents to wait for the next regular election in 2026 – just two years away.
The approach Coler advocates aligns with the traditions of governance in other Marin towns like Bolinas and Stinson Beach. In these towns, community-focused problem-solving has historically taken precedence over contentious political maneuvers.
As Fairfax navigates this challenging period, the outcome may influence how other Marin communities address political disagreements in the future.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin Voice: Council member urges Fairfax to pass on recall effort
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