There is no need to remove Oceanside Councilman Jerry Kern at this time. The recall is being pushed by a group of malcontents, and funded by the public safety unions -- this is a misuse of the recall process.

Recalls should only be used in cases where there is obvious evidence of wrongdoing, like the misuse of a city credit card. Expecting the taxpayers to pick up the tab on an unnecessary $500,000 election (an election that will more than likely fail to achieve its goal) is a gross misuse of taxpayers' money. This money could be better used to restore some of the library cuts the city has made because of these tough economic times. But I guess this doesn't matter to those who feed at the public trough and expect the taxpayers to cater to their every whim.

As a former council member, I can attest to how vicious politics in Oceanside can be, but trying to make a power grab for City Hall in what is probably the worst economic times I have seen this city face borders on criminal.

Remember, Councilman Kern will have to face the electorate next November, just like last time he ran. Voters will decide whether he will continue to represent them at City Hall. This blatant power grab by the unions is what has run California's economy into the ditch, and now they want to do the same to Oceanside on a local level. If you think this is far-fetched, just look at the city of Vallejo's bankruptcy.

Jerry has helped to create a new vision for Coast Highway and Oceanside Boulevard.

He is trying to energize this city, despite our current financial troubles -- working with neighbors in regard to traffic or anytime he is called upon to put residents at ease. He is making Oceanside an economically sustainable city and continues moving toward its potential. He is one councilman who personally returns calls, which some city officials refuse to do.

But the bottom line of this fiasco is the cost to the taxpayer. When Rosemary Jones, our longtime city treasurer, passed away, the council had to make a decision as to whether to appoint a new treasurer or hold a special election. The report came back from the county that a special election for the city of Oceanside would be at least $465,000. That was the minimum cost, so the council wisely chose to appoint a very capable and extremely qualified treasurer. I can only conclude that spending a half a million dollars is absolutely outrageous.

Again, I reiterate there was no reason voters should have to spend $500,000 needlessly because one group is singling out an individual. Jerry should remain in office and let the voters decide in 2010.

We talk about wasting money that our politicians throw away daily, yet there are some who feel it is important to recall a neighbor-friendly councilmember. Let Jerry remain in office and serve his full term.

SAM WILLIAMSON of Oceanside is a former councilman and once served as the city's deputy mayor.