Election May Not Decide Purcell Contract Dispute

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

PURCELL, Oklahoma -- A contract dispute between the city of Purcell and its firefighters could be settled by voters next Tuesday, July 14, unless a local judge calls off the election.

In Purcell, the campaign signs are out, and the ballots are ready for an election that may never happen.

The city of Purcell wants the voters to decide between the firefighters' contract offer and the city's. The firefighters say the election is unconstitutional.

"Here's what the city of Purcell is trying to do, is to enter a contract for 2008-2009 but to enter that contract during 2009-2010, and we believe that the constitution prohibits that," said Doug Vernier, the attorney for the Purcell firefighters.

They may not want the vote to take place, but the firefighters are putting out "vote yes" signs just in case. The city can't engage in such campaigning, even though it supports the election.

"Well, the city's just interested in having the people vote, that's the long and the short of it. The legal arguments are complicated. You can get them out of the briefs, but that's really my comment," said Ted Pool, the attorney for the city of Purcell.

Wednesday, a McClain County judge said she would decide no later than Friday if the election will be held.

Election officials have 5000 ballots ready, have mailed out over fifty absentee ballots, and on Thursday they'll take absentee ballots to voters in nursing homes.

On Friday, walk-in absentee ballot voting begins. But if the judge rules the election can't be held, then all these ballots, and all this balloting, will be for naught.

McClain County officials say they've never had to prepare for an election and print ballots for an election that could be called off. In any case, the city of Purcell will pay the costs, around $3,500.

More on News9.com:

- Purcell Firefighters Negotiate Contracts