As a lifelong public servant, I have lived and worked through many political battles, shifting tides and changes in leadership. What has never changed for me is the importance of integrity, hard work and fairness in public service.

That is why I feel compelled to speak out against the Fairfax Town Council recall effort targeting two very dedicated community leaders, Mayor Lisel Blash and Vice Mayor Stephanie Hellman. I consider it baseless and damaging.

This isn’t about accountability — it appears to be a divisive power play threatening our community’s fabric. Having served on the council for nearly 12 years, including three terms as mayor, I recognize true leadership when I see it. Blash and Hellman exemplify the courageous, compassionate leadership often missing in today’s politics. They deserve our support, not this unfounded attack.

In November, two of my fellow council members lost their seats. I was reelected, as were two men who lost their seats on the council 20 years prior. As a result, I believe that some residents, including the recall proponents, feel they need another election to secure a “new” agenda, whatever that may mean.

I think it is time to work together rather than continue this misguided recall attempt. I consider it to be a political attack, plain and simple. It is a push to undermine the will of the voters and punish two women who have dared to lead boldly and with principle. Frankly, it’s offensive.

Recalls are for cases of corruption or gross negligence, not policy disagreements. This isn’t about misconduct or failure — it’s a political power grab. As IJ political columnist Dick Spotswood recently noted, recalls are meant for malfeasance or when an official is “so personally offensive that the community consensus is they have got to go.” Neither applies here.

Blash and Hellman were duly elected. Their terms end in 2026. If voters disagree with their leadership, the ballot box — not a costly recall — is the proper recourse. Our town faces real challenges, from crumbling roads to budget constraints. Squandering $60,000 or more on a special election — funds that could address pressing needs — represents fiscal irresponsibility.

More troubling is the interference from outside political operatives. Chris Moore, an East Bay real estate investor with no apparent connection to Fairfax, has been an adviser for recall proponents after orchestrating similar efforts in Oakland and Alameda County. I think his involvement begs the question: Who truly benefits? Fairfax should resolve its own disputes without manipulation by outsiders who may be pursuing their own agendas.

I am shocked and disheartened by the untrue statements of many recall proponents. Our town budget is strong and we have had clean audits in all the years I served on the council. It’s true that the budget is small: We do not have the millions needed for our roads. To address that, in November, we ran a bond measure for $18 million to repair half of our roads.

Some of the recall proponents and some running for council ran an active campaign against it. It came in at 62%, just shy of the two-thirds needed for a special purpose tax. This recall campaign, riddled with false allegations, does more than waste resources — it poisons our community’s spirit.

Effective governance requires making difficult decisions. Leaders who do so with integrity shouldn’t face punishment for fulfilling their duties. At this critical juncture, Fairfax needs unity, not further division.

As someone who has spent my life in public service, I know how difficult it is to govern with both heart and backbone. These women have done just that. They deserve our gratitude — not a recall. Let’s support leaders who work for all of us, not tear them down for doing their jobs.

The next regular election will arrive soon enough. Until then, we must support our elected officials rather than undermine them. I love Fairfax. Let’s work together to rebuild our community, break down barriers and encourage civil discourse and kindness.

I urge my fellow residents to reject this harmful recall and join me in building a stronger, more united Fairfax.

Barbara Coler is a member of the Fairfax Town Council. She has served three terms as mayor.