Frustration with Stebner has been growing for months within Ruston, the former company town and political hotbed sandwiched between Tacoma and Point Defiance Park.

His push to disband Ruston’s volunteer Fire Department and contract with the City of Tacoma for fire services ignited a controversy earlier this year.

A committee is still studying what to do with the department.

The subsequent discovery that Stebner and others met with Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma to discuss the possibility of annexing Ruston into the City of Tacoma only added fuel to the fire.

But it was Stebner’s alleged failure to produce information about that meeting that prompted the recall effort, according to Kim Wheeler, Ruston’s former mayor and police chief. Wheeler was knocked out of office in 2005 in an election that focused largely on a controversial condominium project that he supported.

Residents in the town of 750 learned about Stebner’s meeting with Tacoma officials as a result of information provided by Tacoma officials following a public disclosure request, Wheeler said. A similar records request had been made of Ruston, but it failed to yield all of the information about the meeting.

“It’s based on his integrity and honor, not based on his opinion,” Wheeler said.

Stebner said he had problems with his computer that prevented him from turning over some e-mails, but he provided everything he had. He said his critics are still “very upset” about the Fire Department issue and “irate” that he would ask questions about annexing into Tacoma. He denies doing anything to warrant being recalled from office.

Stebner wants Ruston to contract with Tacoma for fire service in part because the town already relies on Tacoma for help with most major fire calls. He’s also concerned that the possibility of taller buildings going up along Pearl Street and at the old Asarco smelter site could require Ruston to buy costly ladder trucks. It would be cheaper for the tiny town to rely on Tacoma, he said.

But the idea is unpopular with many in the community, and Stebner was roasted by the audience at a council meeting earlier this year. Mayor Michael Transue said it’s an emotional issue because the Fire Department is considered the “heart and soul” of a small town.

Regarding annexation, Stebner said it’s a “dead issue” for now.

He asked some questions and got some answers. He believes it could come up in the future, though, if Ruston doesn’t find a way to increase its tax base, which is almost entirely residential.

Beth Torbet, wife of Ruston Fire Chief Don Torbet, said Stebner’s desire to disband the Fire Department hurt morale and caused confusion among dispatchers over where to direct emergency calls. His interest in annexing into the City of Tacoma made her wonder about his agenda.

“He’s a wild card, and he can do a lot of damage,” she said. “With what he has done, he does not belong in public office.”

Wheeler said he delivered 136 signatures this month to the Pierce County Auditor’s Office in support of the recall, but learned that he went about the process in reverse. Anyone wishing to recall an elected officer must first submit a statement of charge, Pierce County Auditor Pat McCarthy said.

It’s reviewed by a prosecuting attorney, a ballot title is written, a hearing is held, and only then – if it’s found valid – the clock begins ticking for supporters to gather signatures.

Wheeler said he plans to submit a statement of charge this week.

He’s prepared to gather signatures a second time, if necessary, he said. The Auditor’s Office had not received a statement of charge as of Wednesday afternoon, McCarthy said.

Jason Hagey: 253-597-8542

jason.hagey@thenewstribune.com