Last year, when the mural controversy exploded on the Prescott scene, one person that seemed to fuel the fire was former City of Prescott Mayor Jack Wilson. In addition to posting comments on websites across the country, putting up postings on his blog, Prescott Rocks (he later moved those posts to Prescott AZ Insights), Wilson was the first to publicly call for Councilman Steve Blair to resign or be recalled. As a matter of fact, Wilson even put up a Facebook page titled, "Calling for the Resignation of Steve Blair, Prescott, AZ City Councilman."

While most of the content on that Facebook page had to do with notification of recall efforts, some of the postings were quite vitriolic. And it certainly did not reflect well on the City of Prescott or its citizens. Furthermore, Councilman Steve Blair did not resign, and the recall effort did not collect enough signatures to place the matter on the ballot. Yet, the Facebook page remained for all the world to see.

Fast forward... After the tragic events in Tucson last weekend, a memorial was held on Wednesday in honor of the victims that were shot and injured or killed by Jared Loughner, a person that will almost certainly be considered legally insane by the courts. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, attended the memorial service. The President spoke movingly at that service, seeming to set politics aside and drawing praise from both sides of the aisle.

Thursday morning at 11:19 AM, former Mayor Wilson posted a comment on another Facebook page, stating: " I thought our president choose his words well last night. I really liked the phrase: it is time to talk with each other "in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds." That resonated with me."

When I read Wilson's words, I felt compelled to respond, " Jack, I noticed that you liked President Obama's phrase, "it is time to talk with each other "in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds." You said, "That resonated with me."

"So, I'm just wondering, are you going to take down the "Calling for the Resignation of Steve Blair, Prescott, AZ City Councilman" Facebook page you set up? The rhetoric on that Facebook page certainly has no healing propensities that I can see, especially for Prescott as a whole. It's purpose has expired - the recall movement failed - Steve Blair obviously isn't going to resign. So, why don't you put your actions where your resonation is and take it down? Let's move on from this issue.

"How about it?"

To be honest, I fully expected Wilson to ignore me. Truth be told, I was not his favorite reporter while he was mayor, and Blair has always irritated him. So, imagine my surprise Friday evening, when I checked out the Recall Blair Facebook page only to find - it was gone!

I checked it once, twice and more, but I just couldn't get there any more. While it would have been really easy for Wilson to ignore me and the challenge I offered, he didn't. He obviously considered the issue thoughtfully and chose to do the right thing.

So, I personally want to take the opportunity to publicly thank Mr. Wilson for taking action in this matter. It's time our community move on from this issue, and seek things that bring us together, not rip us apart.

Kudos, Mayor Wilson. I, for one, am genuinely appreciative.