Despite a proposal to the Pahrump Town Board to remove him from the post of volunteer economic development coordinator, Al Balloqui is remaining at his post.

The board seemed perplexed at the suggestion that he be dumped and very little backup material was provided to help explain the move. The little documentation that was available stated, "It is the board Chairwoman's opinion the Pahrump Economic Development Coordinator position 'is no longer needed or desired.'"

Chairwoman Laurayne Murray was, however, not present to further outline her point.

Balloqui, who is also the director of the Pahrump Alliance Valley Economic Development non-profit corporation, told the board he was "shocked and insulted" at the attempt to remove him from the volunteer position.

Balloqui was appointed the town's volunteer economic development coordinator in October.

In response, Balloqui read aloud parts of a letter he had submitted to board.

"The removal of the ED coordinator in my opinion is like taking 10 steps backwards after taking four big steps forward," Balloqui said.

Pointing out the fact that many town projects have been delayed, Balloqui reminded the board "with all respect for everyone that proceeded me, and I do believe they did their very best and sincerely were motivated in their work," that a full decade has passed since the proposed fairgrounds had been started.

Balloqui added, "Understand that by having a 'point person' placed in charge, we have accomplished more in this last year than the past collective years."

Since his appointment as town EDC, Balloqui has spearheaded turning the fairgrounds into the Pahrump Arts and Recreational Complex, or PARC, enlisting the aid of Leisure and Recreation Concepts to develop a master plan for two theme parks to be built on the site.

PARC now has solidified plans to include various amenities, including an indoor arena and sports site.

"Is this politically motivated?" Balloqui asked. "I don't know -- I am shocked and insulted."

Balloqui also pointed out that Beatty, Tonopah, and Round Mountain all have EDCs as well, questioning why one was apparently no longer needed in Pahrump.

The board seemed nonplussed as well.

"So far I've seen fantastic results from Mr. Balloqui," Dan Sprouse said. "He's been one of the few individuals that I've seen that has made things happen in a very short period of time."

Vice Chairman John McDonald added that he was "puzzled" by Murray's proposal, saying he didn't know anything about it.

Balloqui also enjoyed significant support from the public.

Al Parker, business consultant for the Rural Economic Development Corporation, implored the board to retain Balloqui, saying he is an "excellent ombudsman and ambassador for the town."

Dave Stevens succinctly objected to Murray's suggestion: "There goes my park ... I can't see how this board can turn against a man like that."

Phil Huff facetiously informed the board that Balloqui had "a very bad habit" of emailing people, following up with projects, writing reports and spending a lot of his own time and money volunteering to pursue opportunities for the town.