Ohio: Piqua looks into reforming recall

Following a failed attempt last year to recall four city commissioners, Piqua is looking to revamp its recall process. Among the proposed amendments are:

• Section 120 states that a voter in the ward associated with the member they wish to recall must file with the city clerk an affidavit that includes any allegations of inefficiency; neglect of duty; malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance in office; incapacity; and incompetence.
• Section 121 covers the filing of the recall petition that must be delivered to the city clerk within 30 days after filing of the affidavit and must include 2,000 registered voter signatures instead of the 1,000 current requirement.
• Section 122 amendment would define when commission can set an election date after notification of the clerk that a date needs to be set.
• Section 125 deals with the results of the recall election that should there be no candidate on the ballot the planning commission has the authority to fill the position by a majority vote.
•Section 127 would restrict a recall petition from being filed against a commission member until six months, instead of the current three, after taking office and likewise, should they be recalled and not removed, another six months after the election.
On the ballot, charter amendment will appear separately and read as a question. Meaning, a "yes" vote on each proposed charter amendment means a voter is in favor of the charter change.
...Under the new recall proposal a recall petition needs 2,000 signatures instead of 1,000.