The Year in Recalls -- 107 (update 108) Recalls in 2013; 478 attempts -- 73 officials ousted or resigned

Here's my article in The Week discussing the Year in Recalls. The article is focused on the motives for the recalls and how the recall is becoming a normal part of the American political life. On the blog, I would like to take a deeper look at the numbers.

This is my third year compiling detailed recall data (the second using recall attempts), and we saw a steep drop off in recalls. In 2011, we had 151. In 2012, we had 168, with 509 attempts. In 2013, we have (updated) 108 recalls with 478 attempts. Of those 108 recalls, 73 were ousted; 51 officials lost a race, and another 22 resigned -- a 68% removal rate. 35 survived the vote. As in the past, these number probably understate the amount of recalls that took place.

We'll get to reasons for the drop-off in a minute. First, some stats:

• Once again, we've had recalls (or resignations in the face of recalls) in 20 states. 
• California was the state with the most recalls, followed by Maine. This is a change from the last two years, where Michigan led the country. We'll discuss that change below.
• Colorado had the only state-level recalls; Two officials lost their seat, and one resigned.
• The reasons for recalls were all over the map. The most prominent were gun control issues, in Colorado's Senate, in Exeter, Maine, an upcoming one in Idaho and discussions in California, Nevada and Arizona. However, there were plenty of other reasons for recalls for firings, zoning issues, corruption, city bankruptcies (notably, San Bernardino) and, of course, the San Diego mayor.
• Judicial Rejection played a big role in stopping recalls from happening -- 19 recalls were rejected by Judges; Administrative officers also killed 7 of them; and clarity hearing in Michigan have been holding up recalls throughout the state.
• At least three jurisdictions added the recall (Rock Hall, Maryland; Ronda, North Carolina, Rising Sun, Maryland) At least two others may have (it is very unclear). One jurisdiction, West Gardiner, Maine, rejected a recall law.
• First time I've ever seen one against a Coroner.
• I did not include the numerous recalls in Native American Tribes; I saw at least 13 of those. The procedures seem a little different, though I may provide a separate breakdown in the coming days.
• I also did not include recalls in Homeowners Associations and Property Owners Groups. Lot of those as well.
• Recalls were also a big hit internationally, with the mayors of Warsaw, Poland and Lima, Peru both surviving recall votes. 

So the big question, is why the drop-off?

1) The lock-up period -- In a number of places, recalls cannot be started until an elected official holds office for a certain length of time -- some have it two, three or six months, others prevent a recall for a full year. 2012 was a presidential election year, which probably sees the largest number of offices up for election. Therefore, more officials are protected under the lock-up period. This may explain why there is a much greater drop off in actual recalls than in attempted recalls. It's hard to prove this one, especially since 2011 should have had a lock-up period as well, but this is certainly one cause.

2)  Post-Presidential Election Year -- it may be that after a fevered political campaign year, political participation drops off. We would need another four years of data to check this one, but this can't be ruled out.

3) Michigan changed its law -- This one is definitely a factor, Last year, Michigan changed its recall law. One of the big changes was mandating that officials can't face a recall until they serve one year in office (or six months if the term is 2 years). Another is requiring that recall petitions meet a factual test. Michigan's recalls dropped from 31 in 2011 to 25 in 2012 to 13 this year (and at least three of those got on the ballot under the old law). 

4) Operator error -- I'm fairly certain that I missed recalls. I've compared it to other available sources (the good people at Ballotpedia have done an excellent job of compiling data), but there is no question that recalls are not being counted. However, I like to think that I've at least maintained my existing level of incompetency, and any errors this year would probably be roughly the same as last year.

5) Paywalls -- More and more newspapers and websites are covered behind paywalls. Local sites that report on recalls seem to be failing at an increased rate. I think the closing off of the web may make it harder to see recalls and reports of recalls. I can't say that it is the real factor though.

That said, recalls seem to be embedded in American politics, and seems to be playing a larger role on the state, which is itself impacting national politics. We saw it in Wisconsin in 2011-12 and we saw it in Colorado in 2013. We'll wait and see if any major recalls come up, but be assured that there will be plenty to look for -- in fact,  there are recalls already scheduled for January 2.

Vermont: St. Johnsbury holding hearings on proposed recall law

St. Johnsbury will be holding hearings on whether to adopt a recall law. There was an attempt to get a vote on it earlier this year, but the effort missed the deadline.

Idaho: Recall against Lake Pend Orielle School Board Chair over proposal to arm school staff makes the ballot

The recall of Lake Pend Oreille School District board chairman Steve Youngdahl has gotten the go ahead, with the handing in 125 signatures (99 were found valid). I previously thought that they needed 105, but I guess that was incorrect. The election is suppose to be scheduled for March 11.

Youngdahl proposed a plan to put guns in secure locations inside schools (with a fingerprint locking system), and training teachers, administrators and staff in using the gun. Petitioners cited Youngdahl's use of untrustworthy sources. Youngdahl used an article that has come under fire as being fundamentally flawed from the examiner.com that claimed mass shootings stopped by armed civilians had less deaths than those stopped by police. I believe this is the article he cited.

Michigan: Alamo Township petitions accepted by Election Commission

Five of six petitions were accepted in the recall campaigns against Alamo Township Supervisor Lou Conti and trustee Dawn Potter-Williams. The commission had previously rejected six on clarity grounds. This was just the language, now petitioners have to collect the signatures.

California: Hemet City Council members facing petitions

Hemet City Council members Robert Youssef, Larry Smith and Shellie Milne are facing petitions over their vote to negotiate with Cal Fire to provide services for the area (which would end the city's fire department). The officials claim it would save millions of dollars and give the city paramedic services. Petitioners need 6600 signatures in 120 day. Not the first time we've seen Cal Fire issues result in a recall.

New Mexico: Bernalillo County treasurer facing petitions, if approved by judge

Petitions have been filed against Bernalillo County Treasurer Manny Ortiz (D) over allegations of mismanaging county investments. Ortiz has already faced a no-confidence vote from the County Commission.

Petitioners needed approval from a judge and then need 45000 signatures.

Michigan: Trademark issues on City Logo leads to recall attempts in Cedar Springs

Petitions have been filed against Cedar Springs City Council members Patricia Troost and Ashley Bremmer over the city's vote to stop using its logo (due to a trademark fight with a Red Flannel Festival). This is the second and third recalls attempted over the logo issue. Here's the language of the petition which now must get over the difficult clarity/factual hearing hurdle:

1) Violated public trust by not following policy, procedure and protocol for the open meetings act—Act 267 of 1976, effective March 31, 1977;

2) Violated public trust by stating the process procedure to be followed for considering possible new city logo and then disregarded the process without notice.

Arizona: A look at the Cave Creek recalls in the Arizona Republic

Here's a more expansive look at the Cave Creek recall fight. One group, backed by editorials in the Sonoran News, is fighting to remove Council members Mike Durkin, Reg Monachino, Charles Spitzer and Vice Mayor Adam Trenk.

Another group is trying to remove Council members Ernie Bunch and Thomas McGuire. The issues include claims of financial mismanagement and a firing of a town manager.

Alaska: Hospital CEO appointed for Wrangell Medical Center (which saw an 8 person recall in 2012)

This is the denouncement of a serious recall battle.

Colombia: Bogota mayor facing upcoming recall vote in February

That is, if mayor Gustavo Petro isn't ousted by the Inspector General. Huge mess there.

Cambodia: Question on whether recall against Prime Minister is possible

Here

Arkansas: Texarkana Board of Directors recall abandoned

The attempted recall of Texarkana Board of Directors members Mike Jones, Londell Williams and Laney Harris has been abandoned. There was already an attempt to recall Sue Johnson, which was also dropped. The recall was over the vote to rehire City Manager Harold Boldt (who quit in March, was rehired in September).

Michigan: Genesee Board tosses out sixth petition this month

The Genesee County Board of Elections has rejected another recall petition -- the sixth rejection this month. This one, the second filing against Gaines Supervisor Chuck Melki, was rejected by a 2-1 vote on a failure to meet the clear and factual standards.

The issue was Melki's motion to add "police millage" to a vote on November 5. Melki argued that the language was misleading, as he only made a motion, but did not add it by himself (that took a vote of the board).

The Board also rejected petitions against Township Clerk Michael Dowler and Treasurer Diane Hyrman (both had two petitions filed). Note that Genesee is where Judge Joseph Farah tossed out an approval of recall language against County Commissioner Pegge Adams.

Colorado: Peak to Peak recall rules

The Peak to Peak Charter School's recall election's against Board President Thomas Willetto and member Greg Richards starts on January 3 and ends January 15. is set to start Jan. 3 and end Jan. 15.

For the recall to be successful, 30 percent of the school's families and staff members must vote, with 66 percent voting "yes." Every family and staff member receives one ballot for each recall candidate.

Oregon: Rainer Council recall leads to talk of change

The removal of Rainer Councilwoman Judith Taylor last week is leading to one city councilman claiming that recalls are too easy and pushing for a malfeasance standard recall.

This part is a nice counterpoint:

Rainier Senior Center Board President Bill Dias, who filed the recall petition against Taylor, agrees that officials shouldn’t be removed over policy decisions or honest disagreements. Nevertheless, Taylor’s behavior went too far, he said Friday. 

“Just because they are in office they should no be able to get away with whatever they want. They should not be allowed to bully people at will. It’s not their job.

 In addition, Dias said, “the voters put them in there and they should be able to throw them out. If you don’t want a person acting in that fashion, you shouldn’t have to wait for another two or three years” until a regular election comes up.

Michigan: Buena Vista Township Clerk recall language approved

The language calling for the recall of Buena Vista Township Clerk Gloria Platko has been approved as factual.

The petition states:

Buena Vista Township Clerk, Gloria Platko, called Township Supervisor, Dwayne Parker, an 'Arrogant N-word' in January 2013. For this reason, in pursuant of Michigan Election Law Act 116-1954-XXXVI, we the residents of Buena Vista Charter Township call for the recall of the Buena Vista Township Clerk Gloria Platko.

Massachusetts: Recalls threatened against Hinsdale Select Chair

Recalls are being threatened against Hinsdale Select Chair Bonnie Connor and possibly Selectman Bill Goddard over a decision to put the police chief on leave for failing to complete state-mandated training. Petitioners handed in 300 signatures calling on the Chair to resign.

The leader of the effort appears to be the former Select Chair David Kokindo, who stepped down in 2012 and lost a race last year. 

Maryland: Petitions taken out against Rock Hall Mayor

The town's new recall provision just went into effect in November.

Colorado: More on Giron's proposed Secretary of State run

More coverage on recalled State Senator Angela Giron's proposed run for secretary of state. Democrats are trying to ward this off, as many have gotten behind a different candidate. A Giron run would highlight the gun control issue and also (particularly relevant to the job), her claims of voter suppression as the reason for her loss.

Michigan: Signatures handed in against New Buffalo Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem

Petitions have been handed in against New Buffalo Mayor Migs Murray and Mayor Pro tem Ray Lawson. Petitioners handed in over 200 signatures (they needed 144). This was over the scheduling of a vote to fill a council vacancy (the two are alleged to have scheduled the vote so that a defeated council could participate).

Idaho: Petitioners set to hand in signatures for Lake Pend Oreille School Board recall over arming teachers

The attempt to recall Lake Pend Oreille School Board Member Steve Youngdahl over his proposal to arm staff members is continuing, with petitioners set to hand in at least 120 signatures (they need 105). Petitioners are particularly annoyed by Youngdahl's data collection methods.

Oregon: Rainer Councilwoman kicked out in recall

Rainier Councilwoman Judith Taylor was ousted yesterday, 183-179. The issue was over a allegations that she yelled at members of the Rainier Senior Center. The Secretary of State office is investigating the Senior Center Board President, who started the recall, as Taylor is claiming that the complaint letter was false.

New Mexico: Clovis City Commissioner facing petitions

City Commissioner Bobby Sandoval is facing petition for the "heavy handed" method of dealing with the publica and issues of economic development. Petitioner would need 88 valids (20% of turnout) in 60 days.  Clovis last had a recall petition in 1999, and hasn't had a successful recall since at least 1982.

Nebraska: Investigation of the Central City School Board defense against recall petitions

Some blowback about the Central City School Board recall. Petitioners targeted three school board members over the firing of a football coach. One of the recalls, against Kent Malm, made the ballot (set for January 14). Petitioners appeared to hand in enough signatures for the recall of two other members, Dale Palser and Steve Belitz, both the effort was thrown out because the petitions did not state on each page whether the petitioners were paid or volunteer.

Now, there is an investigation over whether the school board used public funds to defeat the recall attempt.

Wisconsin: Three officials survive Glenwood Frac Sand Mining recall

Unofficial results are showing that all three officials in survived the Glenwood Frac Sand recall. Mayor John Larson won 183-140; City Council member Nancy Hover won 163-160, and David Graese survived 162-160.

Michigan: Signatures handed in against two New Haven trustees; two others already facing recalls in May

According to their Facebook page, petitions were handed in for the recall New Haven Village President Jammie Kincaid (404 signatures) and Trustee Daniel Stier (376). This was over the signing of a deal to locate a landfill on property own by the city. Two other New Haven trustees are already facing recall elections in May.

California: Modoc Supervisor recall appears headed to the ballot

The recall of Modoc County Supervisor Jim Wills appears to be heading to the ballot, as petitioners handed in 269 valids (they handed in 353). They needed 259. The reason is "gross misuse" of the political office, though I've seen no further details.

The recall is estimated to cost between $5-10K and needs to be scheduled in March or April.

Maine: Poland Select Board all facing recall petitions

The five members of the Poland Board of Selectpersons are all facing recall petitions over the placing of the Town Manager on Administrative Leave.

In early 2013, 3 Poland Select persons were kicked out in recall votes. 

Michigan: Three Jerome officials facing petitions

Petitions were taken out against three Jerome Township officials, Supervisor Stuart Bloomfield, Treasurer Laura Grubaugh and Trustee Ron Lowry (all apparently Republicans). The issue is 1% administrative property tax fee.

Arizona: Sunnyside School Board recall dropped

The recall against Sunnyside Unified School District board members Buck Crouch and Daniel Hernandez Jr. has failed, with the petitioners saying they won't turn in any signatures.

The recall was pushed by supporters of Board President Louie Gonzales and board member Bobby Garcia, who themselves are facing a recall in the spring. That recall will cost $102,793

Rhode Island: Four Exeter Council members survive recalls by "wide margins"

All four Exeter city council members survived the recall over gun control issues that took place today, apparently by a "wide margins."

Colorado: Was the Giron recall loss not for gun control reasons? WashPost claims that focus group showed personal unpopularity to blame

One of the biggest mysteries of the Colorado recall fight was how Angela Giron, who was in the safer seat with a 15% Democratic Party advantage, got blown out of the water in the recall race. John Morse was in a much more hostile district, yet he just barely lost. Giron lost by almost 12 points

According to a focus group, Giron herself was unpopular (47% disapproval rating), with Democrats believing that she "went Denver" and was taking orders from party bosses. She also lost some women voters by claiming to vote for bills because "she was a strong Latina."

Giron is apparently also looking to run for Secretary of State.

Rhode Island: Wall Street Journal on the Exeter Recalls

Here is the story -- I'm quoted in the piece.

Wisconsin: Bloomer Mayor who lost a recall in 2007 and came back, is not running for reelection

Mayor Randy Summerfield, who lost a recall in 2007 and then came back into office in 2010, has decided against running for reelection.

Oregon: West Linn Mayor, two council members facing recall petitions

Petitions have been taken out against West Linn Mayor John Kovash and councilors Mike Jones and Jenni Tan. Petitioners need 1,844 signatures. The issue are a 2010 campaign finance violation and:

The residents also accuse the officials of putting regional interests ahead of those of West Linn residents, risking the community's physical safety and financial security by ignoring the recommendations of commissions and advisory boards, and failing to assert their authority over City Manager Chris Jordan and the city attorney's office. 

Colorado: Replacement chosen for Hudak seat

Arvada City Councilwoman Rachel Zenzinger has been chosen to replace Evie Hudak. Zenzinger defeated former state Rep. Sara Gagliardi in a vacancy committee vote, 39-27.

Arizona: Recall threats against Cave Creek Vice Mayor, three council members

The recall attempt against Vice Mayor Adam Trenk will also include councilmen Mike Durkin, Reg Monachino and Charles Spitzer. Petitioners claim the group misrepresented the financial status of the town. Petitioners need 210 signatures per.

Oregon: Split decision in Lowell City Council recalls

A split result in the recall of two Lowell City Councilors: Pam Bryant was removed 145-119 (55% against) and Gary Reese survived by seven votes, 135-128 (51%). Turnout was 49%.

The recall effort was led by GLO-PAC, the issue seemed to be spending (Bryant and Reese were opposed to spending).

California: Moreno Valley Mayor reappointed despite facing recall petitions

Moreno Valley Mayor Tom Owings was reappointed by the city council and Councilwoman Victoria Baca was chosen as mayor pro tem. Both are facing possible recalls, with the signatures on the Owings recall petitions being tallied. 

Owings’ tenure as mayor has been a controversial one that found him in the spotlight as he and other council members became the focus of a corruption investigation in which at least four of their homes were raided by FBI and DA’s investigators in April.

Michigan: New petitions filed against Alamo Township supervisor and trustee

Petitioners have decided to resubmit six different petitions to recall Alamo Township Supervisor Lou Conti and trustee Dawn Potter-Williams. The earlier petitions were rejected for clarity issues by the Election Commission. Each of the petition is focused on a separate issue.

Michigan: Judge stops Genesee County recall on factual ground; potentially devastating blow to state recall campaigns

A Circuit Court Judge has issued a potentially devastating ruling for recalls in Michigan -- quashing the recall of county commissioner Pegge Adams (which is over a bizarre animal control shelter complaint) for failures under Michigan's new "factual" requirement.

Here's why this is important -- so far, there have been numerous recall rejections under the "factual" requirement. But all the rejections have taken place on the administrative level (i.e. the local county election commissions). This is the first time that I've seen a judge overturn (or even rule on) an administrative board's position on the recall since the new law passed. If judges take a strict interpretation of the factual requirement (factual seems to be very much in the eye of the beholder on recall petitions), we may seem petitions tossed out much more regularly. In will clearly delay recalls, as officials will now have a good reason to go up the legal ladder looking for a ruling that will result in their recall being tossed out.

However, the bigger change could be in expenses. As we've seen repeatedly in the past, the personal cost of running a recall can kill it. Petitioners, especially if it is just a local group, may not be able to afford the time and expense of appealing legal ruling. The result is the recall is abandoned. Even if they can pay for appeals, the process results in a waste of resources and may help dampen the possibility of a strong recall campaign.

We've been waiting for this type of ruling to come down since the new law was passed, so it is hardly a surprise. But we'll have to see what happens next.

Maryland: Rock Hall mayor facing recall petitons

The city recently adopted a recall law, and now Mayor Bobby Willis is the subject of petitions. He pushed to remove the Town Manager, among numerous other issues cited in this op-ed.

Oregon: Secretary of State investigating Rainer City Council recall petition for false claims

Rainier City Councilwoman Judith Taylor is facing a recall petition over allegations that she harassed members of the city’s senior center. However, the Secretary of State is now investigating the complaint to see if the harassment allegation is false (and a violation of Oregon election laws). Taylor claims that the accusations came after she questioned the financial stability of the center (which, based on the article, seems quite shaky).

The recall is supposedly being held on Tuesday, so it's not clear what will happen. 

Rhode Island: Coverage of the upcoming Exeter gun control recall

We've discussed this recall in the past, but the Exeter gun control recall is getting a lot of attention. Exeter is a town of about 6,245 people. Normally, the most notable thing about this recall would be that it is the first one in Rhode Island that I've seen in three years of tracking. But the timing of the recall, which is close after the Colorado recalls, make it national news. I'll have more on this later in the week, but here's the Providence Journal, the Washington Post and the Christian Science Monitor on the subject.

California: Mayor Bob Filner pleads guilty, gets suspended sentence

Here

Michigan: Genessee County Official appeals factual claim in recall petition

This may be the first factual claim dispute to go up to the courts -- could be an interesting test of the new Michigan law.

Alaska: Attorney General holds that State Rep can't be recalled for party switch

Alaska's Attorney General has found that petitioners cannot recall State Representative Lindsey Holmes for switching parties. Alaska is a "judicial recall" or malfeasance standard state, and it requires a specified cause for the recall. Petitioners had gathered enough signatures to get on the ballot. This ruling will now be appealed up.

Montana: Bridger Canyon Fire District Trustees try to quash recall

A lawsuit has been filed by the five Bridger Canyon Rural Fire District trustees, Colleen Carnine, Mike Conn, Margaret Foster, Dennis Guentzel and Dave McKee, to quash a possible upcoming recall election.

Petitioners handed in 108 valid signatures for each trustee. The trustees claim the petition did not state specific acts that would allow a recall.

New Jersey: Petition against Wayne Councilman dropped

An attempt to recall Councilman Franco Mazzei over a plan to rezone commercial properties for mixed use has been dropped. Petitioners would have needed 1800 signatures (25% of registereds). 

California: Signatures handed in for Moreno Valley recall

Petitioners have handed in 5,960 signatures calling for the recall of Mayor Tom Owings in what sounds like a raucous scene. They needed 3,544. Interesting side note, 640 signatures have been submitted asking for the signatures to be stricken from the recall petitions.

Michigan: Petition for Cottrelville Township trustee recall rejected on factual grounds

A recall attempt against Cottrellville Township trustee Michael Zoran was rejected in factual grounds. Here's the language:

The language stated the following reasons for the recall: “(Zoran) has been censured three times for blatantly disregarding township policies during meetings; is self-serving and does not act in the best interest in the township as a whole; is rude and immature when dealing with residents and his fellow board members; spreads lies about his fellow board members and residents utilizing the Internet, Comcast and newspapers; is incompetent in the role of township trustee.”

Polls shows Millenials ready to recall Obama, Congress

Not that it matters, but that's the poll.

Michigan: Petitions on Buena Vista Township Clerk recall turned down over factual questions

The recall petition against Buena Vista Township County Clerk Gloria Platko, over her use of racial epithets about a township supervisor in a recorded telephone conversation, was turned down over factual questions. Petitioners haven't decided if they will edit the petition.

UK: Backbenchers overwhelming back "Genuine" (Political) Recall bill

Backbenchers in the House of Commons voted 127-17 in favor of Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith  ‘Genuine’ Recall bill (the recall would be a political recall -- allowed for any reason). Goldsmith notes that the signature requirement would be about 15,000 in the average constituency.

Maryland: Mount Airy Councilman set to introduce recall law

Mount Airy Councilman Scott Strong is looking to introduce a recall law, with a 51% signature requirement of registered voters.

Wisconsin: Dark Money and the Recalls

Here's a look at one part of the story.

Virginia: James City County Board of Supervisors Chairman facing recall threats

James City County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Kennedy is facing recall threats over the recent firing of  the County Administrator. The firing was voted on in a party line vote, with all three Republicans casting votes to ax the City Administrators.

There are also some other allegations against Kennedy, including clashing with police outside of his restaurant, where he allegedly suggested that the cops shoot teenagers involved.

Because this is under Virginia's odd recall trial law, petitioners would need 217 signatures (10% of turnout), and then it would be up to a court to decide whether the official should be removed.

Venezuela: Mentions of recall of President Nicolas Maduro

Here

Louisiana: Racial split in voting in Port Allen recall

The recent recall of Mayor Demetric “Deedy” Slaughter saw a strong racial split, with an estimated 95% of whites voting to remove her, and 71% blacks voting to retain. The city has a 60% black population. However, a local polling expert, John Couvillion, notes that the lack of a deeper (and perhaps expected) racial split is what doomed Slaughter:

Couvillon said two factors possibly contributed to Slaughter’s recall: the fact that two black women led the recall effort and his belief that the novelty of having black elected officials has worn off among voters.

California: Russian River Fire District Board members will face vote

Russian River Fire Protection District board members Kevin O'Shea (a former fire chief) and Linda Payne will be facing over the recent firing of the fire chief (who has since been reinstated). 

Petitioners needed 813 signatures. They got 870 and 853. Both members have been on the board since 2000.

This isn't the first recall in the Board's history -- in 1991 the entire board was recalled.

California: Coachella Valley school board recall attempt fails to hand in signatures

The attempt to recall five members of the Coachella Valley Unified School Board failed, as petitioners didn't get the 4,109 signatures needed for each candidate. They claimed to have collected nearly 4,000. The board members targeted were Maria Machuca, Joe Murillo, Anna Lisa Vargas, board Vice President Manuel Jarvis-Martinez and board President Lowell Kamper. Two other board members, Meagan Caress and Juanita Duarte, were not part of the recall attempt.

Washington: Quinault Nation President and two others survive recall vote, VP loses seat

Quinault Nation President Fawn Sharp survived a recall 211-138 as did the treasurer Larry Ralston (232-119) and Secretary Latosha Underwood (267-79).

Vice President Andrew Mail lost his seat 196-152.

Nebraska: Maywood Board Trustee survives recall

Maywood Board Trustee Colleen Stone survived a November 19th recall vote, 60-52.

Four Maywood school board members, Lyle Koester, Donita Werkmeister, Sheri Hartley and David Dodsonm faced recall threats, but petitions weren't handed in.

Michigan: Cement City Recall killed by Judge

The recall attempt against Cement City Village President Jim Ellis over citations(and failures to cite) for licensing/zoning issues regarding a kennel, was killed by a judge, The petition was originally denied for unclear language. The judge ruled that the new petition has to be thrown out due to Michigan's law that a recall can't be filed in the first and last year of a term (if the term is longer than 2 years). Ellis's term ends in November.

New Jersey: Vineland Mayor recall would cost about $85K

The proposed recall of Mayor Ruben Bermudez is moving forward. The clerk notes that a special election would cost about $85,000.