Friday, November 28, 2014

Missouri: Can St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney face a recall?

Following the Ferguson Grand Jury decision last week, here's an article on the possibility of recalling St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch. The political science professor quoted in the article seems to feel that recalls infrequently work and are used for kicking people out for corruption. I'd hope that the thousands of posts on this blog serve as a definitive refutation of the second part of that statement (and, if he means that once on the ballot they fail, the first part as well). That said, the recall would be a big challenge to get on the ballot. Petitioners would need 104,000 valid signatures to get the recall on the ballot.

Arizona: Article on the chances of recalling new Superintendent of Public Instruction

No one asked me, but I'll be happy to take bets of anyone who thinks that this is going to get to the ballot. They need more than 367,000 signatures. This would be the fourth most signatures ever compiled for a recall.

Philippines: Supreme Court orders Puerto Princesa Mayor recall

The Philippines Supreme Court has ordered a recall of Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron after Comelec resolutions stopped all recall proceedings due to a stated lack of funds. Petitioners handed in 40,409 signatures (needed 19,335).

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Massachusetts: Saugus recall scheduled for February 3

Four members of the Saugus Board of Selectmen are facing a recall scheduled for February 3 over their vote to fire the town manager. Petitioners needed 4,441 signatures. They handed in more than 5,400 per  Chairman Ellen Faiella (4,929) Vice Chairman Maureen Dever(4,859), Paul Allan (4949) and Stephen Castinetti (4,909) are all on the ballot. A fifth selectmen, who voted to retain the town manager, did not face a recall effort.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Louisiana: Gonzales City Councilman resigns two weeks before recall vote

Gonzales city councilman Gary Lacombe resigned before his December 6 recall. Councilman Timothy Vessel is still up for recall on the 6th.

Louisiana: Coushatta Councilman recall fails

Rejected signatures doomed the recall attempt against Coushatta Town Councilman Mallory Parsons Sr. Petitioners needed 497 signatures (33% of registereds). They got 581, but 89 were deemed invalid and 60 were not registered. They were left with 432.

Massachusetts: Erving adopts recall law

Erving adopted a recall law in a city vote, 44 to 37, though it still needs state legislative and gubernatorial approval before it goes into effect. Of particular interest is that the Selectmen Board Chairman William Bembury proposed an amendment to require a list of reasons for the recall to take place. This amendment failed 44-33.

Petitioners would need 20% of registered voters signature in 20 days (about 200 signatures). There is also a six month waiting period at the start of the term. This is a one-day, two-step process, with an up-or-down vote on the recall and a vote for the successor in case of removal. The incumbent can run in the successor race -- and is actually automatically included on the ballot, unless he or she asked to be removed.

Ohio: Seven Hills City Council President facing threats

Seven Hills City Council President Mike Barth is facing recall threats over his support to rezone part of a neighborhood as an elderly care district. Petitioners need about 2,000 signatures.

Michigan: Language rejected in Saginaw Board of Ed member recall

Petition language was rejected in an attempt to recall Saginaw Public School District Board of Education member Rudy Patterson. The issue was "consistently voted against administration recommendations on nearly every substantive financial issue to come before the Board" and he "he has failed to offer alternatives to the recommendations he has voted against." In February, there was an attempt to recall three other board members. That was also rejected.

Michigan: Petitions approved against entire Raisin Township Board

Petition language was approved against all six members of the Raisin Township BoardSupervisor Jay Cavanaugh's recall was started in October, but now petitions have been approved against c>lerk Betty Holdridge, treasurer Kami Johnson and trustees Larry Crittenden, Tom Hawkins, Deb Brousseau and Dale Mitchell. Petitioners will need 590 signatures each.

According to the petition wording, the six officials “voted for purchase of a fire truck costing in excess of $400,000 without advertising for and obtaining competitive sealed bids” and “the board eliminated the opportunity for citizens to comment at the conclusion of board meetings.”

Oregon: Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation District board facing threats over director firing

Northern Wasco County Parks & Recreation District board members Catherine Whalen, Nikki Lesich and Travis Dray are facing recall threats for firing the district director (no reason was given for the termination). Petitioners need somewhere between 850-900 signatures (15% of turnout for governor in the district). Because there wouldn't be a quorom, the Wasco County Commission would have to appoint one new member, who would join with the existing members to appoint two other new members. 

Arizona: South Tucson Mayor facing recall

South Tucson Mayor Paul Diaz is facing an upcoming recall, after petitioners handed in enough signatures to move forward. No word on scheduling yet. The issue seems to be support for a new court system that funnels people into substance abuse treatment.

 Petitioners handed in 320 signatures, 222 of them were valid. They needed 183. 55 of the 98 rejected were signed by non-registered voters (don't usually see that detail of why the signatures were rejected). 

 Diaz moved up to mayor in 2013, and was elected in 2011. 

Montana: Toole County Commission signatures must be counted

A state court rules that signatures handed in against Toole County Commissioner Allen Underdal must be counted.

The issue is whether Underdal violated the law by retaining legal counsel ofor Maris Medical Center's CE) (and paying $57K for the work).

Montana is a malfeasance standard state on the merits, which means there must be a showing of cause before a judge (this didn't count). Petitioners need 15% of registered voters or 390 by December 20

Friday, November 21, 2014

California: Perris City Councilman facing petitions after drug possession

Perris City Councilman Julio Rodriguez is facing petitions after his arrest for drug possession. The arrest came after he called police to a hotel room because his city-issued iPad was stolen. He is also being accused of misusing his travel allowance.  Petitioners need 4,661 signatures by February 25. 

North Dakota: Mapleton Mayor wins recall race

Mapleton Mayor Eric Hillman overwhelming won a recall vote 146-48 against former Councilwoman Carlita Dieta (who lost in June). The recall was led by City Councilman Ryan Johnson, who claimed that Johnson was unprofessional and...

 The mayor was part of a “good ol’ boys” club and gets drunk and starts “talking politics.”

Massachusetts: Westminster Board of Health withdraws tobacco proposal

Following recall threats last week, the Westminster  Board of Health withdrew their tobacco sales ban proposal. No word on whether the recall has been pulled. Petitioners will need 800 signatures in 20 days.

Texas: West University Place City Council hit with recall threats

West University Place City Council has been facing recall threats over their plan to seel or swap a maintenance facilities to West University Baptist Church (whose has a deacon serving as a council member who recused himself from the proceedings).

Michigan: Clay Township Clerk failed to file paperwork, leading to IRS liens, recall

Clay Township has now been hit by huge IRS liens due to township Clerk Lisa White's failure to file paperwork. Needless to say, there is a recall against White in the works. She hasn't shown up since Election Day. Petitioner (a township Supervisor) needs 914 signatures in 60 days.

Michigan: Judge okays petition against Flint Township Supervisor

Flint Township Supervisor Karyn Miller is facing petitions, after a Circuit Court judge rejected a claim that the language was insulting. Not clear why it is insulting though. Here's the dispute:

The recall petition against Miller, filed by resident Lavonna Harris, said, "On June 16, 2014, at a regular Flint Township board meeting, Supervisor, Karyn Miller, voted to approve ballot language for the Nov. 4, 2014, election, for a 10-year, 3.85 millage proposal for public safety."
County Treasurer Deb Cherry referred to the petition language as "insulting" after approving it, saying it was a ridiculous reason for a recall.
In Miller's appeal, attorney Mark Newman said the phrase public safety could be misconstrued to mean only police work and there is no "public safety department" for the township.

Wisconsin: Clintonville Alderman loses Election Day recall

Clintonville Alderman Greg Rose lost his Election Day recall, 108-93 against Lois Bressette, who Rose beat for the seat in April 2013 (84-77 at that time). Turnout was 43%. This represented the first recall in Clintonville's history.

The issue was complaints about hostility to business and replacing the municipal attorney. Of note is that the Council refused to accept the recall on September 30 (by a 4-2 vote), but the GAB overruled them.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Missouri: University City Council member targeted by recall threats

University City Council Member Stephen Kraft is the target of anonymous flyers claiming a recall campaign.  Not clear what it is about, but the Mayor asked residents not to sign, claiming that it is his April election opponents who is pushing the recall.

Michigan: Pulaski Township Supervisor survives recall rerun

Pulaski Township Supervisor Robert Jones survived his recall election 406-305, beating David White who lost to Jones in 2012 and had filed four petitions to remove Jones (though the petitions were rejected by the election commission). The recall was over Jones' vote to fire the fire chief.

Ohio: New Miami Mayor resigns after recall threats

New Miami Mayor Patti Hanes resigned on November 7 in the face of recall threats over the firing of the police chief (after he allegedly choked a suspect), raises, and upgrades to cars and the removal of red light cameras (by judicial order). She has been in office 7 years.

Michigan: Three Elk Rapids Township officials survive recall over township ambulance service outsourcing

Another group of recalls discovered here: Three Elk Rapids Township Supervisor Bill White, Treasurer Michael Szymanski, and trustee Dorance Amo, all survived Election Day recalls over a contract that outsourced the Township's ambulance service.  

Tennessee: Crossville adopts recall with supermajority requirement, petitioner pays for election provision

Crossville overwhelmingly approved a recall law 1728-386 (at the same time as adopting term limits). The recall has some tough provisions, most notably it requires a supermajority of 66% of the vote for the official to be removed. The petitioners need at least 33% of what registered voters to sign, and does not seem to have a lower limit for city council members (though perhaps it is an at large election city).  An even tougher provision requires the petitioners to post a cash bond equivalent to the cost of the election. If the election is held, petitioner pays.

Nebraska: Verdigre Fire Board members ousted on Election Day

Two members of the Verdigre Rural Fire Board were kicked out in an Election Day recall. Duane Liska lost 163-94 and Walton was recalled 155-104.

Massachusetts: Lancaster Town Clerk sends emails calling for selectmen recall

There are allegations that Lancaster Town Clerk Sue Thompson went over the ethical line in sending an email to residents calling for the successful recall Selectmen Susan Smiley and Jean Syria.The question seems to be over how Thompson got the list, which she appears to admit was acquired from work. She apologized -- no word on whether there will be follow up.

North Dakota: Mapleton Mayor up for recall on November 20

Mapleton Mayor Eric Hillman is facing a November 20 recall over accusations of unprofessional conduct. Hillman is in his first term, but has been on boards and the city council. He is facing former City Council member Carlita Diet.o lost in June.

Michigan: Howell School Board members facing petitions over school superintendent firing

Howell school board members Deborah McCormick, Michael Moloney, Stacey Pasini and Mike Yenshaw are all facing petitions over the firing of the school superintendent. He was fired over a $309 mileage request (there was also questions of a car allowance, a laptop and some consulting opportunities).  The other three members of the board are not eligible for a recall vote, as they are in their last year.

In 2010, there was also an attempt to recall Howell School Board members over a firing of the superintendent. That one failed to make the ballot.

Wisconsin: Calumet Chairman recall axed by GAB over technical issue

The recall against Calumet Town Chairman Michael Endries was stopped by the GAB do to a technical issue of having a form with a column for the printed name of each signer, as required by a new law effective in March. Petitioners handed in over 200 names (they need 162), but they will have to start over. The issue was a claim that Endries was not getting board approval for his actions.

Poland: Warsaw Mayor, survivor of last year's recall, comes in first in reelection race, off to runoff

Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, who survived a tough recall battle last year, came in first in her reelection race on Sunday. Gronkiewicz took 48.8%, over 20% more than her rival, but needed 50% to avoid a runoff. The runoff is in two weeks.

Massachusetts: Westminster Board of Health facing recall threats over tobacco ban proposal

Westminister Board of Health members are facing recall threats over a tobacco sales ban proposal, though only two of the members are eligible for recall (the other member's term is up in less than six months. Petitioners would need 800 signatures in 20 days to remove Ed Simoncini and Peter Munro.

More here at the NYT.

New Mexico: Three Las Cruces City Councilors facing recalls

Three city councilors, Nathan Small, Gill Sorg, and Olga Pedroza are facing petitions over alleged illegal political campaigning using public resources, though it may be about a minimum wage raise fight. 10% of registered voters signatures are needed in 60 days.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Michigan: Raisin Township and Lenawee County officials facing recalls

Raisin Township Supervisor Jay Cavanaugh, Lenawee County Executive township clerk Betty Holdridge, treasurer Kami Johnson and trustees Larry Crittenden, Tom Hawkins, Deb Brousseau and Dale Mitchell over the purchasing of a fire truck without competitive bids and eliminating the citizens comment period at the end of board meetings.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Michigan: Plymouth Supervisor facing recall files recalls against three trustees to highlight recall law

Petitions have been approved against Plymouth Township Trustees Michael Kelly and Bob Doroshewitz, though the one against Trustee Chuck Curmi was rejected on clarity grounds. Six of the seven board members are now facing petitions. The petitions were filed by Supervisor Richard Reaume (who oddly is mentioned as not going to collect signatures). Reaume is claiming that he is doing this to highlight the looseness of Michigan's recall law.

 Petitioner need 3,200 signatures.  Perhaps not coincidentally, Reaume also faces a recall effort, along with Clerk Nancy Conzelman, Treasurer Ron Edwards and Trustee Kay Arnold,

California: West Contra Costa school trustees facing recall threats

West Contra Costa school district trustees are facing recall threats over their vote to approval $485,000 in legal fees after the SEC launched and investigation into the district's $1.6 billion bond program.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Massachusetts: Petitions handed in against four Sagus Selectmen

Signatures were handed in for the recall of four Saugus Selectmen, Chairman Ellen Faiella, Maureen Dever, Stephen Castinetti and Paul Allan. Petitioners handed in over 5400 per person. They need 4,452 per (25% of registered voters). The issue was the board's 4-1 vote to remove the Town Manager. 

Arizona: Superintendent of Public Instruction facing immediate recall threats before taking office

After her recent close (17,000 vote) victory, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction-elect Diane Douglas (R) is already facing calls on a Facebook page for her recall. The issue is obviously not about her actual governing (as she's not in office yet). Petitioners cannot start gathering signatures until she's been in office six months. The "sour grapes" recalls are not uncommon (Omaha's mayor in 2011 is one example).

They would need approximately 363,462 signatures, which of course is more than has been gathered for a recall for any position, except the California Governor, Wisconsin Governor and LG. 

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

New Jersey: Rumblings of recall against Jersey City councilman

Jersey City Heights Councilman Michael Yun is apparently facing a proposed recall, led by members of former Mayor Jerramiah Healy administration. The article claims that Yun in not actually a city residents. Though the reasons for the effort of a recall are not clear -- the claim is that they want to short-circuit a Yun race for mayor or return Healy to office.

California: Blown deadline causes restart for Antioch mayoral recall

The recall attempt against Antioch Mayor Wade Harper will have to be restarted, as the petitioner failed to publish a notification of intent in a general circulation newspaper within 10 days of the mayor's response. The petitioners had to publish by November 3. It was published on November 4 (though submitted on October 30).

Monday, November 10, 2014

Michigan: Both Blackman Trustees ousted

Blackman Township Trustees Betty Brockie (R) and Mark Singer (R) were easily defeated in Tuesday's recall over the trustees' vote to grant the board pay raises. Brockie lost to Louis Globensky (D), 2558-1864, and Singer lost to Michael Ambs (D) 2488-1940. 

Colorado: Recall impact is felt as Republicans gain control of Senate

Interesting results out of Colorado. The two Senators who were triumphant in the 2013 Colorado gun recalls, Bernie Herpin and George Rivera, both lost their seats. Not a surprise, as both seats were considered Democratic (Their original success shows the "movers' advantage" of the recall).

However, there was a third seat that the recall had a major impact on -- that of Senator Evie Hudak. Hudak resigned before the recall campaign got certified, and was able to be replaced by a Democrat. Hudak was not scheduled to fact a vote until 2016. The Democrats replaced Hudak with Rachel Zenzinger. Zenzinger lost the seat Tuesday and the Republicans took control of the chamber 18-17.

Since this was a major Republican election, and Governor Hickenlooper still one, it is hard to read too much into this. However, from a purely standpoint, this once again shows the power that recalls can have even if there is no election.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Michigan: Benton Harbor recall backer convicted of forgery for signature changes

The Benton Harbor mayoral recall fraud trial has ended, with the prime recall backer, Reverend Edward Pinkney, found guilty of five counts of forgery after deliberating for nine hours. Pinkney was found not guilty on six false certification of recall petitions charge.

Pickney, who has been previously convicted of election fraud, was accused of changing the dates on the recall petitions against Benton Harbor Mayor James Hightower. Michigan law has a very unusual provision. Petitioners have to get the recall petition approved. In most states, once approval is handed down, a clock starts on how long petitioners have to get signatures. Michigan has two clocks. From the date of approval, the petitions are valid for 180 days. But, once the signature gathering actually starts (presumably the date of the earliest signature), a different clock is in effect. Then, the petitioners must get all the signatures collected in 90 days. Pinkney was accused of changing the dates of the signatures to meet that 90 day requirement.

This is just the part dealing with Pinkney. The petitions (which were ultimately rejected) led to a noteworthy  Michigan Court of Appeals ruling.

Michigan: Cedar Springs commissioner out over Red Flannel Logo

The odd Cedar Springs recall, which broke out over a vote to change the city's Red Flannel logo and motto after the city got into a fight with the Red Flannel Festival, ended with the defeat of both officials. Commissioner Patricia Troost lost to Rose Powell 346-270. Commissioner Ashley Bremmer lost to Molly Nixon 310-295. 

Michigan: Split decision in Gaines Township

Gaines Township Supervisor Chuck Melki (D) lost by 229 votes to Paul Fortino, though Township Supervisor Michael Dowler and Clerk Deb Hyrman survived. Fortino lost his seat to Melki in 2012. This was a very odd recall, as Melki was against Dowler and Hyrman (all Democrats). Check out this coverage for the full details.

Michigan: Cottrelville Township Trustee loses

Cottrellville Township trustee Michael Zoran was kicked out on Tuesday, losing to Matt Kovalcik, 786-349.

Texas: Voters empty the streets of Laredo, tossing out Councilman indicted for cocaine possession

The least surprising recall of the year, Councilman Jorge Vera lost with 81% of the against after being indicted for cocaine possession. Vera can run in the replacement race.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Idaho: Mica-Kidd Island Fire District Commissioner ousted

Despite a decision from a DA and county prosecutor that he didn't violate open meeting laws,  Mica-Kidd Island Fire District Commissioner Chris Shelton was kicked out 262-222.

Michigan: Split decision in Bear Lake

Bear Lake Township Supervisor Sue Boss (R) lost her recall 172-159 to Shirley Havens. However, her colleague Susan Allen (R) survived the recall, thanks to a split in the vote 138-121-81.

Arkansas: Club for Growth Chairman calls for Judicial Recall law in state

Here's a proposal to add a judicial recall law in Arkansas, sponsored by the Chairman of Club for Growth Jackson "Steven" Stephens. Stephens' discusses adding a recall law in general for the state, as well as a particular one for judges. The issue that started his discussion is a recent Arkansas Supreme Court ruling stopping the Club for Growth from putting forward and initiative to stop a state's minimum wage hike as well as a decision and striking down the Voter ID law.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Michigan: Split in Jerome Township recall

Jerome Township Supervisor Stuart Bloomfield (R) lost his seat to Mike Wood (D) (56.2-36.8%). The Treasurer Laura Grubraugh (R) survived, beating Shelley Larmie (54-45%) as did Trustee Ronald Lowry (R) v. Kevin Niles (42-37%)

Michigan: Ontwa Recall sees four ousted, one survive

While it may have been a great night for Republicans in the rest of the country, the GOP took a big hit in the Ontwa Township recall election. The recall, over support for a wastewater treatment plant, saw four incumbents ousted, and one survive. There's talk that the wastewater plant could be repealed next week.
Supervisor John Brielmaier lost by 300 votes to John Bossler; Clerk Paula Ralph lost by seven votes to Teri McNaughton; Trustee Nathan Brosseau lost to Leon Gilliam; Trustee Norman Krupp lost to Mike Mrozcek. Treasurer Meryl Christensen survived.

Michigan: Five member Tuscarora council survives recall

All five Tuscarora Township Board survived their recall over a sewer vote. Township Supervisor Mike Ridley won 800-616; Clerk Susan Fisher 815-599; Treasurer Bobbi Balazovic 825-591; Trustee Craig Waldron 760-653; and Trustee Jane McGinnis 629-430-264.

Michigan: Belding Councilman ousted

First term councilman Joe Feuerstein lost his seat to Dennis Cooper, 587-385 (54-35%) with another 10 percent going to a third party. The issue seems to be a zoning dispute/complaints of disrespect. Cooper also previously said he will try a recall against Councilman Jerry Lallo and Mayor Ron Gunderson.

Massachusetts:Both Lancaster Selectmen kicked out

Lancaster Selectmen Jean M. Syria (1,822-694) and Susan E. Smiley (1687-800) were ousted in overwhelming fashion. The issue was their votes to not renew the contract for the town administrator.

The election was odd in that it had a recall vote and then a replacement vote with both Syria and Smiley on the ballot. Former Selectmen Chair Jennifer B. Leone, beat Syria (who's seat is up in six months) 1,928-563. Board of Appeals member Eugene C. Christoph beat Smiley's 1743-765 (that seat is up in 18 months).

31 Recalls on the Election Day ballot and more

Big Election Day for recall watchers. While there are no marquee recall match-ups (unless you want to count the Laredo councilman who was nailed in a cocaine bust), thanks to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's reelection race, as well as the races of other recall winners and losers, we have a lot to consider.

First, let's get down to the basic numbers: There are at least 31 recalls on the ballot today, and I'm sure I'll find some others in the coming days. This tops the 15 from last year's Election Day and the 22 from 2012. What is particularly interesting is that we are once again seeing the impact of Michigan's recall reform law, which pushed all recalls to either Election or Primary Day. Last year, we saw a huge drop off in Michigan recalls. Today, 26 of the 31 recalls are in Michigan.

The non-Michigan recalls are:
Two in Lancaster, Massachusetts;
One in  Moreno Valley, California;
One on the Streets of Laredo, Texas,
One in Mica Kidd Fire District, Idaho.

The Michigan Recalls include:
Five in Tuscarora
Five in Ontwa Township
Four in Jerome Township
Three in Gaines Township
Two in Blackman Township
Two in Alamo Township
Two in Bear Lake
One in Belding,
One in Pulaski Township
One in Cotterville

I haven't seen that many ballot proposition, though there is a reform plan in Berkeley, California, as the city is looking to revamp its recall law. I believe there are others, which I hope to track down.

People are closely following the Scott Walker reelection campaign. There are a few other races involving recent recall participants that are worthy of following:

  • John Lehman, who was the sole Democratic winner of a Senate recall race in 2012 (resulting in a flip of the Senate), is the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor. His Senate seat got gerrymandered out of existence. 
  • Van Wanggaard, who lost the recall seat to Lehman, is running to win it back. He is has the Republican nomination and is heavily favored to succeed.
  • George Rivera, who effectively ousted Colorado state Senator Angela Giron in a recall race last year centered around gun control, is up for reelection in what is seen as a tough race.
  • Bernie Herpin, who replaced Colorado Senate President John Morse in the same recall, is also up, though haven't heard anything about whether he is really facing a challenge.
  • Following the two recalls, state Senator Evie Hudak resigned in order to keep the seat (and the state Senate majority) Democrat. Her replacement, Rachel Zenzinger, is facing reelection. Will get to see if the Democrats are punished for the unusual resignation move.

Arizona: Signatures handed in for Golden Valley Fire District recall

Petitions were handed in against Golden Valley Fire District Director Rhonda Brooks. Petitioners needed 483, they handed in about 750. This is the second attempt against Brooks.  Petitioner claims the issue is a violation of open-meeting law.

Monday, November 3, 2014

California: Yorba Linda mayor, council member survive recall vote

Yorba Linda's first ever recall resulted in Mayor Craig Young and City Councilman Tom Lindsey easily surviving. Both were ahead bu 1900 votes out of 11,374.
The issue was higher density housing.

Lindsey will be facing the voters again tomorrow.

Colorado: Pueblo City Council member facing trash hauler-backed recall in January

The recall against City Council member Ami Nawrocki over a trash policy is going forward, with petitioners getting 1,848 signatures. Two other council members resigned rather than face a recall. The recall is expected for January 27.

Arizona: Tucson mayor, councilman facing dueling petitions

Tucson is facing petitions from two different groups -- one is targeting Mayor Paul Diaz, the other Councilman Ildefonso Green. The two officials oppose each other on how a residential drug treatment facility opened across the street from a school.

The two were former friends who campaigned on transparency. The fight resulted in a council meeting without a quorom, which cost the city $80,000 in taxes.

Idaho: Prosecutor states that Mica Kidd Island Fire district didn't violate law, but recall still to take place

A ruling by the County Prosecutor has stated that the Mica Kidd Island Fire District commissioners didn't violate Idaho's open meeting laws by making a decision in an executive session. However, President Chris Shelton is still facing a recall vote today.

Texas: Hearne Councilwoman recall petition blocked by City Council

The recall against Hearne Councilwoman Maxine Vaughn has gotten more contentious along very familiar grounds. Hearne and her allies in the city council have blocked (by a 3-3 vote) an agenda item which would have allowed the petition process to go forward. The petitioners have filed twice, and has been repeatedly rescheduled for a lack of council quorum.

Hearne has a a malfeasance standard recall, though the petitioners are claiming malfeasance and incompetence. The City Attorney claims that the grounds stated in the petition don't meet the standards, though petitioners claim the attorney is worried he will be fired if Vaughn is removed.