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.