Wisconsin: River Valley School District recall happening on May 30

School Board members Mark Strozinsky and Frederic Iausly will be up for a vote on May 30. Strozkinsky is facing Joyce Atkisson and Iausly is having a rematch with Herman Kaldenberg, who he beat in 2015. The issue was a vote to close two schools and consolidate another.

North Dakota: Editorial Criticizing Bismarck Mayoral recall

Here

California: San Juan Capistrano Mayor Pro Tem facing recall effort

Mayor Pro Tem Sergio Farias is facing recall petitions over claims that he failed to follow through on a promise to oppose a San Diego Gas & Electric substation expansion, though his voting records show that he was opposed to the expansion. Both of the original petitions were rejected by the city. Petitioners would need 589 signatures to get on the ballot.

Alaska: Judge allows Homer recall to go forward

A judge in Alaska has given the green light to the Homer City Council recalls, rejecting both the claims that the petitions did not meet the malfeasance standard/ judicial recall rules in the causes listed for a recall and tossing out the argument that the recall violated the first amendment rights of the council. The court specifically took apart the (to my eyes) novel first amendment claim, noting that it would "eviscerate the recall" and calling it an "unreasonable interpretation."

The ACLU/Homer City Council seems to have a claim on overturning the decision based on the first part.  The court held that a previous Alaska Supreme Court decision requires that the cause requirements of the recall needs to be liberally construed. However, it is not clear how an appellate court will rule, especially in light of the rejection of the Rep. Lindsey Holmes recall for flipping parties. We've seen in Washington, Montana and Minnesota that the courts have been unwilling to take a liberal view of the malfeasance standard.

California: Artesia Mayor and Councilmen facing recall efforts

Mayor Ali Taj and Councilmen Miguel Canales and Victor Manalo are facing a recall led by the former Parks and Recreation Commissioner and the recall effort has now led to charges of fraud and forgery in the collection of signatures.

Rhode Island: Providence City Council attempts to remove president with 2/3rd vote

Following the successful recall of Councilman Kevin Jackson, the city council is looking to President Luis A. Aponte by a proposed rule change that would allow him to be kicked off by a 2/3rds vote. Aponte refused to resign after being charged with embezzlement and misuse of campaign funds. Sounds like a potential court fight.

California: Napa Valley School District facing recall over mascot, hazing and deficit

The Napa Valley Unified School Board is facing an effort against all seven trustees over the expulsion of five football players for hazing, a million dollar budget deficit and a claim that the board and the Superintendent have a "silent agenda" to replace the High School's Indian mascot.

The effort is against Chairman Jose Hurtado, Trustees Joe Schunk, Tom Kensok, Icela Martin, Robb Felder, Elba Gonzalez-Mares and Stacy Bratlien. Petitioners need at least 10,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

There was a recall against two school board trustees in 1982, though they failed. Four trustees at the St. Helena School district were kicked out in 2010.

Alaska: My op-ed on the Homer Recall and the difference between Political and Malfeasance Standard recalls

In this piece, I note that in Alaska there have been at least 22 recalls attempted which received enough signatures to make the ballot in the state over the last six years. Of those recalls, 17 officials have been kicked out, though recalls against the Wrangell Medical Center and the mayor and city council of Dot Lake make up 13 of those. The other four officials who were kicked out were the mayor of Whitter, "the weirdest town in Alaska," the mayor of North Slope Borough, a Galena school board member and a Wasilla city councilman who was accused of trashing a hotel room. Only one official survived a recall vote, the mayor of Houston. In Holy Cross, the city council simply refused to schedule a recall, which killed the effort.

Five other recalls efforts, one against the governor, two against state representatives, one against an assembly representative, and four against Anchorage school board members, are a bit more instructive. Using the same arguments that the ACLU has cited in Homer, they were rejected by governmental officials as beyond the scope of Alaska's recall law. For this, it pays to understand how the state's law works compared to how people might expect a recall to operate.

While 39 states allow the recall on the lower level, only 19, including Alaska, allow it for some or all state-level officials. There are two broad categories of states with recall laws. Eleven states have what is called a political recall law. This means that an official can face a recall for almost any reason. There is no need to prove a cause of action, such as criminal behavior for the recall to move forward. Essentially, all famous recalls in the US, such as California Governor Gray Davis or Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker have taken place under these laws.

The other eight states, including Alaska, have a form of a recall called judicial recall (not to be confused with a recall of a judge) or malfeasance standard recall. For recalls to take place in these states, the petition must show a violation of either law or in some cases of incompetence? These laws are not uniform. In Illinois, it is only the governor who is covered by recall and in Virginia, there is no election but rather a recall petition triggers a judicial hearing. The judge decides whether to kick out the official. But all require an agency or the courts to hold that a specific, statutorily delineated bad act was perform by the elected official.

Utah: Op-ed By Bar president article against recall of judges in Utah

Here -- this was over a column by Robert Gehrke calling for a recall of judges based on comments during a sexual assault case. In that case, Judge Thomas Low said "great men sometimes do bad things." He did sentence the defendant to up to life in prison.

Louisiana: Times-Picayune calls for easier recall law

You don't see too many newspaper editorial pages calling for an easier recall law, but Louisiana's law is so tough.

India: Leading activist supports proposed recall law

Here

Michigan: State Supreme Court looking at Benton Harbor conviction

Following the failed attempt to recall Benton Harbor Mayor James Hightower, lead petitioner Ed Pikney was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for changing the dates of signatures. The Supreme Court is looking at the case now -- though Pikney is getting out in June.

The Michigan Supreme Court is looking at the conviction of a Benton Harbor activist who was accused of altering dates on petitions to recall a mayor.

The court will consider whether it was proper to allow evidence of Ed Pinkney’s history of activism in Benton Harbor, even if it wasn’t directly related to the crime. The court said Wednesday it will hear arguments in the months ahead.

The 2014 recall election against James Hightower wasn’t held after local courts said the petitions were spoiled. Hightower was Benton Harbor’s mayor at the time.

Pinkney testified that another person made illegal changes to the recall petitions. But investigators couldn’t find anyone with the name that was offered.

Pinkney was sentenced to 2½ years in prison and will be released in June.

California: Sacramento Bee looks at GOP grasp for relevance behind State Senate recall attempt

Here

North Dakota: Bismarck Mayor recall fails

Bismarck's City Administrator has said that too many signatures were knocked off the petition against Mayor Mike Seminary to get on the ballot. Petitioners handed in 2405 and needed 1898. They only had 1738. The issue was the mayor's alleged welcoming of Dakota Access pipeline protesters.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation is still examining the inconsistencies with the petitions. Petitioners are considering an appeal.

California: Signature gathering starting against Oxnard Council and Mayor

Mayor Tim Flynn and council members Carmen Ramirez, Bert Perello and Oscar Madrigal are facing recall efforts over a 5% raise in wastewater rates. Petitioner would need about 12,000 signatures to get to the ballot.

Arizona: Three Whetstone Water Improvement District Board members ousted

President Tum Sulger, Treasurer Robert Tinney and board member Leonard Howell were all easily defeated, getting less then 13% of the vote. Tony Ellis beat Sulger (239-33), Steve Ursey beat Tinnet (236-31) and Joe Dooley beat Howell (241-26).

The issue was a dispute with district employees over the repair of a well. The board fired the three employees who disagreed with them. One of those employees led the recall effort.

My Wall Street Journal Op-ed on the daily presidential briefing

Here's my op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on why the beneficiary of the daily presidential briefing is the president himself -- and it may be better for the country, and certainly for Congress, if they didn't hold this briefing.

In my original draft, I had a great quote from the Vietnam War classic Dispatches that had to be cut for space. But I wanted to put it here, as it really gets what the issue with official briefings.

"It could have rained frogs over Tan Son Nhut and they wouldn’t have been upset; Cam Ranh Bay could have dropped into the South China Sea and they would have found some way to make it sound good for you." Michael Herr, Dispatches

California: Op-ed by Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association President on Senate recall

The recall effort against State Senator Josh Newman (D) is proceeding, and here's an op-ed by the Jarvis Association president explaining why they are supporting the recall effort (which would, if successful, knock out the Democrats super majority in the Senate).

North Dakota: Bureau of Criminal Investigation looking at potential fraud in Bismarck Mayor recall

Petitions against Mayor Mike Seminary, who is facing a recall over his alleged welcoming Dakota Access protesters, are now being looked at by the Bureau of Criminal Investigations over alleged fraudulent activity. Petitioners handed in about 2500 names, they need 1898 valids. 400 have already been tossed out over failing to live in the city limits.

North Dakota: Suspended McKenzie County Sheriff facing recall effort

Sheriff Gary Schwartzenberger, who has been suspended due to ethical considerations, is facing a recall petition over his alleged misuse of a county credit card. The county commission is also trying to remove him.

Phillipines: Supporters of losing San Juan mayoral candidate files recall effort

Mayor Guia Gomez is facing a recall effort filed by supporters of losing mayoral candidate and former Vice Mayor Francis Zamora. PEtitioners handed in 30,000 signatures. They need 21,367

Colombia: Bogota Mayor facing recall effort

Mayor Enrique Penalosa is facing efforts by four different groups over management questions including privatization plans and what to do about the metro. Petitioners handed in 660,000 signatures. They needed 271,817 (30% of the vote) The mayor's party is looking to change the recall law, so it's not clear what will happen.

North Dakota: Group drops Fargo recall effort

The recall effort against Councilman Dave Piepkorn over his questioning of refugee resettlement has been dropped. Petitioners needed a little over 3500 signatures.

California: Del Norte Supervisor hit with petition over proposed trip

Supervisor Lori Cowan is facing a petition over a complaint that she was scheduled to accompany school district personnel to Japan as part of a sister city program (though it sounds like she didn't go). Another complaint is that Cowan was also nominated as an alternate to go on a trip to DC if other council members couldn't go.

Maryland: Editorial calls for recall against Taneytown councilman

Councilman Donald Frazier has been censured for the second time, and the Carrol County Times is now calling for his recall. The Taneytown charter requires a censure before a petition can be circulated (they need 20% of qualified voters).

Frazier was censured for berating the city clerk, questioning the city attorneys legal fees and requesting that the invoice be sent to him instead of the mayor and posting on a political groups's social media page a letter from the city attorney (violating the attorney-client privilege).

Washington: Black Diamond council recall moves to petition stage

Council member Pat Pepper is the target of a recall over a large development project that led Pepper and two other council members to battle against the mayor. One of the other council members Erika Morgan was also originally targeted, but the plan was withdrawn (Morgan is up in November).

A judge said some of the charges against Pepper were accurate enough to let the recall go forward. Petitioners need about 400 signatures.

Massachusetts: Westport town meeting rejects changes to recall law

The change would have lower the amount needed to get a recall on the ballot. Currently, it requires 100 voters for the first part, and then 25% of eligible voters on the second. The petition would have changed it to 10 and 500. It also didn't set a time limit for filing.

Michigan: Jackson Councilman facing recall petition

Councilman Derek Dobies, who is running for mayor, is also facing a recall threat, with the language going to the clarity commission. Petitioner is upset over a LGBT non-discrimination ordinance. Petitioner would need 495 signatures.

Oregon: Gladstone City Council race on May 23

City Councilors Steve Johnson (D) and Kim Sieckmann (R) are facing a May 23 recall (by mail-in ballot). Johnson's name was misspelled. The recall has been jointly condemned by the Chairs of the county Democratic and Republican parties.

Bill Osburn, the petitioner, recently lost a city council run. He claimed that there was illegal contracting. The party chairs are submitting the claim as a criminal complaint.

Colorado: Signatures seem to meet hurdle for Frederick recall

The recall against Mayor Tony Carey and Trustees Fred Skates and Donna Hudziak over a budget deficit and land use issues seems to be moving forward. Petitioners handed in 320 signatures. The needed 147. They got between 317 and 319.

Louisiana: House passes bill to ease recall law

The proposed bill uses a California-like system. Districts with 1,000 - 25,000 voters need signatures totaling 33.3% of the registered voter population; 25,000 -- 100,000 need 25%; and districts with 100,000 or more registereds will need 20%.

Here is my op-ed on the subject in the Times-Picayune.

New Jersey: Roseland Councilman facing recall threats

Councilman Thomas Tsilionis (R) is facing a recall effort after he failed to resign following the revelations of racist and anti-Semitic text messages. Tsilinois and another Councilman, David Jacobs, both resigned from their parties but stayed in the jobs. Jacobs has been in office less than a year, so he is not up for a recall.

The wife of a Democratic candidate for the council, Roger Freda, is one of the recall effort leaders. Another council candidate, Chris Bardi, is also part of the effort.

Petitioners need 1385 signatures in 180 days.

Arizona: Kingman City Council recall procedures set

A recall campaign against City Council member Travis Lingenfelter cannot start until June 7. Petitioners needs 1305 signatures. The issue is who will run the Airport.

Colorado: Broomfield City Council recall on the ballot

Councilman Greg Stokes recall is set for July 18, by mail-in ballot. The recall is estimated to cost between $43,000 and $45,000.

Massachusetts: West Brookfield Tax Collector facing recall drive

Tax Collector Teresa Barrett is facing a recall effort over rhe collection procedure on old tax bills from 2014. Petitioners are also claiming that she has been difficult with taxpayers who believe they paid but can't prove it. Petitioner needs about 500 signatures to move forward.

California: La Mirada Councilman facing recall effort for campaign pieces against other council members

Councilman Andrew Serega is facing a threatened recall over claims that he colluded with a losing candidate, Tony Aiello, in another race on campaign pieces against two councilmembers. Serega beat incumbent Pauline Deal and Aiello lost to John Lewis. The campaign ads had a fake FPPC campaign ID, in violation of the Political Reform Act and mail fraud statutes.

Arizona: Colorado River Union High School District Board member facing recall threats

Board Member Kerry Burgess is facing a recall effort by the Colorado River Tea Party Patriots over the board's approval of a $37 million bond issue (the issue was approved by the voters on November 8). The board voted 3-2. Petitioners need about 3100 signatures to get on the ballot.

Colorado: Green Mountain Water and Sanitation District board member kicked out

Board Member Tom Stocker lost 305-266 on May 2. John Danahey replaes Stocker (he received 278 votes). Stocker is suing the board over the recall race.

The issue was an alleged secret phone interview with a candidate to be come district manager. Stocker was excluded from the first round of interviews as his step-son was a candidate.

Nebraska: Rulo Board Member facing recall effort

Rulo village board member Quincey Smith is facing an upcoming recall over claims that he violated the Open Meetings Act, running equipment without proper training and broke bid contracts. The lead petitioner Kevin Barber was a former board member who was voted out in 2014 when Quincey Smith was elected. Petitioners got 21 valid signatures.

Texas: Hearne City Councilman jury trial cancelled, moved out of town

City Councilman Rodrick Jackson, who is facing a misdemeanor assault trial, is having the case moved outside of town. Petitioners have gotten enough signatures for the recall of Jackson, but the city council refuses to schedule the vote.

California: A look back at April's Fools Day mayoral recall effort in Santa Barbara in 1946

This is a look back at Mayor Edmund O. Hanson, who was elected in 1935, fired the police chief and most department heads. He survived the April 1, 1936 recall, but resigned on December 10, 1936 after facing contempt-of-court charges.

California: Interview on proposed state Senate recall

Here

Idaho: Star Mayor, City Councilman facing recall threats

Star Mayor Chad Bell and Councilman Kevin Nielsen are facing recall efforts over their support for high-density housing. Recall proponents want to keep the city rural.

North Dakota: Attorney General rejects attempt to stop Fargo City Commissioner recall

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem wrote an opinion stating that the recall of Fargo City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn over his statements on the cost of settling refugees does not violate state law. The issue was over the timing of the recall. Piepkorn is on the ballot on June 12, 2018, and the state has a 1 year grace period from the end of the term. Stenehjem held that as long as the petition is filed and validated before June 12, the recall can take place afterward. Petitioners need about 3500 signatures.

Alaska: Homer City Council fights court case filed by councilmembers facing a recall effort

Three city council members have faced a recall effort, and they have sued (with help from the ACLU) to have the recall tossed out because it violates the judicial recall/malfeasance standard. The remaining city council members have decided to hire defense council to defend their decision allowing the recall to go forward.

Texas: Former El Paso Mayor, Church leader discuss 2011 recall effort

This is light of Trump's recent order against the Johnson amendment.

California; Oakdale Irrigation District Boardmember survives recall

Board member Linda Santos survived with 54% of the vote (314 votes).

Massachuetts: Appellate Court overturns ruling preventing Anti-SLAPP in Chelmsford over alleged recall intimidation

A State Appellate Court has overturned a 2014 ruling a dismissal of a civil rights Anti-SLAPP case by Roland Van Liew against former Chelmsford Selectman Jon Kurland and a town employee. Van Liew claimed that Kurland tried to prevent recall petitioning in 2011.

Wisconsin: Onalaska School Board member facing recall effort

Board member Jake Speed is facing a recall effort after he left two school board meetings and didn't attend a budget meeting. Petitioners would need 1743 signatures to get on the ballot.

Louisiana: Recall bill advances out of committee to House floor

Here

Op-ed on proposed Maine Recall law

Here's my piece explaining the difference between a political recall and a judicial recall/malfeasance standard one.

Maine: Frenchville Board Chair recall scheduled for June 13

Board Chair John Ezzy is facing a recall on June 13 over claims that he exerted undue influence on a road project. Petitioners got more than 140 signatures.

Michigan: Houghton Lake Community School Board Member ousted

School Board Member Kevin Nagel was kicked out in a recall, losing to Nan Combs 740-527. The issue was the board's hiring a private investigator to track the superintendent, who resigned. Recalls were attempted against the Board President and Treasurer, but both failed.

Florida: Appellate court tosses out Sweeetwater mayoral recall effort

An appellate court upheld a decision tossing out the recall effort against Sweetwater Mayor Orlando Lopez. The court held that the language was inaccurate, as the petition argued that the neglected his duty to attend commission meetings. The court held that his presence was not required at the meetings.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article148392959.html#storylink=cpy

North Dakota: Kindred City Councilmember facing recall threats

Council member Julie Johnson, in her second term, is facing threats after she had disagreements with the mayor and city auditor, both of whom temporarily resigned over the fight. The issue was speed of access to city records.

Petitioners need 112 signatures (25% of Johnson's vote in the last election).

Rhode Island: Providence City Councilman ousted

City Councilor Kevin Jackson, who was indicted for alleged theft from a local track and field club as well as misuse of campaign funds, was easily defeated, 1772-158. The replacement race is still to come. Jackson will actually remain on the council until the 18th.

One additional piece of the story is that the Governor finally announced that she was voting for removal.