Friday, September 29, 2017

Michigan: Detailed look at Flint Mayoral recall vote

Here

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Nebraska: Sutherland Trustee recall set for November 21

The recall of Trustees John Lutz and Ray Ravenscroft has been set for November 21 -- the recall will be a mail-in ballot. The petitioners allege that Lutz financially benefited from this position and Ravenscroft created a hostile work environment.

Arizona: Congressman calls for recall of Senator John McCain

I'm waiting to hear back on an op-ed I wrote on the subject. Representative Louie Gohmert (R-TX) has now called for McCain to be recalled and removed by Arizona voters, presumably to be replaced by a newly-elected Republican. This wouldn’t be the first time that McCain has been threatened with a recall, though there is a real question over whether a US Senator can be recalled. Based on the Supreme Court's ruling and comments in the dissent in the US Term Limits v. Thorton, I imagine that the US Supreme Court would rule that federal officials are not subject to recall.

New Jersey: Belleville Township Councilman Kicked Out in Council Recall vote

A little odd action here. Councilman Joseph Longo, who apparently moved to Florida six months ago, resigned, but put the effective date as October 31. The Council then voted unanimously to remove Longo, which is being called a recall.

Maryland: New attempt pushed against Bowie City Council member

After failing to get enough signatures in their first attempt to remove City Councilwoman Diane Polangin, petitioners have now started a new signature gathering campaign. They need close to 2800 signatures.

Colorado: Confusion over replacement vote in Custer County Commissioner recall

It sounds like this is a challenge for the one-day/two-step process. Voters are casting ballots on the yes/no question of whether the commissioners should be removed. But some ballots are leaving blank the vote for a replacement, which is suppose to be filled out on the same ballot.

Montana: Pondera County Sheriff petitioners claim they have enough signatures

Petitioners claim that they have over 530 signatures to recall Sheriff Carl Suta over claims of a hostile work environment among other allegations.

Texas: Denton Charter Amendment would increase number of signatures for recall petition

Proposition B would change the signatures needed to get a recall on the ballot from 25% of turnout to 35%.

Cyprus: Recall law in front of House legal affairs committee

Petitioners would need 20% of "the electorate" to get the recall on the ballot.

Michigan: Parchment School Board threatened with recall after failure to complete teachers' contract

Here

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Washington: Black Diamond Councilman recall set for December 5

Councilwoman Pat Pepper recall has been set for December 5. Petitioners submitted 639 signatures, and got at least 473. They needed 370. The issue was Open Meeting Act violations, refusing to attend council meetings, failing to enact a vote to change the Master Development Review Team contracts.

The Supreme Court still has to decide if the recall can move forward.

North Dakota: Signatures to be handed in against Washburn Commissioner

Washburn City Commission President Larry Thomas is facing a recall over allegations of harassment of employees and a lack of transparency. Petitioners claims that they have more than the 99 signatures needed to get on the ballot.

Maryland: Bowie City Council delays consideration of amendment to recall charter

The City Council has not scheduled a date for a charter amendment which would switch the recall law from a political recall to a malfeasance standard one. One local activist call the attempt a "slap in the face" to voters.

The issue came about following an attempt to recall councilmembers Diane Polangin and Jimmy Marcos and Mayor G. Frederick Robinson over a vote to approve an apartment complex.

Nebraska: One of two Broken Bow School Board recall election dates set

The recall effort against J.B. Atkins was set for November 14, though the recall effort against Carl French was not put on the ballot, with both Atkins and French voting to delay it.

The recall of French is being challenged because the incumbent filing date for reelection is February 15, 2018 and the petitions were handed in August 18 (there is a six month of end of term grace period).

Monday, September 25, 2017

North Dakota: Kindred City Councilmember kicked out in recall

Councilwoman Julie Johnson lost her seat to Jason DuBord 92-65 (with former mayor Robert Clarke getting 7 votes).

Arizona: South Tucson Mayor and Councilmember recall makes the ballot

The recall against Mayor Ildefonso Green and Councilmen Rufino Cantu, Robert Larribas and Carlos Romo made the ballot. Petitioners handed in 450 signatures and needed only 69.

Nebraska: Bellevue Council recall back on with signature gathering

The recall attempt against Councilman Pat Shannon is back on, after it was suspended in a challenge to the legality of the recall law. The appeal is still ongoing. Petitioners need 6597 signatures to get on the ballot.

Wisconsin: Signatures handed in against Eleva-Strum School Board President

528 signatures were handed in against President Lois Havenor over claims of retaliation against a special-ed teacher. They need 412 signatures.

Idaho: Filer mayor and council recall fails, though petition disputes rejection reasons

The attempt to recall Filer Mayor Rick Dunn and City Council members Ruby Allen, Christina Hatch and Gary Dietrick over the firing of the Police Chief and a move to have the Sheriff provide coverage was reported to have failed after petitioners handed 230 signatures. 196 were needed to get on the ballot. Signatures were rejected because they didn't match the voter registration card, they registered to vote after they signed the petitions or they moved. Petitions are complaining specifically about the rejection over the registration cards.

The petition was led by the wife of a police officer.

Kansas: Democratic Party Secretary facing recall vote next week

Party Secretary Casey Yingling is facing a recall vote after Yingling worked for a political consulting firm that worked for congressional candidate James Thompson in a special election.

Texas: Odessa City Council facing recall threats over city manager firing; city has high hurdles for recall law

Councilwoman Barbara Graff and other councilmembers are being threatened with a recall following the firing of the City Manager. Three of the city councilmembers have never faced an election.

The article notes that the recall laws from 1985 provides high hurdles, as they need half the signatures of turnout in the most recent election, but no fewer than 2000 signatures -- and few council races draw 2000 signatures.

Michigan: Algonac City Council member resigns in face of recall

Councilmember Irene Bird resigned rather than face a recall, following the resignation of Joe Nugent, who was replaced by Terry Stoneburner. This was the fifth resignation in Algonac this year.

Massachusetts: Stoughton recall estimated to cost $26,000

Here -- the recall is set for December 5

Michigan: Flint City Councilman will be on mayoral recall ballot and run for reelection in November

City Councilman Scott Kincaid will be on the mayoral recall replacement ballot and be on the ballot for reelection thanks to a Genesee County Judge ruling. The decision was appealed, but the Court of Appeals won't hear the case on an expedited basis, so the ruling will come after the vote.

California: Hanford City Council recall set for January 23

City Council met to discuss the date of Councilman Francisco Ramirez's recall. Petitioners handed in 1062 signatures, and 864 were valid. They need 853. The election will occur on January 23, 2018.


North Dakota: 11 recall attempts in state this year -- third year in a row of increases

11 officials have faced recall attempts in North Dakota this year, which is an increase from seven in 2016. Kindred City Councilwoman Julie Johnson (who lost last week), seems to be the only person who was removed. McKenzie County Commissioners Gene Veeder and Douglas Nordy are also mentioned as targets.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Arkansas: Police and Firefighters Unions look to recall Fort Smith Director

Fort Smith Board of Directors member Mike Lorenz is facing a recall threat from the Fraternal Order of Police and the Professional Firefighters over changes to the Civil Service Commission.

Petitioners need 2494 signaturesin 10 days  to get on the ballot.

California: Los Angeles Councilman threatened with recall over "road diets"

Councilman Mike Bonin is facing a recall effort  over the DOT's removal of 9.4 miles of traffic lanes to prevent pedestrian deaths. Bonin announced in July that lanes would be restored and the plan ended in Vistia del Mar.

Petitioners need 27,000 signatures. Since he was just elected, they cannot start gathering until October.

Friday, September 15, 2017

Wisconsin: Eleva-Strum School Board President facing recall effort

President Lois Havenor is facing calls for her resignation and a recall threat over claims that she retaliated against a special-ed teacher who complained about her workload (and was dismissed). Petitioners need over 400 signatures to get to the ballot.

Virginia: Prince William County Supervisors Chairman facing recall effort.

Chairman Corey Stewart (R), who is running in the 2018 GOP primary to face Senator Tim Kaine, is facing a recall effort over his management of a meeting on a mosque project. The early morning vote led to an approval granting the new mosque a permit. For this position, there would be no recall vote. Instead, there would be a recall trial, where a judge would decide whether Stewart's actions meet the standard for a recall.

Petitioners need about 6700 signatures (10% of turnout).

Prince William School Board Chairman Ryan Sawyers (D) is also facing a recall effort -- Sawyers is running for Congress.

California: Tulare Regional Medical Center Recall winner suing to get seated by the board

Senovia Gutierrez, who won the July 11 recall to replace Dr. Parmod Kumar, has so far been unable to take her seat on the board. The members claim that they have to recognize her victory. The DA is now suing to have her seated.

Louisiana: Kaplan Police Chief facing petitions

Police Chief Boyd Adams is facing a petition after he was arrested on theft and malfeasance in office charges over a failure to provide receipts for $19000 in police funds, with an alleged nearly $7000 of that being used for personal purposes. Petitioners need 999 signatures to get on the ballot.

Nebraska: Sutherland Board members recall to be set

Petitioners handed in enough signatures to get the recall against village board members Ray Ravenscroft and John Lutz on the ballot. For Ravenscroft they handed in 241, 224 were approved and they needed 199. For Lutz it was 242, 224 and 199.

The village board still has to set a recall date.

Texas: Dallas City Councilman facing recall effort

Newly-elected Councilman Kevin Felder, who won office in an upset runoff, is facing a recall effort over claims that he is not up to the job. Felder has clashed with other councilmembers on some issues, though the recall seems very nascent. Petitioner would need 6454 signatures (15% of registered voters).

Monday, September 11, 2017

Arizona: Northern Arizona Consolidated Fire District Board recall fails

The recall attempt against board members Mike Collins and Jim Bailey failed due to "voter apathy" -- petitioners needed at least 892 signatures. The recall was over a claimed effort to consipracy by closing fire stations, purchasing a building and a claim that they didn't make repairs on a fire truck.

Two other board members, Patti Lewis and Vic Riccardi, faced a similar failed recall, though that is about their being indicted for conflict of interest for a payment to Riccardi's automotive repair shop for the district's fire trucks.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Michigan: Fraser Mayor and Councilman file suit to stop council tribunal hearing on sex harassment claims

Mayor Joe Nichols, who is facing a recall effort and Councilman Matt Hemelberg are trying to stop a September 18 tribunal hearing, arguing that the council doesn't have the authority to move forward. Petitioners need 1302 signatures to get Nichols on the ballot. Hemelberg is in his last year and is not eligible for a recall.

British Columbia: Okanagan considers recall law

In a real throwback to the recalls origins in the US progessive era, the move to increase councillor term from three years to four has also led to a resolution for adopting a recall law.

Michigan: Jackson Councilman recall signatures verified, councilman claims he won't defend seat

The recall of councilman Derek Dobies over a twitter post warning people about signing a petitions that was designed to block an LGBT non-discrimination ordinance has made the ballot. Petitioners got 604 signatures, they needed 493. Dobies is not defending the recall so he can focus on his run for mayor.

Massachusetts: Stoughton to be set at September 19 meeting

The recall of Selectmen David Sousa, Robert Cohn and Peter Brown has enough signatures to get on the ballot and will be scheduled at the selectmen's September 19 meeting.

Colorado: Frederick Mayor and Four Trustees survive recall vote

Mayor Tony Carey (831-1144) and trustees Salvatore DeSantis (730-1231), Rocky Figurilli (791-1148), Donna Hudziak (789-1151) and Fred Skates (776-1162). Carey, Hudziak and Skates were targeted over their approval of a four story building and a drive-in restuarant. The recalls against Figurilli and DeSantis were over their opposition to developments.

The election had the most votes ever cast in Frederick's history.

Wisconsin: Examination of failed recall attempt against Milwaukee Mayor

The recall did not come close to the 51,332 needed to get Mayor Tom Barrett on the ballot. Petitioners claimed to have gotten over 10,000 signatures, but of course that's not verified.

California: Signatures verified in Hanford Councilman recall

Petitioners handed in 1062 signatures in the recall against Councilman Francisco Ramirez and 864 were verified. Petitioners needed 853.The issue is a claim that Ramirez raised more than $1,000 when he ran for a council seat, and he therefore needed to file a campaign finance form. He stated that he raised less.

California: Lake Forest Councilman recall makes the ballot

Councilman Andrew Hamilton is facing an upcoming recall over a vote to contract with an animal shelter that allegedly has a high kill rate, as well as a vote to rezone a 45-acre nursery site. Hamilton has faced recall efforts for two years. Petitioners handed in 16225 signatures, with 9155 found valid. They needed 8834.

California: Recall launched against St. Helena Mayor

Mayor Alan Galbraith is facing a recall threat over claims that he has pushed the interest of corporate wine, hotel and housing developers, with a focus on a new 100,000 square foot hotel center and condos. Petitioners need 835 signatures to get on the ballot.

California: Criticism of fundraiser for Santa Clara Judge Aaron Persky

Here

Alaska: Unalaska Mayor facing recall threats over City Manager ouster

Mayor Frank Kelty is facing calls to resign or being recalled after the City Manager either resigned or was fired (it is still up for debate) following a controversy with the deputy police chief (the deputy police chief circulated a survey asking the community the impressions of the current city council).

Michigan: Petitions approved against Fraser Mayor

Four recall petitions were approved against Fraser Mayor Joe Nichols, with petitioners needing 1305 signatures to get on the ballot.

Arizona: Signatures turned in against South Tucson Mayor and three councilmembers

112 signatures were turned against Mayor Ildefonso Green and councilmembers Rufino Cantu, Robert Larribas and Carlos Romo. Petitioners need 60 signatures.

Canada: British Columbia Liberal MLA facing recall threat after agreeing to serve as province's Speaker

BC Liberal MLA Darryl Plecas is facing recall threats from his own party after agreeing to serve as Speaker, which allows the New Democrats and Greens to have an effective majority (as the Speaker doesn't vote, and the ND and Greens have a 44-42 majority).

The BC Liberals have looked at this as a betrayal.  British Columbia allows for recalls, but not before 18 months after an election.

Monday, September 4, 2017

Arizona: South Tucson Mayor and three councilmembers targeted in recall by former mayor, who lost seat in 2015 recall

Mayor Ildefonso Green and Councilmembers Rufino Cantu, Robert Larribas and Carlos Romo over complaints including the firing of the police chief, cuts in fire personnel and a possible tax increase.

The report claims that former Mayor Paul Diaz, who lost a 2015 recall to Larribas and tried to recall Green when he was a council member, is backing the recall.

Petitioners need 60 signatures to get on the ballot.

Michigan: Flint Councilman choose mayor race in November recall

Councilman Scott Kincaid, who has served for 32 years, has decided to run for mayor in the recall against Karen Weaver in November. Kincaid wanted to run for both the council and the mayor seat at the same time but a judge rejected the idea.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Idaho: Star Mayor and Councilman facing recall effort

Mayor Chad Bell and Councilman Kevin Nielsen are facing over a vote on a large apartment complex. Petitioners needed 681 signatures. They got 693 for Nielsen and 712 for Bell.

California: Corona Mayor and Councilmembers face recall campaign

Mayor Dick Haley and Council members Karen Spiegel and Eugene Montanez have been hit with recall efforts over claims of financial mismanagement, poor land-use and increased taxes. Petitioners need about 10,500 signatures. The city's plan for a railroad grade separation which Corona will receive $84.45 from the state gas tax increase.

Idaho: Signatures handed in against Filer Mayor and three council members

230 signatures were handed in against Mayor Rick Dunn and Councilmembers Ruby Allen, Christina Hatch and Gary Dietrick. Petitioners need 196 valids to get on the ballot.

The issue is the council's firing of the Police Chief following their ignoring a County Sheriff's proposal to provide coverage.

Dunn faced a recall effort in 2014 after an office shot a dog.

New Jersey: Flemington-Raritan School Board President recall fails

The recall effort against school board president Anna Fallon failed

Philippines: Puerto Princesa City Vice Mayor facing recall effort by supporter of mayor

Vice Mayor Luis Marcaida III is facing a recall effort led by supporters of his former ally, Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

Washington: Yakima County Clerk recall continues though court to hear arguments in October.

The recall effort against Clerk Janelle Riddle appears to be continuing. Riddle slowed through recall with an appeal, but a Superior Court judge has since allowed it to moved forward (there will be an appeal heard by the Supreme Court on October 5).

The issue is claims of malfeasance over failing to process protection orders and failing to forward child support orders, which were cited in a state audit. Petitioners need ore than 10,000 signatures to get on the ballot.

Michigan: Flint mayor drops challenge to recall

Mayor Karen Weaver has dropped her challenged to the recall petitions,

Nebraska: Broken Bow School Board members facing upcoming recall

A recall is set to be held against school board members J.B. Atkins and Carl French over budget issues. Petitioners needed 400 signatures to get on the ballot and they have gotten that number verified.

Washington: Petitions submitted against Black Diamond Councilmember

572 signatures were handed in against Black Diamond Councilmember Patricia Pepper. Petitioners need 370 to get on the ballot. Since this is Washington, a judicial recall/malfeasance standard state, there is a need for a showing of cause. The arguments range from open meeting act violations to a vote to change the Master Development Review team.