Friday, May 31, 2019

Arizona: Wickenburg Mayor loses seat in recall vote

Mayor Everett Sickles lost his recall vote on May 21 to former town Councilman Rui Pereira -- the vote 53% to 47%. Turnout was 59%.

Former Town Councilman Ruben Madrid led the recall effort. The issue seems to be Sickles moves against the Chamber of Commerce.

Colorado: Estes Park Mayor Pro Tem set for August 20

Mayor Pro Tem Cody Walker will be facing a special recall election on August 20. The recall will be an all-mail ballot. Petitioners handed in 585 for Walker and need 450, they got 454.



The issue was a change in the code in 2017 to allow commercial activity in a downtown park, which "inadvertently allowed commercial ventures almost anywhere in town or in the Estes Valley."

California: Humboldt City Councilwoman recall scheduled for July 9

Humboldt Councilwoman Dolores Martinez will be up for a recall vote on July 9. 81 signatures were handed in 78 valids; petitioners needed 56. The issue is claims of unprofessional and unethical conduct, though none seem specified.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Brazil: Senators and Deputies considering adopting recall law for President

Following repeated corruption issues, the proposed recall law would open up the president to petitions, which would require signatures from 10% of turnout in the last election. This would lead to a new vote.

The law must be passed twice by three-fifths majority in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies to go into law.

Monday, May 27, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Chairman to face upcoming recall election

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Chairman Cedric Cromwell is set to face an upcoming recall vote, as petitioners handed in 104 signatures over transparency issues, such as their salaries. Petitioners also aimed recalls at Vice Chairwoman Jessie "Little Doe" Baird and Treasurer Gordon Harris, but could not get enough signatures.

The council members previously tried to expel three other council members from the governing board. There has been significant debate over spending for a proposed $1 billion casino-resort.

Wyoming: Column on Wyoming missing out on recalls

Joan Barron, a longtime state government reporter in Wyoming, has an article looking at the spate of state government recalls, while noting the holes in Wyoming's own recall law. Barron notes that Wyoming only allows recalls for city government commissioners, and the state has "no city with the commission form of government." There has been a recent attempt at a recall against the mayor of Mills. 

Friday, May 24, 2019

Wisconsin: Signatures approved against Merrill Council President and 3 other Aldermen

Signatures were approved against 4 of 5 targeted Merrill Aldermen, including Council President Rob Norton and Aldermen John VanLieshout, Dave Sukow and Tim Meehean. The issue was confusion over a property tax rate increase which was higher than expected (which seems to have been done due to a calculating error).

The City Clerk rejected a protest by the Aldermen that the reasons for the recall were listed on the back of the petitions, not the front.The petitions against Alderman Paul Russell were rejected because signatures were collected to early.

Petitioners need between 109-134 to get on the ballot.

Michigan: New petitions filed against three Flint Council members after second rejection

A third set of petition has been filed against Flint Council members Santino Guerra, Kate Fields and Monica Galloway. The earlier petitions have been rejected on clarity grounds.

A petition against Allan Griggs is still waiting the Election Commission's ruling.

Guerra and Fields were facing a petition over a vote to extend a $12 million waste removal contract. Galloway is facing the petition over being absent for a vote to enter into a $5.6 million contract with a construction company.

Fields claims that Mayor Karen Weaver, Councilmember Eric Mays  and Community Liaison for Economic Development Aonie Gilcreast are behind the recall effort.

Idaho: Recalled Bovill Mayor reports that wife received threatening letters prior to recall vote

Mayor Sam Walker, who was kicked out in a recall vote on May 21, said his wife has received threatening letters at work.

Idaho: Eagle Mayor and Council President facing petitions

Eagle City Council Mayor Stan Ridgeway and Council President Miranda Gold are facing recall petitions over issues regarding proposals for new apartment permits in the city. Ridgeway is up for reelection in November, so it's not clear what would happen with a recall.

Update: The recall effort failed.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Michigan: Three Burlington Township officials face recall petitions

Burlington Township Clerk Darlene Mack, Treasurer Susan Mack and Trustee Bill Brenner are facing petitions over their vote against milling and processing of Lumber Text Amendment. The petitions must be approved for language and clarity by the Election Commission. Petitioners need 199 signatures to get on the ballot.

Washington, DC: Petitions approved against Council member

Petitions have been approved against Council Member Jack Evans (D) over a probe into financial dealings. The petitions were delayed to a failure by the recall group to submit campaign finance paperwork.

Adam Eidinger, who has previously worked with Evans on marijuana decriminalization, said he will file this week. He need approximately 5200 signatures (10% of registereds).  Evans has been in office for 28 years.

Update: Here's an in-depth story on Eidinger's efforts, especially on the fund-raising front.

California: El Rancho School Board President and member hit with recall petitions

El Rancho School Board President Jose Laura and member Leeanne Ibarra in Pico Rivera have both been served with petitions -- the article does not specify the particular issue. Petitioners seem to need about 6509 signatures to get on the ballot.

California: Foster City Vice Mayor facing petitions

Signatures are set to be collected against Foster City Vice Mayor Herb Perez over complaints about his conduct and attendance. Perez claims the issue is housing.  Petitioners appear to need 3136 signatures.

Wyoming: Mills Mayor facing petitions over firefighter debate

Mills Mayor Seth Coleman is facing petitions following a debate over how to handle a firefighting (whether to staff one of the stations with county firefighters or hire a private company). The towns nine firefighters are set to be laid off and the town has allegedly been paying firefighter salaries with funds intended for infrastructure projects.

Nebraska: Recall against Omaha Mayor abandoned

The recall effort against Omaha Mayor Jean Stohert (R) has been abandoned due to cost and difficulty recruiting volunteers. The recall was over complaints about her dealings with critic, and problems with the trash contract and potholes. Petitioners would have needed 34,818 signatures in 30 days.

Stothert won office in 2013 beating Jim Suttle, who himself barely beat back a recall effort in 2011.

Tennessee: Two Jackson-Madison School Board Members facing recall petitions

Two Jackson-Madison County School Board members, Chairman Kevin Alexander and Doris Black, are facing a recall effort over their opposition to the Superintendent's 10-year plan. Petitioners need to get 66% of their vote total from the last election.

The recall is taking place just after Governor signed a law allowing recalls in the Madison County Board of Education members.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

California: Chico Mayor and Councilor facing recall petitions

Chico Mayor Randall Stone and Councilor Karl Ory are facing recall efforts

Petitioners need over 7000 signatures to get on the ballot, though the number is thrown off by the dislocation caused by last year's devastating fires.

Update: Petitions had to be reissued due to a mistake listing one petitioner twice.

Update: The effort has been abandoned.

Nigeria: Recall effort threatened against 13 Bauchi State lawmakers

13 lawmakers are facing a recall effort over their votes to repeal an anti-graft law in Bauchi State.

Idaho: Kooskia Mayor survives recall vote

Mayor Charlotte Schilling survived a May 21, 121-61. The recall was over her position on Kooskia Ambulance and was led by the former Kooskia Ambulance President Wayne Finehout. Schilling was appointed mayor in 2017, though has served on the council for 25 years. Turnout was 59% -- when she won in 2015, the turnout was only 10.4%.

Idaho: Bovill Mayor kicked out in recall vote

Mayor Sam Walker was kicked out in a recall vote on May 21, 50-38. Idaho law requires the vote total to top the votes the official received in the last race, but since Walker was appointed, a majority was all that was needed.

Walker faced third petitions over claims of unprofessional behavior and assuming a "position of absolute control." Walker claims the issue is enforcing building codes with a local winery. Walker became mayor in May after replacing the Mike Porter, who moved out of town.

Former City Councilor (and Walker's next door neighbor) Lonnie Olson led the petitioning. There's a bit of other colorful references to Walker claiming that Olson threatened to fight him and flipped him off.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Texas: Petition form finally adopted for Edinburg Mayor recall effort

A form for petitions have been approved by the Edinburg City Council for Mayor Richard Molina. The recall is over his arrest on election fraud.

This ends a battle over how the city not having a form to give the petitioners. The City Attorney said that because there has never been a recall in the city, they weren't sure what forms to use. Now, the city council didn't have a quorum for a meeting to discuss the petition (Molina and his two supporters were no shows), and then met a second day to vote on contracts but ignored this question.

Molina allegedly pushed out of district residents to change their address and vote for him. Petitioners need about 2000 signatures to get on the ballot in 30 days (25% of turnout).

Friday, May 17, 2019

Colorado: Governing article on the state legislative recalls

I'm cited in this article which gives a good overview of what is happening in Colorado, Nevada and other states as the GOP looks to recalls to regain control in some purple states.

UK: Recall effort against Conservative MP facing difficulty over locations available to sign petitions

There are now questions on the basic procedure involved in the UK recall of Brecon and Radnor MP Chris Davies (Conservative). Davis is up for a recall after he was fined 1500 pounds and hit with 50 hours of community service over two false expense invoices for landscape photographs. Since the sentence was under 12 months, he is not automatically ousted. Petitioners need 5303 signatures in six weeks to get on the ballot.

The petitions are available in six locations that signers have to go to. The rules allow 10 stations to have it and the proponents of a recall are unhappy that four stations are missing (especially since the district is very geographically dispersed). This is an example of how a regulatory or political body can severely impact the likelihood of a recall getting on the ballot.

India: Op-ed pushing for a recall in India

Here

Michigan: Recall language rejected against three Flint Council members, fourth still awaiting ruling

The petition language against Flint Council members Santino Guerra, Kate Fields and Monica Galloway has all been rejected on clarity grounds.

A petition against Allan Griggs is still waiting the Election Commission's ruling.

Guerra and Fields were facing a petition over a vote to extend a $12 million waste removal contract. Galloway is facing the petition over being absent for a vote to enter into a $5.6 million contract with a construction company.

Fields claims that Mayor Karen Weaver, Councilmember Eric Mays  and Community Liaison for Economic Development Aonie Gilcreast are behind the recall effort.

Alaska: State Representative facing recall threat after leading split in Republican caucus

State Representative Gary Knopp (R) is facing a recall threat after working with a group of six other Republicans to work with the Democratic members (Democrat Bryce Egmon switched to undeclared to help work with this group).

A recall attempt has been launched, which would need close to 1000 signatures, then would require approval from the Lieutenant Governor and then need close to 3000 additional signatures to get on the ballot. Alaska is a Malfeasance Standard/Judicial Recall state, so there is a good chance that approval will not be forthcoming -- the list of causes includes not showing up for some votes. In most malfeasance standard states, this argument would easily be rejected, one that we saw Alaska use in the rejection of the proposed Lindsey Holmes recall. But, as we saw in 2017 in Homer, the courts in Alaska have a more liberal view of the standards.

Knopp has said that he is not running for reelection.

Colorado: Estes Park Mayor Pro Tem filing gets the signatures

The recall of Mayor Pro Tem Cody Walker is moving forward.. They reported to hand in 585 for Walker and need 450, they got 454. However, there is a lawsuit to protest the petitions.

The issue was a change in the code in 2017 to allow commercial activity in a downtown park, which "inadvertently allowed commercial ventures almost anywhere in town or in the Estes Valley."

New Mexico: Las Cruces Recall effort moving forward

Las Cruces School Board members Terrie Dallman, Maria Flores and Ray Jaramillo are all facing recall over claims of violating open meeting laws and adding central office jobs during a hiring freeze.

As a malfeasance state, a judge will first rule if the ground are valid. They need 33 1/3rd of turnout, which is 424 for Flores, 252 for Dallman and 83 for Jaramillo. Any empty seat is filled by appointment.

California: Two Santa Ana Council members facing recall effort

Santa Ana Council members Cecilia Iglesias (R) and Juan Villegas (I) are facing a recall effort over their votes on how to spend a $25 million sales tax. The two voted to spend it on neighborhood improvements. The council approved a police raise.

Texas: City Council still has not adopted petition form for Edinburg Mayor recall effort

The attempt to recall Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina over his arrest on election fraud charges has been stuck with the city not having a form to give the petitioners. The City Attorney said that because there has never been a recall in the city, they aren't sure what forms to use. Now, the city council didn't have a quorum for a meeting to discuss the petition (Molina and his two supporters were no shows), and then met a second day to vote on contracts but ignored this question. As has happened many times in the past, they may be trying to kill the recall effort with delay.

Molina allegedly pushed out of district residents to change their address and vote for him. Petitioners need about 2000 signatures to get on the ballot in 30 days (25% of turnout).

Maine: Two Freedom Selectman recall set for June 11

Freedom Selectmen Steve Bennet and Ron Price are facing a June 11 recall which will take place on the same day as a school budget vote. The issue is claims of abuse of office and conflict of interest against Price. There were complaint about a renovation of a post office, a purchase of a property and a lease of an excavator. Petitioners handed in 53 signatures for Bennet and 51 for Price.

There is only one other Selectman on the board, so the town government will not have a quorum if the recall is successful.

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Minnesota: Fairmont Councilman recall effort thrown out by city attorney

A recall against Fairmont Councilman Tom Hawkins, with the City Council releasing an attorney's summary. The recall effort was over his push to eliminate the in-house city attorney position (which has been held by Elizabeth Bloomquist for 30 years). Hawkins blamed the Sentinel (the local newspaper) for the recall effort. Minnesota is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state, not a political recall one.

Petitioners would have needed 881 signatures (15% of registereds as of Election Day 2018).

Massachusetts: East Bridgewater to vote on recall law

East Bridgewater voters will consider whether to adopt a recall law at the town meeting on June 10. They had previously passed it in June 2015, but the state legislature did not approve it.

Idaho: Kooskia Mayor recall set for May 21

Mayor Charlotte Schilling will be facing the voters on May 21. The recall is over her position on Kooskia Ambulance and was led by the former Kooskia Ambulance President Wayne Finehout. Schilling was appointed mayor in 2017, though has served on the council for 25 years.

Petitioners submitted 76 signatures and got 66 validated. They needed 45 signatures. Petitioners need not only a majority, but also must get 23 yes votes, which will be more than Schilling received in her last election. If she loses, the council will appoint a temporary mayor.

Colorado: Recall effort against State Representative who was main sponsor of gun bill moves forward

State Representative Tom Sullivan (D), the sponsor of the gun bill that was one of the motivations for the GOP's wide ranging recall efforts, has now had the petition approved. The recall effort has already met statements of strong opposition from Cole Wist, the Republican who Sullivan defeated in 2018. Wist said that the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, the major backers of the recall effort, referred to the Republicans "owns the Colorado Republican Party."

Sullivan's son was killed in the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting during a showing of the Dark Knight. Petitioner would need 10,035 signatures by July 12.

Sullivan is the first State Rep to have the petitions against him approved. Petitioners are claiming to seek the recall of 12 state legislators.

Massachusetts: Charlton to vote on revision to signature requirement law

A citizen's petition is looking to reduce the signature requirement for recalls from 20% of registered voters to 30% of turnout (which is much lower) as well as give 10 more days to collect signatures. The signature total should drop from 1950 to 360. The petition will be voted on at the town meeting.

Update: It was approved.

Monday, May 13, 2019

Colorado: State Representative resigns in face of recall effort and sexual misconduct allegations

State Representative Rochelle Galindo (D) resigned her seat before signatures were handed in, with some accusations of sexual misconduct. However, another point to be noted is that due to the resignation, as per state law, the seat will be filled by a Democrat.

Petitioners needed 5,696 valid signatures to get on the ballot. While the resignation may not have been about an unrelated issue, the recall against Galindo and other Democrats appears to be part of a GOP state-wide recall effort to regain power. The issues they are citing are votes on gun control and oil and gas regulation.

Republican efforts to reshape the state government with recalls has expanded to two additional targets, Senate President Leroy Garcia (D) and State Representative Bri Buentello (D). Petitioners would need 13506 signatures for Garcia and 8082 for Buentello. They join Governor Jared Polis, Representative Rochelle Galindo, Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Med Froelich as targets of the recall effort.

Update: Galindo is not being charged with sexual misconduct charges, but has been cited for buying alcohol for a minor.

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Colorado: Petitions against Estes Park Mayor failed; Signatures appear to hit number against Mayor Pro Tem, but new court case looks to toss it out

Petitioners are reportedly to have failed to get a recall against Mayor Todd Jirsa on the ballot -- they claimed to have 565 signatures and needed 553. Apparently, enough have been tossed out. The recall of Mayor Pro Tem Cody Walker seems to have enough signatures. They reported to hand in 585 for Walker and need 450, they got 454. However, there is a lawsuit to protest the petitions.

The issue was a change in the code in 2017 to allow commercial activity in a downtown park, which "inadvertently allowed commercial ventures almost anywhere in town or in the Estes Valley."

Friday, May 10, 2019

Maine: Three Ogunquit Selectmen survive recall vote

Ogunquit Selectmen Madeline Mooney, Charles Waite III and Robert Winn all survived their recall votes, Mooney (384-360), Waite (386-358) and Winn (412-330). The recall was over the three selectmen's support of the town manager's decision to fire the Fire Chief.

Colorado: Article claims 54 recalls in state since 2009, 12 removals and 6 resignations

Protest hearings are being held over the recall effort against Mayor Todd Jirsa and Mayor Pro Tem Cody Walker. The issue was a change in the code in 2017 to allow commercial activity in a downtown park, which "inadvertently allowed commercial ventures almost anywhere in town or in the Estes Valley."

Most interesting in this article is the claim that Colorado has had 54 recall elections since 2009, with 12 resulting in removal and 6 resignations. I have seen that Colorado recalls seem more likely to result in the official surviving than in many other states, but I'll have to check my numbers.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Georgia: Superior Court Judge tosses out recall effort against Chattooga County School Board Chairman

A Judge threw out the recall petitions against Chattooga County School Board Chairman John Agnew over his decision to return the district to a five day schedule (a 4 day week was adopted in 2010). //Plaintiffs said they are not expecting to appeal.

Michigan: Adams Township Board Supervisor, who won office in a 2018 recall, facing petitions

Less than a year after being elected in a recall, Adams Township Board Supervisor Mark Nichols is facing a petition, over the repeal of a township nuisance ordinance. Petitioners would need 264 signatures (25% of gubernatorial turnout).

Nichols was a leader of the recall campaign, which he launched after he received a notice for keeping junk cars in his driveway.

Update: The petition language has been approved.

Texas: Judge throws out lawsuit by recalled Groves Councilman looking to overturn recall vote

A lawsuit filed by Councilman Cross Coburn, who was kicked out in a recall on Election Day, looking to overturn the vote was thrown out. Coburn claimed that there was fraud in the petitioning process.

The recall began after nude photos of him were sent to the media. Coburn is both 19 and openly gay. Coburn blames city government members for the leak of the pictures (the Mayor signed the recall petition).

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Colorado: Senate Minority Leader not taking a stance on recall effort

Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert (R) has said that he is not getting actively involved in the recalls until they get to the ballot.

Idaho: Three Middleton School Board members targeted in recall effort

Middleton School Board Members Tim Winkle, Alicia McConkie and Kirk Adams are facing recall efforts after they voted not to renew the High School principal's contact. Merrill has accused school administrators of harassing him. Petitioners need around 700 signatures to get on the ballot.

Michigan: Kawkawlin Township Supervisor kicked out over wind turbine vote

Kawkawlin Township Supervisor Dennis Bragiel was ousted with 74% against, as Samuel Davidson won the race. The recall was over a no vote on a moratorium on wind turbines. The recall previously faced claims that the County Clerk failed in allowing Braigel to challenge an earlier version of the recall.

Michigan: Curtis Township Supervisor kicked out

Curtis Township Supervisor Darrell Kenyon (D) was ousted in a recall on May 7, losing to Gary Griffith (I), 251-168. The recall was over a decision to decline permanently obtaining a building which was leased from the Oscoda Area Schools and was used as a township hall and community center. The building eventually sold for $707,051.

Texas: Two Rusk City Council members ousted in recall vote

Councilmen Ken Ferrara (123-42) and Jan Pate (146-64) were both ousted in recalls. Both recalls over alleged "highly inappropriate comments to the city secretary" Rosalyn Brown by Ferrara. Ferrara has since apologized and was reprimanded by the council. Mayor Angela Raiborn has backed the recall effort.

Georgia: Superior Court Judge ruling on Chattooga County School Board effort

The recall effort against Chattooga County School Board Chairman John Agnew over his decision to return the district to a five day schedule (a 4 day week was adopted in 2010). Petitioners have collected 100 signatures as the first step. Georgia is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state, so the cause is a claim that Agnew violated the code of ethics by failing to let the public voice their opinions at the meeting.

If the recall goes forward, petitioners would need about 4000 signatures (30% of the registered voters in 2016) to get on the ballot. The rest of the board was recently elected, so they cannot face a recall yet.

Minnesota: Fairmont Councilman facing recall effort

Fairmont Councilman Tom Hawkins is facing a recall effort over his push to eliminate the in-house city attorney position (which has been held by Elizabeth Bloomquist for 30 years).

Petitioners need 881 signatures (15% of registereds as of Election Day 2018).

Philippines: Supreme Court dismisses appeal of recall conduct

This case was about the recall of former Vice Mayor Francis Zamora in 2016 by Guia Gomez. The court held that due to the fact that less than a year was left on the term, recall efforts would be moot.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Georgia: Hoschton Mayor, Councilman threatened with recalls over racist comments/behavior

Hoschton Mayor Theresa Kenerly and Councilman Jim Cleveland are facing calls for their resignation and potential recall threats after the revelation that Kenerly withheld consideration of a city administrator candidate because he was black. In an interview, Cleveland discussed his opposition to interracial marriage due to his "Christian beliefs."

Update: Petitioners need 30% of the signatures from the last election..

Michigan: Flint Councilman facing recall effort

Flint Councilman Santino Guerra is facing a petition over a vote to extend a $12 million waste removal contract.

Flint Councilwoman Kate Fields is also facing a recall effort over the same issue. Fields claims that Mayor Karen Weaver, Councilmember Eric Mays  and Community Liaison for Economic Development Aonie Gilcreast are behind the recall effort.

Monday, May 6, 2019

Texas: Windcrest approve amendment limiting recall law from a political one to a Malfeasance "for cause" standard

Voters appear to have overwhelming approved ballot measures  (Proposition A) changing Windcrest's recall law, adding a malfeasance standard/judicial recall requirement, thereby pushing petitioners to provide a violation of a "for cause" requirement.

Windcrest looked to change their recall laws following two failed recall attempts last year.

Two jurisdiction have undertaken such a move (to a malfeasance standard) in recent years.

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Texas: Haltom passes Recall law

Haltom voters overwhelmingly passed a recall law subjecting the mayor and councilmembers to recalls. The terms are the ones used under state law. The recall law passed with 85% of the vote in favor.

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Texas: McKinney approve charter amendment to ease recall signature requirements

McKinney voters approved by 60% and 79%, amendments to ease the signature requirement for recalls. The new law requires 30% of turnout (with at least 1000 signatures) to get a recall on the ballot). The previous law requires 25% of turnout but it must also contain 15% of total voters, so the new number is likely lower. It would also raise the amount of time to collect the signatures from 30 to 45 days. It also clarifies that recalls are city-wide.

The recall discussion started after Council member La'Shadion Shemwell was arrested on suspicion of violence against the family.

The laws were last updated in 1959.

UK: Recall claims its first ouster, as MP won't run in by-election

The first ever UK recall has now succeed. After getting enough signatures to get to the ballot, former Labour Party MP Fiona Onasanya (Peterborough) has announced via Twitter that she will not run in the replacement by-election. Petitioners had handed in enough signatures to get a recall on the ballot. Onasanya was considered removed, though she was allowed to run in the replacement race. Petitioners got 19261 signatures (27.6% of eligible residents. They needed about 7000 (10%). The recall was estimated to cost about £500,000 ($650,000).

The recall took place after her convicted due to claiming someone else was driving her car when she was caught speeding (11 mph over the limit). Onasanya had already been expelled from the Labour Party and spent three months in jail.

Texas: Edinburg Mayor facing recall efforts after election fraud arrest; Petitioning has to wait until recall form drafted

The attempt to recall Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina over his arrest on election fraud charges has now run into a problem -- the city doesn't know what forms to give the petitioners. The City Attorney said that because there has never been a recall in the city, they aren't sure what forms to use. More on this problem here.

Molina allegedly pushed out of district residents to change their address and vote for him. Petitioners need about 2000 signatures to get on the ballot in 30 days (25% of turnout).

South Africa: Push for ability to recall ward councillors

A petition signed by 25,000 people are demanding an amended Municipal Structures Act to give a recall of their ward councillors.

Tennessee: Governor signs bill allowing recall of Madison County School Board

The Governor signed a law allowing recalls in the Madison County Board of Education members. The law was recently passed by the legislature.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

California: Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Representative facing recall effort

Silver Lake Neighborhood Council Representative Sarah Ullman is facing a recall effort over claims that she wasn't eligible to run in Apri (the Department of Neighborhood Councils upheld her right to serve).  Michael Masterson, who came in third in the race for the Council (top two were elected), is leading the recall effort.

Some odd provisions to get this recall moving:

The recall effort needs the consent of the Los Angeles City Attorney's office. Then, they need 250 signatures from Silver Lake stakeholders. Following that, there would be a meeting, which would need 100 of those stakeholders to be present. The recall can then be overturned by a vote of 80% of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council.

UK: Recall effort against Labour MP gets to the ballot; First recall ever in the UK

The first ever UK recall will be going to the ballot, as petitioners handed in enough signatures to get a recall against former Labour Party MP Fiona Onasanya (Peterborough) on the ballot. Onasanya is considered removed, though she is allowed to run in the replacement race. Petitioners got 19261 signatures (27.6% of eligible residents. They needed about 7000 (10%). The recall is estimated to cost about £500,000 ($650,000).

The recall took place after she was convicted due to claiming someone else was driving her car when she was caught speeding (11 mph over the limit). Onasanya has already been expelled from the Labour Party and spent three months in jail.

Missouri: Terre Du Luc Association Board members survive recall vote, though two resign later

President Dave Ruble and members Bob Brown and Gary Keithly survived a recall vote in March, though Ruble and Brown have since resigned their positions.

The recall was over a meeting to fire the General Manager and remove the position. The recall, which had 160 signatures, argues that the meeting that took place without enough notice to all other directors (one was missing). There are apparently 2800 votes in the development. There was some complaints about the count (Ruble chose the six counters).

Michigan: Flint Councilwoman recall underway

Flint Councilwoman Kate Fields is facing a petition over a vote to extend a $12 million waste removal contract. Fields claims that Mayor Karen Weaver, Councilmember Eric Mays  and Community Liaison for Economic Development Aonie Gilcreast are behind the recall effort.

Arizona: Douglas Mayoral Recall on hold after judicial decision

A judge has held up the recall of Douglas Mayor Robert Uribe, ruling that the signed pages did not have a page with the serial number attached. The serial number is included on the recall petition application.

Petitioners appeared to have enough signatures to get the Uribe on the ballot. Petitioners handed in 801 signatures and 668 were valid. The needed 569.

The issues include alleged employee problems and a failure to have a special meeting as requested by council members. It looked like August 27 would have been election date.

Texas: Edinburg Mayor facing recall efforts after election fraud arrest

Petitions have been taken out against Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina following his arrest on election fraud charges. Molina allegedly pushed out of district residents to change their address and vote for him. Petitioners need about 2000 signatures to get on the ballot.

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

UK: MP facing recall effort after sentencing for false expense invoices

Brecon and Radnor MP Chris Davies (Conservative) is facing a recall effort after he was fined 1500 pounds and hit with 50 hours of community service over two false expense invoices for landscape photographs. Since the sentence was under 12 months, he is not automatically ousted. Petitioners need 5303 signatures in six weeks to get on the ballot.

Colorado: Senate President and State Representative join recall list

Republican efforts to reshape the state government with recalls has expanded to two additional targets, Senate President Leroy Garcia (D) and State Representative Bri Buentello (D). Petitioners would need 13506 signatures for Garcia and 8082 for Buentello. They join Governor Jared Polis, Representative Rochelle Galindo, Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Med Froelich as targets of the recall effort.

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Chair and Vice Chair facing recall efforts

Tribal Council Chairman Cedric Cromwell and Vice Chairwoman Jessie (Little Doe) Baird are facing recall efforts over claims of abuse of power. A fellow council member, Aaron Tobey Jr., filed the petitions and needs 135 for Cromwell and 129 for Baird. This recall is not a plurality vote. For the recall to oust the two, the vote has to exceed 40% turnout from the last election and 60% have to vote against.

Update: More than 200 signatures were voided.

Nevada: Op-ed on changes to recall law

Here

New York: Public call for recall of Watertown Judge, though no recall is available

Watertown Judge James P. McClusky is facing an online petition for removal over his probation sentence (which was recommended by prosecutors) for a bus driver who plead guilty to having sex with a 14 year old. New York doesn't have a recall law, so McClusky is now in any danger of being ousted.

Arizona: Petitions filed against Dewey-Humboldt Mayor

Dewey-Humboldt Mayor Terry Nola is facing petitions for "unprofessional and intimidating conduct."