Montana: Judge rejects Helena Mayor and City Commissioners recall petitions

A District Court Judge has stopped the recall effort against Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins and City Commissioners Andres Haladay and Heather O'Loughlin, ruling that the recall does not meet the malfeasance standard.

Petitioners needed about 4300 signatures (20% of registered voters) in 90 days. Since Montana is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state, the petition language must meet the for cause requirement and be approved by a judge to get on the ballot. The claim is that the decision to hire an interim city manager was made without proper public input and the input of the full council.

Update: Collins is running for reelection.