Sunday, July 30, 2023

Michigan: Ottawa County Commissioner recall paused as court hears appeal of petition language

The recall effort against Ottawa County Commissioner Lucy Ebel has been paused by the court, as she is looking to appeal the decision to accept the petition language. Trying to think of other examples of a court stopping a petition after the Election Commission has approved the language.

The recall against her is over her vote to reverse the hiring of the county health officer. Ebel is a member of Ottawa Impact, a fundamentalist Christian group who have elected a number of officials in the county. Some of Ebel's supporters claim the recall is because of her Latino heritage, though the recall proponents deny this charge.

Friday, July 28, 2023

Arizona: State Senator facing petitions

State Senator Justine Wadsack (R) is facing a recall effort over claims that she tried to promote book bans, attacking the Arizona State Bar Association, making changes to the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind and positions on the homelessness. Wadsack is a member of the Freedom Caucus.

The lead petition claims Wadsack has been attacking her as a "registered communist" and Wadsack has been accused of targeting other petitioners on social media.

Petitioners need 30,981 signatures by September 5. 

Nebraska: Signatures verified against Brownville Village Board Members

Signatures have been verified against Brownville Village Board members Natisha Helmick, Terry Vice and Bailey Bindle, with the county clerk suggesting an October 10 election. The recall is over claims of mismanagement, misinformation and not listening to input, though it appears to focus on ending the Auburn Board of Public Work's management of the village's water and waste water systems. They later hired an individual to handle it.

Petitioners handed in 31 signatures and needed 21.

California: Santa Ana City Council recall makes the ballot

The recall election against Santa Ana City Council member Jessie Lopez is a go, with signatures verified. No date has been set for the recall. 

Petitioners handed in 6617 signatures were either handed in, with 1333 knocked out (395 duplicates). So 5284 were validated and they needed 5274. Additionally, 129 people asked for their name to be removed under the signature strike law. 

There is also a petition outstanding against councilmember Thai Viet Phan, though that isn't due until August 7.

The two are facing recall efforts led by the police union over a labor contract. The contract reportedly doesn't met the union pay-raise proposals. The recall chairman cited a 2021 rent control policy as the reason for the recall. The recall effort comes after progressives won four council seats in 2020. 

The union backed a 2020 recall vote against Council member Cecillia Iglesias, who was kicked out.

The election would cost between $230-$255,000.

Nebraska: Dawes County Commissioner facing petitions

Dawes County Commissioner Vic Rivera is facing petitions, with a complaint about mismanagement and interfering with past and present employee relationships.

Petitioners need 207 signatures in 30 days. 

Kansas: No signatures handed in against Leavenworth School Board member

No signatures were handed in against Leavenworth School Board Member Vanessa Reid.

The recall was started after Reid took a picture of the lead petitioner's child's artwork that featured a rainbow flag. Reid than shared the picture in a newsletter from Representative Pat Proctor (R). Proctor claimed that the flag showed that the school library was "doing more indoctrinating than education."

North Dakota: Teachers' Union endorses incumbents in Williston Basin School Board recall

The Williston Teacher's Union endorsed the Williston Basin School Board President Chris Jundt, VP Kyle Renner and member John Kasmer in their upcoming a recall vote on August 8. 

The effort also targeted Cory Swint, Heather Wheeler and Sarah Williams, though no word on what happened.

Jundt took office in winning a recall in 2019 against school board members

Dennis Nehring, one of the leaders of this recall effort, won a recall in 2020.

The group backing the recall appears to be connected with Moms for Liberty, the far-right group that has looked to ban books in libraries and schools. 

Oregon: Signatures handed in against Grants Pass Mayor

Signatures have been turned in against Grants Pass Mayor Sara Bristol. Petitioners claim to have handed in over 4300 signatures and need 2462. 

The recall is over claims that she Bristol "does not represent their conservative principles" though there are also complaints about homelessness issues.

Grants Pass had a recall in 2009, removing five council members.

Michigan: Petition language approved against White Pigeon officials

Petitions have now been approved against three more White Pigeon Township officials, Clerk Lacie Pletcher and Trustees Jean Tefft and Vince Schroen. Petitioners claim that the trustees did not make budget documents available before a public hearing;

Petitions have been also been filed against White Pigeon Township Supervisor Don Gloy and Treasurer Trudy Gloy. Petitioner claimed that Trudy Gloy voted on re-zoning of property she bought for a residential storage building and complaints about the behavior of Don Gloy and Schroen.

Don Gloy has been a board member for 35 years (30 as supervisor).

Petitioner needs 379 signatures each to get to the ballot.

Minnesota: Columbia Heights Councilmember recall set for February 13, 2024

The recall against Columbia Heights Councilmember Kay (K.T.) Jacobs has made the ballot, and is now scheduled for February 13, 2024.

Jacobs has sued to stop the recall, claiming that it does not meet Minnesota's malfeasance standard. 

The recall is over claims that Jacobs made inappropriate racial comments to another councilmember when he was running for office (She questioned whether he was really biracial and allegedly used a fake name while doing so -- Jacobs blames a family member for calling). The council has already voted to ask her to step down. 

Petitioners handed in over 2000 signatures and 200 were found insufficient. Petitioners need 1880 signatures to get on the ballot they were allowed to cure (which they did).

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Michigan: Nonpartisan Group calls recall of legislators "anti-democratic"

Jamie Lyons-Eddy, the Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, the group that led Michigan initiatives reforming redistricting and expanding voter access, has called the eight recall efforts "anti-democratic." She also focused on the claim that they recalls are "intended for cases of criminal behavior or dereliction of duty, not sour grapes about votes that someone doesn't like."



Texas: Two Jasper City Councilmembers facing petitions

Petitions are being taken out against Jasper City Councilmembers David Shultz and Rashad Lewis. The recalls focus on Shultz's vote on a broadband issue and Lewis's calling himself "Mayor" in a social media post (Lewis is the Mayor Pro-Tem), as well as claims of a failure to comply with a public records request. 

Jasper requires 30% of turnout (213 signatures) because all positions are considered at-large. Texas law uses 10% of registered voters in a specific district.

Sunday, July 23, 2023

California: Petitioners claim they have 2/3rds signatures needed for Shasta Supervisor

Petitioners claim that they have 2/3rd the needed signatures for the recall of Shasta Supervisor Kevin Crye. They have to hand in the signatures by September 12. More on that recall here.

Texas: Keene Mayoral recall petitions outstanding, while three council recalls fail in dueling petition fight

The recall effort against three city council members may be coming to a close, with no signatures handed in against Councilmembers Ray Johnson, Gwen Beeson and James Belz over claims of open meeting act violations.

A former friend of Keene Mayor Lisa Parrish, who claims that three city councilmembers tried to force her to resign as interim city manager (Parrish cast the tie-breaking vote to name herself city manager), filed the the petitions against three councilmembers, though the woman claims that it was Parrish's idea. Petitions are still outstanding against Parrish.

Michigan: Two more House Representatives facing recall; bringing total to Eight (6 Democrats, 2 Republicans)

Two more Michigan House Representatives are facing recall efforts, bringing the total ongoing recall attempts to eight

State Representative Noah Arbit (D) is facing a recall over his vote for (and sponsorship of) an amendment to the hate crimes bill to include LGBTQ+, the elderly and disabled). Some conservative sites have falsely claimed that the bill would criminalize the misuse of pronouns.

State Representative Donni Steele (R) is also facing a recall effort over her vote in favor of a bill requiring safe storage of guns when not in use.

Friday, July 21, 2023

California: Alameda County District Attorney Recall Heats up with DA calling opponents "election deniers" and filing charges against subordinate prosecutor

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price has now come out swinging against the recall effort, as she called the recall proponents "election deniers" and complains that she didn't hear from them during protests she held when she was an attorney.

Price has also filed misdemeanor criminal charges against one of her prosecutors, Butch Ford, claiming that he interfered with a police shooting case in 2020. For, a former County "Prosecutor of the Year" award-winner, as put on administrative leave on April 10 and has been a strident critic of Price's tenure.

Price is facing recall threats following criticism of what are seen as lenient plea deals, including a judge rejecting a plea deal of 15 years in a triple murder case. Price was elected as one of the new wave of Progressive prosecutors, which led to the recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and the serious attempt against Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon. One of the leaders of the Boudin recall effort is part of the campaign to remove Price.

Petitioners would need 92,928 signatures (though that may change) to get on the ballot. Due to the grace period, Price has only recently become eligible for a recall effort.

Perhaps worth nothing that Price won office with over 53% of the vote, which is somewhat higher than Boudin (who got 50.8%).

Washington: Three Mason County Fire District 12 Commissioners resigned in face of upcoming recall vote

Three Mason County Fire District 12 Commissioners, Brian Jutson, John Pais and Albert "Buck" Wilder have resigned in the face of an upcoming recall elections scheduled for August 1.

The recall was after a state audit called the commission as exhibiting an "overall disregard" for laws and found conflict of interests and questionable spending. The FBI is supposedly investigating. Wilder also recently voted to appoint his daughter, who is also under investigation, to the commission. 

Petitioners handed in 101 signatures for Pais and 85 for Juston and Wilder.

Wisconsin: Taylor County Supervisor recall ousted in recall vote

Taylor County Board of Supervisors Member Lester Lewis was blown out in a recall vote by Stratford Village Board President Harvey Suckow, 225-24. . Lewis represents Grover, Westboro and Molitor.

Petitioners handed in more than 200 valid signatures. They needed 170. The recall is over complaints about Lewis' behavior at Veterans Service meetings. Lewis was in office for 22 years.

Michigan: Petitions filed against Ludington Councilor

Ludington Councilor Les Johnson is facing petitions over claims that he voted to raise property taxes.

Ludington last held a recall vote in 1986, when City Commissioner Carol Cain was removed. The same petitioners had ousted Commissioner Raymond Mayer in 1984. 

Update: Petition language has been approved.

Michigan: Petitions taken out against Grand Blanc School Board Member of felony charges in fake elector scheme

Petitions have been filed against Grand Blanc School Board Member Amy Facchinello following her being charged with eight felonies as part of the fake elector scheme in the 2020 election. Facchinello was one of the 16 people who tried to falsely claim that they were Michigan's Presidential Electors in an attempt to usurp the state's 16 electoral votes for the losing candidate, Trump. 

Michigan: Petitions finally approved on the fifth round against Benton Harbor School Board Trustee

Petition language has finally been approved against Benton Harbor School Board Trustee Trenton Bowens after the first four petitions were rejected due to language/clarity issues. The issue was a vote against replacing a boiler at the high school. Bowens had faced a recall attempt when he was a commissioner (though the petition never made the ballot).

Michigan: Seven officials in Green Charter Township and Big Rapids Township facing recall effort

Signatures were handed in against Green Charter Township Supervisor James Chapman, Clerk Janet Clark (558 signatures) , Treasurer Denise Macfarlane (556) and Trustees Roger Carroll (558), Dale Jernstadt (567) and Gary Todd (556) and Big Rapids Township Supervisor Bill Stanek (560).

The recall is over their support for a battery component manufacturing facility. 

Louisiana: Bill looking to keep signers name secret throughout recall process dropped

A Louisiana Bill that would have kept signers' names secret for 90 days, or basically until the signatures are all turned in, was dropped by its author Senator Cameron Henry (R).

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Nebraska: Omaha City Councilmember recall fails

The recall effort against City Council member Vinny Palermo has failed, as petitioners did not turn in any signatures. Palermo was over an arrest on felony fraud charges and allegations of steering contracts for bribes. 

The petition includes a kitchen sink of other complaints in it, but this seems to be the focus. Petitioners needed 2462 signatures for the Palmero recall. Not sure about the other two.

Petitions have been taken out against Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Councilmember Danny Begley. Begley is accused of blocking an opportunity to have voters choosing Palermo replacement if he is removed.

The council president has noted that the council is required to select the replacement, which has led to discontent. 


Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Michigan: Six House members targeted in recall effort

Petitions have been taken out against six Michigan House members, Democratic Representatives Jennifer Conlin, Betsy Coffia, Sharon MacDonell, Reggie Miller and Jamie Churches and a sixth against Republican Representative Cam Cavitt.

The five Democrats are targeted over votes in favor of red flag laws to remove guns from people who are considered extreme risks (Coffia and MacDonell) and hate crimes legislation (Conlin, Miller and Churches), though the fact that the Democrats have a narrow 56-54 majority in the House is  leading petitioners to think they can gain control of the chamber with recalls. 

Cavitt is facing a recall over his vote in favor of electing Representative Joe Tate as speaker. 

Recalls to flip a chamber are not unusual and have actually worked, though the longer term implications are frequently poor. Recalls in Washington in 1981, Michigan in 1983, California in 1995, Wisconsin in 1996, Wisconsin in 2011, 2012, Colorado in 2013 and attempts in Colorado and Nevada in 2019 all had this goal. In Michigan, California and Wisconsin (1996), recalls actually resulted in change of control, though only the Michigan one stuck (Democrats have been out of power in the Michigan Senate for nearly 40 years, ending this last election.

Michigan has also had four state legislative elections, in 1983, 2008 and 2011. Three of the four led to removal.

Monday, July 17, 2023

Michigan: Petition language approved in recall against Troy School Board members

Petition language has been approved against Troy School Board President Karl Schmidt, VP Nicole Wilson, Secretary Gary Hauff and Trustee Nancy Philippart. The recall seems to be over a vote to add "Illustrative Math" to the curriculum, while removing accelerated math options before 8th grade though the article notes that the recall is being led by conservative groups.

Petitioners need 8000 signatures to get the recall on the ballot.

Washington: Richland School Board member facing reelection and recall run

Here's a look at candidates running  against Richland School Board member Kari Williams, who is one of three members facing a recalls on August 1. Williams is also running to keep her seat in November.

The recalls against Richland School Board members Semi Bird, Audra Byrd and Williams were over their vote to make mask mandates optional, which allegedly violates a state law that mandated masks to fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Washington State Supreme Court has approved the recall effort, which because Washington is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state, needed a showing of a violation of state law.

Nebraska: Crofton Councilmember recall scheduled for September 12

The recall election of Crofton Councilmember James Murphy has been scheduled for September 12. with petitions still outstanding against Mayor Bob Evans and Councilmember Larry Peitz . The recalls seem to be about a police chief and officer firing (or nonrenewal). The former police chief took out the petitions against Evans and Peitz.

Petitioners needed 63 signatures for Murphy and got 67 valid ones. Petitioners need 127 for the mayoral recall.

The recall is about the firing of the police chief and claims that he did not show up for meetings (Murphy argues that he missed two meetings in 2 1/2 years), as well as votes against hiring a special CPA firm or fixing roads and the claim that "he has no opinions on important matters."

Michigan: Ottawa County recall language approved

The petition language has been approved in the recall against Ottawa County Commissioner Lucy Ebel over her vote to reverse the hiring of the county health officer. Ebel is a member of Ottawa Impact, a fundamentalist Christian group who have elected a number of officials in the county. Some of Ebel's supporters claim the recall is because of her Latino heritage, though the recall proponents deny this charge.


Canada: Columnist calls for adoption of recall for local British Columbia officials

Here

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Iowa: Warren County Auditor facing August 29 quasi-recall vote

Iowa is one of the few (nine? -- good question!) states without a recall law at any level, but they have a law that does allow for a removal/replacement based on a very particular set of circumstances.

Under the Election Code (69.14A), county vacancies are appointed by the board. But, if voters object by filing a petition signed by 10% of votes cast for president or governor in the most recent general election, a special election is called.

This is exactly what happened in Warren County, where the longtime former auditor (who is in charge of elections) retired. The Supervisors chose to nominate as Warren County Auditor David Whipple (R), who reposted numerous comments on the baseless conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election (and seemingly other conspiracy theories as well) though now claims he has grown and does not believe that.

Warren is facing a recall election on August 29 after petitioners handed in at least 2384 signatures. Democrats are running former deputy auditor Kim Sheets as the nominee. Whipple put Sheets on paid leave due to tension in the office.

Oregon: Brookings Mayor and Councilmembers facing petitions

Brookings Mayor Ron Hedenskog and city councilmembers Ed Schreiber and Michelle Morosky are facing recall efforts after reinstating the City Manager following her arrest for shoplifting. Petitioners need over 400 signatures in 90 days.

Colorado: Fourth Englewood Councilmember recall makes the ballot

Another Englewood Council recall is on the ballot, as petitioners handed in over 583 signatures  against Councilmember Joe Anderson. Signatures have already been validated against Councilmember Cheryl Wink, Chelsea Nunnenkamp and Mayor Othoniel Sierra.

An election should be scheduled between August and October.

The recall effort is over a plan to allow multifamily development in a single-family zone. Sink is also facing complaints about attendance.

Anderson succeeded a former Councilmember Laurett Barrentine, who survived a recall vote but lost reelection. 


Nebraska: Recalls threatened against four Sargent School Board Members

Sargent School Board members Martin Riddle, Loyd Pointer, Laura Kipp and Tammera Moody are facing recall efforts over the board's vote to not renew the contact of a principal. 

Petitioners would need 95 signatures (35% of the highest vote total of any candidate in the last election).

Michigan: Petitions taken out against Dearborn Heights Mayor

Petitions have been taken out against Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi on complaints about violating the city charter (by suspending Police and Fire Civil Service Commission activities).

Former Dearborn Heights Treasurer and Councilmember Zouhair Abdel-Hak (who was also a candidate in the upcoming August Council election) is leading the recall effort. Petitioners need about 4500 signatures to get on the ballot.

Update: The first petition was rejected on clarity grounds.

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Philippines: Petitions filed against Santa Cruz Laguna mayor

Santa Cruz, Laguna Mayor Edgar San Luis is facing a recall effort over complaints about loss of trust and alleged graft. Petitioners claim that they have at least 15000 signatures (15% of the population).

Friday, July 14, 2023

Texas: Two Killeen Councilmember targeted by former councilmember

Former Killeen City Councilman Jonathan Okray is once again looking to recall members of the council, in this case Councilmembers Jose Segarra and Ramon Alvarez over their in favor of decriminalizing marijuana laws (they voted to allow it to go to a referendum, which passed).

He needs 2037 valid signatures by July 31 to get on the ballot.

Okray previously threatened to launch recalls against the entire City Council if they didn't enter into an agreement with a law firm for redistricting services (which they approved, 6-1). Okray was behind the 2011 recall of five council members for the buyout of the City Manager's contract -- Okray ran and won his seat.

California: Campaign Finance paperwork taken out against Alameda County District Attorney

The recall effort against Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is now moving forward, with campaign finance paperwork being filed. 

Price is facing recall threats following criticism of what are seen as lenient plea deals, including a judge rejecting a plea deal of 15 years in a triple murder case. Price was elected as one of the new wave of Progressive prosecutors, which led to the recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and the serious attempt against Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon. One of the leaders of the Boudin recall effort is part of the campaign to remove Price.

Petitioners would need 92,928 signatures to get on the ballot. Due to the grace period, Price has only recently become eligible for a recall effort.

Perhaps worth nothing that Price won office with over 53% of the vote, which is somewhat higher than Boudin (who got 50.8%).

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Wisconsin: Columbia County Supervisor loses recall race over solar projects

Columbia County Supervisor Adam Hahn was kicked out in a recall vote, losing to Derek Granquist, 59.8-40.2%.

The recall was over his vote to approve expansion of solar projects. 

Virginia: Recall being held in Lake Monticello HOA

Lake Monticello HOA board member Don Polonis is facing a recall effort over comments he posted about Democrats and LGBT (including statements about Satan). When a community member protested, he posted her name and address online. He was censured by the board. Petitioners need an absolute majority of members to remove him (2301). Right now, 1900 have voted.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Minnesota: Columbia Heights Councilmember files suit to stop recall effort

 A lawsuit has been filed by Columbia Heights Councilmember Kay (K.T.) Jacobs claiming that the recall does not meet Minnesota's malfeasance standard. 

The recall is over claims that JAcobs made inappropriate racial comments to another councilmember when he was running for office (She questioned whether he was really biracial and allegedly used a fake name while doing so -- Jacobs blames a family member for calling). The council has already voted to ask her to step down. 

Petitioners handed in over 2000 signatures and 200 were found insufficient. Petitioners need 1880 signatures to get on the ballot by July 11 and they plan on curing the ones with issues.

Colorado: Louisville Councilmember recall set for October 3

The recall election against Louisville Councilwoman Maxine Most is set to take place on October 3. Petitioners handed in about 600 signatures and needed 440 (no word on the rejection rate, but the validation took place in a day). The election is estimated to cost between $30-40,000.

Most is accused of a lack of empathy for fire victims, including allegedly mocking fire survivors and calling on owners to build smaller houses if they can't afford larger ones.

Sunday, July 9, 2023

California: Montebello Mayor and Councilmembers facing petitions

A recall effort is being threatened against Montebello Mayor David Torres, Mayor Pro Tem Scarlet Peralta and Councilmember Georgina Tamayo over the firing of the former city manager and city public affairs director. The former director claims that he was fired as retaliation for claims against a hostile work environment. The council eliminated the public affairs director position.

The article provides a good detailed list of what is needed to get a recall going (from a legal standpoint).

Idaho: West Bonner School Board Members Recall Makes the ballot; Scheduled for August 29

A recall election has been set against West Bonner School Board Chair Keith Rutledge and Trustee Susan Brown for August 29.

The recall is over a 3-2 vote to approve the appointment of former State Senator Branden Durst as the new school superintendent, despite him not having the qualifications to serve (he needs to have worked in a school for four years -- the board declared an emergency to allow it). Durst, a former Democrat who switched parties and ran for the Republican nomination for State Superintendent (he lost). Durst is seen as part of a "far-right takeover" of the schools.

Petitioners needed 243 signatures for Rutledge and 180 for Brown. No word yet on how many were handed in/rejected. 

Idaho has a "Queen of the Hill" provision, which would required a recall to not only win the vote, but top the total number of votes in favor of the candidate in the last election. Voters need 245 votes to kick out Rutledge and 177 to remove Brown.

California: Lawsuit from petitioners claim they had the signatures against Los Angeles County District Attorney

The Recall effort against Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon refuses to end, as petitioners are claiming that their review should lead to a huge reversal, moving from missing the recall by 46,000 signatures to having over 6000 more vaild signatures due to what they claim is the Registrar's improper invalidation methods. 

The focus seems to be on the voter roll question, as petitioner needed 10% of registered voters. Petitioners are arguing that voter rolls were inflated, so the 566,857 needed signatures were higher than needed (the claim is that they should have needed 540,338 and -- under their review -- got 546,234). We discussed this a little with the cancelled signature category. 

It is not clear from the article whether the rest of the complaint has changed from earlier. At that time, they seem to focus on non-matching signatures, thought that was only a small part of the invalidation (9,490). They are also focused on the not registered totals, which is the vast majority of the rejected signatures (though it is in-line with the failure rate of other recalls). Here's an extensive look at the question and definitely recommend the Red State article on it. 

Oregon: Signatures handed in against State Representative in Cannabis/Labor bill fight

Over 6600 signatures have been handed in against State Representative Paul Holvey (D), with petitioners needing 4598 to get on the ballot and petitioners have more than a month (August 21) to add to the total.  

The Holvey recall is not a partisan fight, rather it is being launch by one of the most powerful unions in the state, the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555. Holvey is the Chair of the House Committee on Business and Labor.

The recall is over Holvey's failure to support a bill blocking cannabis employers from interfering with employee efforts to unionize. Holvey believed that it was preempted by federal law. Holvey was a former union representative and he notes that the state's largest union and others are backing Holvey in fighting the recall effort.

Louisiana: Jeanerette Mayor targeted with recall petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Jeanerette Mayor Carol "Bro" Bourgeois Jr. (D) 

The petition claims that Bourgeois is holding a budget up for salary increases for himself. Petitioners need 1041 signatures to get on the ballot.

Michigan: Petitions taken out against three Delta County Commissioners

Petitions have been taken out against Delta County Commissioners Robert Petersen, Dave Moyle and Robert Barron over their votes to fire the County Administrator. 

Petitioners will need 666 signatures for one of the commissioners, and over 1000 for the other two.

Michigan: Petitions filed against sixth Flint Councilmember

Petitions have now been taken out against a sixth Flint Councilmember, Dennis PfeifferRecalls have already been filed against five Flint Councilmembers, City Council President Allie Herkenroder, Vice President Ladel Lewis and councilmembers Eva Worthing, Eric Mays and Judy Priestley (with two filed against Priestly). Herkenroder has already announced that she is resigning her seat. Language has been approved against Lewis and Worthing, with 785 signatures needed to get Lewis on the ballot and 510 for Worthing.

The recall is over claims that Mays and another councilmember called a meeting that they others did not attend over the question of applying for a community grant program funding. Mays has also been charged with disorderly conduct for conduct at the council meetings that has apparently gone viral.

Friday, July 7, 2023

Ballotpedia's mid-term report shows Michigan very active in mayoral recalls, School Board recall still popular

Here and here

Canada: Ryley Councilor ousted in recall vote -- perhaps first in Canada's history

Update: Ryley Councilor Nik Lee did not run in the recall race, which was won by Lyndie Nickel over Joshua Lee 166-11.

Lee faced a recall vote, after petitioners received 250 signatures (the village has 460 residents and need 40% of voters). The recall seems to be over increased budget spending and absenteeism.

Lee was elected in 2017, but disqualified in 2019 for not paying municipal taxes. Lee then refused to resign, but was kicked out by the council in 2021. Lee then ran and won again, with the Council voting to make him mayor. He was removed as mayor in February and then missed the next eight weeks. The council then voted to disqualify him and the deputy mayor (who also missed sessions). The Deputy Mayor resigned.

Lee claims he resigned in March, but only told the province, not the municipality because he did not recognize the new mayor.

The recall election is scheduled for August 14.

This may be the first recall that actually goes to an election in Canada (certainly the first that I've seen). British Columbia has had numerous attempts and resignations in the face of recalls, but none have gone to the ballot.

Update: Lee did not seem to run in the by-election, 

UK: MP and former Deputy Chief Whip facing potential recall

Former Deputy Chief Whip and MP Chris Pincher (Conservative) is facing a potential recall effort due to allegations that he groped two individuals. The parliamentary standards committee recommended an eight-week suspension, which would allow a recall effort to be launched (any suspension over 10 days and under a year allows for recall petitions). 

Canada: Carbon Mayor and Councilor recall fails

A petition against Carbon Mayor Bryan Peever and Councilor Trina Anderson failed, with petitioners claiming they were seven signatures short (though it doesn't sound like we have independent proof of that). Petitioners would have needed 140 signatures (40% of voters) in 60 days. 

Missouri: Jackson County Executive facing recall threats

Jackson County Executive Frank White is facing recall threats over increases in property assessments.

Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca seems to be suggesting that a recall could take place. Petitioners would need 20% of turnout, which would be 42,779 (though the article notes that Abarca claims it is 5%).

Michigan: Fifth times the charm? Fifth petition filed against Benton Harbor School Board member

A fifth recall petition has been filed against Benton Harbor School Board Trustee Trenton Bowens after the first four were rejected due to language/clarity issues. The issue was a vote against replacing a boiler at the high school. Bowens had faced a recall attempt when he was a commissioner (though the petition never made the ballot).

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Illinois: Petitions to be taken out against Arlington Heights Mayor and Trustee

Petitions are going to be filed against Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes and Trustee Jim Bertuci over a proposed $5 billion plan to redevelop Arlington Park for the Chicago Bears. Petitioner may target the other trustees as well.

Petitioners need about 6500 signatures (12% of registered voters), to get on the ballot.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Colorado: Louisville Councilmember recall makes the ballot

Enough signatures have been filed against Louisville Councilwoman Maxine Most to get the recall on the ballot. Petitioners handed in about 600 signatures and needed 440 (no word on the rejection rate, but the validation took place in a day). It looks like October 3 will be the special election date. The election is estimated to cost between $30-40,000.

Most is accused of a lack of empathy for fire victims, including allegedly mocking fire survivors and calling on owners to build smaller houses if they can't afford larger ones.

Michigan: Petitions filed against Ottawa County Commissioner

Petitions have been filed against Ottawa County Commissioner Lucy Ebel over her vote to reverse the hiring of the county health officer. Ebel is a member of Ottawa Impact, a fundamentalist Christian group who have elected a number of officials in the county.

Nebraska: Omaha Mayor is third official facing recall petitions

Petitions have now been filed against Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, the third official facing a recall effort. Councilmember Danny Begley is facing petitions, as part of the fallout from the arrest of City Council member Vinny Palermo. Begley is accused of blocking an opportunity to have voters choosing Palermo replacement if he is removed.

Palermo is facing a recall effort over an arrest on felony fraud charges and allegations of steering contracts for bribes. The petition includes a kitchen sink of other complaints in it, but this seems to be the focus. Petitioners needs 2462 signatures for the Palmero recall. Not sure about the other two.

The council president has noted that the council is required to select the replacement, which has led to discontent. 

Monday, July 3, 2023

Minnesota: Signatures handed in against Columbia Heights Councilmember

Signatures have been handed in against Columbia Heights Councilmember Kay (K.T.) Jacobs is over claims that she made inappropriate racial comments to another councilmember when he was running for office (She questioned whether he was really biracial and allegedly used a fake name while doing so -- Jacobs blames a family member for calling). The council has already voted to ask her to step down. 

Petitioners handed in over 2000 signatures and  needs 1880 signatures to get on the ballot, and since Minnesota is a malfeasance standard state, they will need approval from a judge. 

Nebraska: Crofton Councilmember recall makes the ballot; petitions outstanding against mayor and 2nd councilmember

Signatures have been verified in the recall effort against Crofton Councilmember James Murphy, with petitions still outstanding against Mayor Bob Evans and Councilmember Larry Peitz . The recalls seem to be about a police chief and officer firing (or nonrenewal). The former police chief took out the petitions against Evans and Peitz.

Petitioners needed 63 signatures for Murphy and got 67 valid ones. Petitioners need 127 for the mayoral recall.

The recall seems to be about the firing of the police chief and claims that he did not show up for meetings (Murphy argues that he missed two meetings in 2 1/2 years), as well as votes against hiring a special CPA firm or fixing roads and the claim that "he has no opinions on important matters."

Michigan: Four White Pigeon officials facing petitions

Petitions have been filed against White Pigeon Township Supervisor Don Gloy, Treasurer Trudy Gloy and Trustees Jean Tefft and Vince Schroen. Petitioner claimed that Trudy Gloy voted on re-zoning of property she bought for a residential storage building; that the trustees did not make budget documents available before a public hearing; and complaints about the behavior of Don Gloy and Schroen.

Don Gloy has been a board member for 35 years (30 as supervisor).

Petitioner needs 378 signatures each to get to the ballot.

Nevada: Petitions taken out against Incline Village General Improvement Trustees

Petitions have been filed against Incline Village General Improvement District Chair Matthew Dent and Trustee Sara Schmitz. Three former board trustees are leading the effort. Looks like this is over the firing of a general manager for the district.

Petitioners need 25% of turnout (and supposedly, only those who voted in the 2020 election can sign, though I'm not sure if that limiting provision preventing newer residents or people who didn't vote in that specific election actually holds up if challenged in court).

Michigan: Petitions filed against five Flint Councilmembers; City Council President to resign

Recalls have been filed against five Flint Councilmembers, City Council President Allie Herkenroder, Vice President Ladel Lewis and councilmembers Eva Worthing, Eric Mays and Judy Priestley (with two filed against Priestly). 

The recall is over claims that Mays and another councilmember called a meeting that they others did not attend over the question of applying for a community grant program funding. Mays has also been charged with disorderly conduct. 

Herkenroder has already announced that she is resigning her seat.

Michigan: Crystal Township Treasurer facing petitions

Petitions have been taken out against Crystal Township Treasurer Nancy Johnson over an alleged $1000. Article is behind a paywall, but hopefully we'll get more info soon enough.

California: Settlement reached in San Francisco School Board Stolen petition lawsuit

We finally have a resolution to an odd case out of the San Francisco School Board Recalls. Jason Kruta was accused of stealing petitions (and intentionally signing fake names) and agreed to an anger management class and community service. He was also sued by the petitioner, which led to a settlement of a $1, a public apology with ads in three papers. 

Michigan: Petitions taken out against Exeter Township Supervisor

Petition language has been approved against Exeter Township Supervisor Bob Queen. The article is behind a paywall, so we'll have to wait to see what the focus of the recall is about. Petitioners need 518 signatures to get to the ballot. 

Queen was the focus of a recall against four Exeter Township board members last year, with three surviving the vote and one being removed. Queen was banned from township property by the other four.