Only 3 Election Commissioners Expected For Recall Certification Vote

Friday, September 03, 2010

Only three members are expected to attend Wednesday morning's Election Commission meeting when a vote is set on whether or not to certify a recall petition that the election administrator said contains enough valid signatures to recall Mayor Ron Littlefield.

Election office attorney Chris Clem said Friday that one commissioner is in the hospital.

The five-member Election Commission was already short a member after Brandon Lewis resigned. Ruth Braly has been chosen as his successor, but has not yet been sworn in.

Attorney Clem told Circuit Court Judge Jeff Hollingsworth, "There may not be a ruling that is favorable (for the recallers). It may not be unanimous."

Expected to attend are Republicans Mike Walden and J.B. Bennett and Democrat Jerry Summers.

James Anderson, the other Democrat, had to be helped to his seat at the last meeting.

Judge Hollingsworth is set to hold a full hearing on Tuesday starting at 9 a.m. on a lawsuit filed by Mayor Littlefield to try to stop the recall.

He denied a motion by Joe Manuel, attorney for recall leader Jim Folkner, to transfer the case to Chancery Court.

Judge Hollingsworth did allow Mr. Folkner to be a party to the lawsuit.

A final ruling is expected later Tuesday.

If the recall is successful, there will be a new mayoral election on Nov. 2. Mayor Littlefield has said he will be among those on the ballot.

The Election Commission meeting is at 8 a.m.


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