Election aftermath:Local officials recalled on June 5

June 6, 2012

By Kelly O'Keefe

While the recall activity in Wisconsin received a great deal of attention yesterday, a number of local recall elections also took place on June 5.

California

In Fullerton, three city council members were recalled. Dick Jones, Pat McKinley, and Don Bankhead were all ousted by nearly 66% of the vote. The Fullerton recall was initiated due to anger over the brutal death of Kelly Thomas on July 5, 2011, at the hands of Fullerton police officers. Interestingly, the June 5 recall represented the second time that Don Bankhead has been recalled from office. He previously lost his city council seat in 1994, but was re-elected to the council later that same year.

Greenfield voters also ousted three officials, including Mayor John Huerta Jr. and city council members Yolanda Teneyuque and John Martinez. Huerta Jr. was narrowly recalled, losing his post by only 21 votes. The Greenfield recall efforts were initiated after city officials proposed merging the Greenfield police department with Soledad's police department.

Oregon

In Hermiston, voters decided the fate of four city council members and the city's mayor. All five officials narrowly retained their seats. The targeted Hermiston officials had been accused of a lack of transparency and accountability.

Local recalls in 2012

See also: Mayoral recalls

So far in 2012, 7 mayors have been recalled, while 6 mayors have survived recall elections. One mayoral recall election is currently scheduled, while at least a dozen mayoral recall campaigns are currently underway.

References

Propositions •	Recall	• Law