David Porterfield recall, Notus, Idaho (2017)
| Notus Mayoral recall |
|---|
 |
| Officeholders |
| Recall status |
| Recall election date |
| August 29, 2017 |
| See also |
| Recall overview Political recall efforts, 2017 Recalls in Idaho Idaho recall laws Mayoral recalls Recall reports |
Notus Mayor David Porterfield survived a recall election on August 29, 2017.[1] Recall organizer Jack A. King initiated the recall because he believed that Porterfield did not comply with state drinking water rules and pursued an illegal irrigation system for the city. Porterfield's ballot statement countered that he complied with state law and King exaggerated the potential impacts of policy changes.[2]
Recall vote
A recall vote took place on August 29, 2017. Voters were asked to vote for or against recalling Porterfield.[3]
| Recall of David Porterfield | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Recall | 48 | 36.09% | ||
 Retain | 85 | 63.91% | ||
Recall supporters
King's petition made the following claims against Porterfield:
| “ |
The willful failure to comply fully with Idaho DEQ's Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems laws and Notus City Code; therefore, knowingly permitting risky Public Health conditions to exist in knowing and reckless disregard for Federal and State law, public health and safety. He knowingly failed to establish a Notus City Code Enforcement service necessary to ensure public order and peace, a required foundation for compliance to City Codes. He failed to initiate, promote, pre-plan or codify reasonable emergency relief plans and response procedures for Notus in conjunction or in-coordination with the existing County emergency program; a failure placing the residents of Notus in foreseeable and avoidable situations potentially and seriously risking injury, death, property, and public safety consequences and unbudgeted emergency funds. He belatedly and knowingly forced and implemented a fiscally flawed, functionally unworkable and lawfully uncompliant Municipal Irrigation System upon individual owners of irrigation company water shares, including unequal and disparate billings, and failing to provide the services promised and paid for. He fails to timely communicate detailed helpful information to residents explaining important community issues imminently pending, and requesting comment or input.[2][4] |
” |
| —Jack A. King (2017) | ||
Recall opponents
Porterfield submitted the following statement for inclusion on the ballot:
| “ |
Petition unfairly exaggerates issues giving impression of extreme negative effect on the City. Petition wrongly claims city ignored an inevitable health risk. Inevitable risk did not exist. Water Operator coordinating with DEQ; experienced delay due to other urgent issues. Mayor's responsibility to work through Operator to accomplish task was fulfilled. "Reckless disregard" of public safety did not exist. Enhanced law enforcement was explored with surrounding agencies. Notus lacked resources to contract. Local in-house enforcement encountered some inconsistencies which are being resolved. Continuous County Sheriff coverage; public safety never compromised. County emergency services are a provision of State Code when cities have "widespread, imminent threat" to life, health or property. Notus inconveniences did not meet state conditions. Emergency expenditures were pre-approved by Council. Irrigation Goal - to equalize support of the System between Co-op and Black Canyon users since only one group was supporting operations of the System. Some mistakes made, but decisions were Council decisions. Shared responsibility. Communications failure: Inaccurate: All meetings, and public hearings publicized and held as required; Newsletters as budget allowed; Coffee Talk with mayor twice a month; open door to residents at all times. Mayor has, and will continue to welcome positive teamwork efforts.[5][4] |
” |
| —David Porterfield (2017) | ||
Path to the ballot
- See also: Laws governing recall in Idaho
King had to gather at least 44 signatures from city residents to require a recall election. The deadline for submitting signatures was July 3, 2017.[2] The recall effort needed to win a majority of votes and receive at least 42 votes in favor of removal because Porterfield received 42 votes in his 2013 election.[2]
Recent news
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See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ KTVB, "Some Notus residents seek recall of mayor," August 23, 2017
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Idaho Press-Tribune, "Petition submitted to recall Notus mayor," April 26, 2017
- ↑ Canyon County, Idaho, "Election Results," accessed August 29, 2017
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Canyon County, Idaho, "Voter Lookup," accessed August 25, 2017
