Help us improve in just 2 minutes—share your thoughts in our reader survey.
Steve Vaus recall, Poway, California (2021-2022)
| Poway mayor recall |
|---|
 |
| Officeholders |
| Recall status |
| Signature requirement |
| See also |
| Recall overview Political recall efforts, 2022 Recalls in California California recall laws Mayoral recalls Recall reports |
An effort in Poway, California, to recall Mayor Steve Vaus was initiated in October 2021.[1][2] Recall organizers failed to submit enough signatures to put the recall election on the ballot.[3]
Recall supporters
The recall effort was organized by Poway resident Chris Olps.[2] Petition language cites the following as grounds for a recall:[1]
| “ |
Steve Vaus, having held office since 2012, is required to file disclosures for financial activities per the CA Political Reform Act. In direct violation of this, Mr. Vaus didn't file Behest Payment Reports until 2017. Available records show at least 5 violations, but due to a complete disregard for the law, it is unknown how many more exist going back to 2012. Additionally in the 30+ years he's run Carols by Candlelight, it has never been a registered charity with the California Attorney General's Office as required by law. He has also never disclosed it on any statement of economic interest during his time in office, if he were claiming it as a business. His disregard for the law has corrupted the integrity of the office he holds, and violated the trust of the voters. Mayor Vaus has eroded the unique qualities that make Poway great. From the abandoned Outpost hole, to 4 story buildings on Poway Road; he is erasing our country feel, and will leave us with nothing but an overdeveloped city. He has used Poway as a stepping stone to serve himself, making deals with developers that line his campaign pockets. Poway deserves better.[4] |
” |
Recall opponents
Vaus responded to the recall, saying, "This phony recall scheme is a political stunt by Chris Olps, a five-time losing City Council candidate. It could cost taxpayers (you!) close to $1 million for a special election right before the regular mayoral election. And it’s based on lies."[1]
Path to the ballot
- See also: Laws governing recall in California
Recalls of local officials in California start with notices of intent to targeted officials. Each notice requires signatures from 10 city residents, the name of the targeted official, and reasoning for the recall that cannot exceed 200 words. A copy of the notice is delivered to the city clerk, who publishes the notice in at least three public places. Targeted officials have seven days following receipt of their notices to issue statements of defense. A recall petition can be circulated against each targeted official once the notice of intent is published.
Petitions were approved by the Poway City Clerk's office on October 21, 2021. Recall organizers were required to submit 6,651 valid signatures by February 17, 2022, to put the recall election on the ballot.<[1][2] Organizer Chris Olps said on February 17, 2022, that the recall effort was able to collect 5,127 signatures by the deadline.[3]
See also
- Recall campaigns in California
- Political recall efforts, 2022
- Political recall efforts, 2021
- City council recalls
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Times of San Diego, "Poway Recall Group Targets Mayor Vaus, Alleges Criminal Acts on Charity Concerts," October 29, 2021
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 San Diego Tribune, "Recall effort launched against Poway Mayor Steve Vaus by political opponent," October 29, 2021
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Times of San Diego, "Recall Drive Against Poway Mayor Vaus Falls Short by at Least 1,500 Signatures," February 17, 2022
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
