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West Linn City Council recall, Oregon, 2010
| West Linn City Council recall |
|---|
 |
| Officeholders |
Jody Carson John Kovash |
| Recall status |
| See also |
| Recall overview Political recall efforts, 2010 Recalls in Oregon Oregon recall laws City council recalls Recall reports |
An effort to recall Scott Burgess, Jody Carson and John Kovash from their positions as members of the city council of West Linn, Oregon was launched on October 23, 2009 by local resident Mary Ann Mattecheck.[1] The recall effort proved unsuccessful when recall organizers failed to turn in signatures by the January 28, 2010 deadline. 1,593 signatures were required.[2]
The recall came on the heels of an effort by two other surrounding cities to join a county advisory board to determine whether or not to establish a countywide partnership for sewage treatment services. Of the recall effort Mattecheck said, "These particular councilors, they never respond to the people. It seems like they have made up their mind before it comes to a public meeting when they vote on it." Mattecheck said that she primarily fears an increase in her monthly sewer bills if the city opts to join the advisory board.[1]
Supporters
According to West Linn Recall, an official group formed in support of the recall, the recall was initiated due to a lack of "accountability and transparency in local government."[3]
Scott Burgess
According to the recall petition, below are the reasons given for the recall of Councilor Burgess:[4]
- Councilor Burgess is routinely dismissive of valid public opinions, and genuinely disrespectful towards West Linn citizens expressing legitimate concerns.
- Councilor Burgess regularly attempts to force West Linn taxpayers to pay for special projects of Clackamas County and special interest groups.
- Councilor Burgess is attempting to force the West Linn taxpayers to accept an agreement that puts us at risk to pay for a county-wide sewage treatment project that will not benefit West Linn.
- Councilor Burgess uses laws, regulations and ordinances, designed to protect West Linn citizens, for the benefit of special interest groups.
Jody Carson
According to the recall petition, below are the reasons given for the recall of Councilor Carson:[5]
- Councilor Carson is routinely dismissive of valid public opinions, and genuinely disrespectful towards West Linn citizens expressing legitimate concerns.
- Councilor Carson regularly attempts to force West Linn taxpayers to pay for special projects of Clakamas County and special interest groups.
- Councilor Carson is attempting to force the West Linn taxpayers to accept an agreement that puts us at risk to pay for a county-wide sewage treatment project that will not benefit West Linn.
John Kovash
According to the recall petition, below are the reasons given for the recall of Councilor Kovash:[6]
- Councilor Kovash is routinely dismissive of valid public opinions, and genuinely disrespectful towards West Linn citizens expressing legitimate concerns.
- Councilor Kovash regularly attempts to force West Linn taxpayers to pay for special projects of Clackamas County and special interest groups.
- Councilor Kovash is attempting to force the West Linn taxpayers to accept an agreement that puts us at risk to pay for a county-wide sewage treatment project that will not benefit West Linn.
Opponents
Some West Linn residents formed an anti-recall PAC, "Work Together West Linn" in opposition to the recall effort. According to the group their goal is "restore civility, trust and productivity" in city government. Additionally, they aim to spread the word about the recall and its potentially "damaging" effects to the city.[7]
Path to the ballot
To hold a recall election, supporters were required to collect a minimum of 1,593 valid signatures from registered West Linn voters by January 28, 2010 at 5 p.m.[1][8]
Election costs
According to reports, a recall election would have cost the city approximately $30,000.[7]
See also
External links
Additional reading
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Oregonian, "Recall effort launched against three West Linn city councilors," October 26, 2009
- ↑ The Oregonian, "West Linn recall effort fails to meet signature deadline," January 29, 2010
- ↑ West Linn Recall, "Questions & Answers about Recall," accessed December 9, 2009
- ↑ West Linn Recall, "Recall Petition for Scott Burgess," October 30, 2009
- ↑ West Linn Recall, "Recall Petition for Jody Carson," October 30, 2009
- ↑ West Linn Recall, "Recall Petition for John Kovash," October 30, 2009
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 The West Linn Tidings, "West Linn group forms anti-recall PAC," December 10, 2009
- ↑ The West Linn Tidings, "Who is behind the recall?" November 27, 2009
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