Petitions aimed at recalling four Goodrich councilmembers are a go.
That’s the word from the Genesee County Clerk’s office following a clarity hearing on Thursday morning at the Genesee County Courthouse with Judge Jennie Barkey, Genesee County Clerk Michael Carr and Treasurer Daniel Kildee presiding. The number of signatures now needed would be 25 percent of the registered voters in the village who voted in the last gubernatorial election or 199 village residents. They have 180 days to submit signatures however, no signature can be more than 90 days old. A July 31 deadline is required to have the recall question on the November 2009 ballot.
Allegations of refusal to reduce village costs have prompted recall petitions aimed at removing four of five councilmembers. Petitions seeking to oust Councilmembers Richard Horton, David Lucik and Pete Morey, as well as Council President Edmund York, were filed by village resident Diana Fredericks. Councilmember Patricia Wartella was not named.
If the required signatures are met and approved by the county election clerk, the recall decision will be the only issue on the November ballot.
Atlas Township Clerk Terri Onica said the cost to taxpayers will be about $2,000’with one precinct established just for village voters open.
Onica estimates that of about 1,100 registered voters in the village a 50 percent turnout would be expected.
Onica added that in August voters will go to the polls to decide on .9 mill for Hurley Hospital in Flint. Similar to the recall election, the millage vote will be the only issue on the ballot.