Wastenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum Speaks Out On Recall Abuse
"I recently read about a survey of Michigan local officials who had been targets in recall campaigns. Their collective experience is described as "embarrassing, disappointing, painful, humiliating, devastating, hurtful, emotionally and financially draining." Most lost enthusiasm for public service, and saw emotional and financial effects on their families."
"Elected officials gain office through an adversarial process. It is oten their lot to decide controversial issues; we expect them to have thick enough skin to endure criticism from constituents who disagree. Still, it is already difficult to persuade capable individuals to put themselves forward for these posts. It certainly doesn't help when officials regularly get put through personal hell over political disagreements."
- From Larry Kestenbaum's personal blog, June 25. Click here for the rest of his statement.
Recalls and Recall Activity in Wastenaw County - a direct link to the county clerk's recall info page
Questions about the Recall Process:
When does a recall disrupt a community?
"When the threat of recall is used to intimidate public officials."
"When the threat of recall diminishes the exercise of independent and sound judgement on matters of public policy."
"When recall is used for retribution against public officials who make wise, yet politically unpopular decisions."
"When recall undermines representative government and destabilizes the political process by making them subject to the momentary whims of single-issue agitators."
- Quoted items taken from LR333(2004) Term Limits and Recall Provisions, a report of the Nebraska Legislature Executive Board
Recall of State Officials - Howto Info from the National Conference of State Legislatures
Michigan's Recall Laws
Public Act 71 of 2005, Effective 7/14/05
Public Act 116 of 1954, Michigan Election Law ( 168.1 - 168.992 )
*****168.165 Subsection(2) applies only until December 31, 1994*****
*****168.31 amended - This amended section is effective January 1, 2007*****
Section 168.370 Filling a vacancy in township office; procedure.
Section 168.951 Officers subject to recall; time for filing recall petitions; performance of duties until result of recall election certified.
Section 168.964 Recall election; procedure; notice; ballots; election suppllies; assignment of precinct election officials.
Section 168.967 Recall election; payment of expenses
Section 168.968 Canvass of recall election; certification of results; office vacant upon certification; notice
Section 168.971 Special Election; appointment of review team; applicability of section.
Section 168.972 Nominating and voting for candidate for nonpartisan office; signing and filing nominating petition; election to fill vacancy for unexpired term; signing, contents, and filing of petition.
Section 168.974 Recall or resignation of officer as prohibiting candidacy or appointment to fill vacancy; effect of resignation of officer.
Section 168.976 Recall election; laws governing.
Section 324.50131 Board of directors as governing body of district; officers; election and appointment of directors; terms; eligibility to vote; vacancy; annual meeting; fiscal year; quorum; concurrence of majority for determination; expenses; delegation of powers and duties; recall petition; notice; recall election; cessation of term; furnishing commission with documents and other information; surety bonds; records; audit; representatives of local legislative body.