Wisconsin Governor Survives recall election

Story in NYT.

What is a recall election again?

Is this an example of a excess of democracy or was this a legitimate action on the part of the sovereign to exert pressure on an elected official between regularly scheduled elections. Remember that this is direct democracy at work.

Direct Democracy in Wisconsin

A recall election against their governor seems to have collected enough petitions to go forward.

Recall Election Process Underway in Wisconsin

And it will be costly. Local governments have not budgetted for this thing. But it an irony considering that teh goal was to reduce spending:

Colleen Kottke:

With the ink still drying on a divisive collective bargaining law in Wisconsin, cash-strapped municipalities already facing cuts in state aid are bracing for the prospect of another fiscal thumping: recall elections.

"I only budgeted for two elections this year," said Fond du Lac County Clerk Lisa Freiberg. "I didn't budget for a recall election."

If successful, a flurry of petition drives targeting all 16 state senators eligible for recall — eight Democrats and eight Republicans — could leave municipalities scrambling to cover the unexpected expense.

Freiberg said a combination of staff salaries, computer equipment costs and printing expenses could cost Fond du Lac County more than $10,000 if Sen. Randy Hopper, R-Fond du Lac, who represents the 18th District, is called to face voters in a special election. That's roughly 30 percent of the city's election budget.

"We have to find a way to make things balance. Whether we have the money or not, we still have to run an election," Freiberg said. "If the petition is certified, I am anticipating a high voter turnout."

Mayors Recalled Across the Nation

Mayors who have dealt with budgetary crises by either raising taxes or cutting spending have been recalled by voters across the nation. Does this support or undermine the notion of direct democracy? Is the public serious about prudent budgetary policy? This fits into our larger discussion about whether the public can actually govern itself, which is the heart of the American Experiment.

Recall in Alvin

In the May 10th election, Alvin residents were given the opportunity to recall Jim Landriault, a city council member representing District C.

According to the Brazoria County Facts, the issue stems from Landriault's support of a Mobile Home ordinance that passed last October. The paper tells us that the ordinance: gives mobile home owners up to five years to create paved roads, have proper and readable signs and make designated pedestrian walkways, among other improvements.

Up to a third of Alvin residents are said to live in mobile homes of some sort, so the industry has some clout. Following the passage of the ordinance the industry spearheaded an effort to remove Landriault from office. A source tells me that he shifted his position on the issue once in office.

From the Facts:

Those who organized the petition claimed Landriault voted to raise taxes, trash rates and to close Hugh Adams Park, Landriault has said.

Alvin City Clerk Tommy Peebles has said the trash contract was approved nine years before Landriault came to the council and property taxes have not been increased since 1994.

Landriault also has said he voted to keep the half-acre Hugh Adams Park open.

“None of it was true,” Landriault said of the petitioners’ claims.

Landriault said he has been campaigning throughout his district telling voters the facts about his voting record. Many of those who signed the petition have called him and said they were sorry for signing the petition, he said.

Landriault said he believes the recall has to do with his support for the mobile home ordinance.

For those who want him removed, Landriault said, “I don’t hold any hard feelings for that.”

A woman hired to speak for the mobile home owners who organized the petition drive did not return calls Friday seeking comment.

Landriault survived the vote 2/3rds to 1/3rd.

A website, Citizens for Alvin, accusing the mobile home industry of attempting to control Alvin politics can be found here.

Democracy Running Amok?

A recall petition for one of the Alvin city councilmen has been submitted and approved, but no one seems to know exactly why there is a move to recall him.