As written, recall bill would be ineffective
A petition is circulating purportedly to convince the Pleasant Garden Town Council that citizens want the ability to recall elected officials. Have the signers actually read the bill?
The previous council did not before it voted on it last May, yet this flawed legislation was on the fast track to become law.
I carefully read it before making a motion in February that directed the General Assembly not to pursue this legislation. Some gasped when I dared call it "ridiculous." But I truly believe this is a "Bill to Recall Elected Officials" in name only.
It virtually eliminates the possibility of ever holding a recall election because it requires signatures of 33 percent of the registered voters gathered within 30 days. This is more than twice the number of votes that either of the winners received in the 2007 election.
I propose that, following completion of the budget, the council begin to develop a legislative package to submit to the 2009 Guilford delegation. This realistic time frame will allow for input, research and discussion. If citizens and the council truly want a means to recall elected officials, it will be included and we all will have done our homework.
Nancy Jo Smith
Pleasant Garden
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