The process has begun for Cheboygan Co. Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox's recall
CHEBOYGAN CO., MI -- An effort is underway to recall the Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner.
Tuesday, a county citizen turned in the paperwork in effort to recall Dennis Lennox.
Chris Brown is leading the efforts and says Lennox hasn't been accountable as the drain commissioner, hasn't gotten rid of the position as he said he would in his campaign, and is costing the county thousands of dollars.
Now, the recall process begins.
Have you ever wondered what goes into a recall and how the question turns up on the ballot?
The process is relatively simple.
It's the way for citizens that put the elected official in to pull them out.
But there is taxpayer cost associated.
“It's one of our duties as a citizen I guess, we can put people in, and we can take them out," said Cheboygan County resident Chris Brown.
Brown says recall efforts aren't taken lightly, and with his lead on recalling Cheboygan County Drain Commissioner Dennis Lennox, that's the case. Brown says Lennox has no accountability, he costs the county too much money, and can't justify his expenditures.
“There are a lot of things that they can't control, but this is just a blatant disrespect for the office and abuse of power," said Brown.
Brown turned the recall into the County Clerk's Office Tuesday. Now what? Clerk-Register Mary Ellen Tryban explains.
"I have 24 hours to recall the officer whose recall is being sought," said Tryban.
After the officer is contacted, the County Election Commission holds a special meeting. The Election Commission has 10 to 20 days to review the recall question, and determine if the officer and the voters can understand the questions on the recall petition. This is called the “Clarity Hearing.”
“We haven't really had many in the last 11 years," said Tryban.
She says there have been three but non have made it past the clarity hearing. But if the Election Commission determines it has merit, then it's time for the person leading the recall to collect county registered voter signatures. In the Drain Commissioner's case, Chris Brown would have to collect a little more than 25-hundred. If the number is met, then it moves to the ballot. The cost goes to the county.
“Probably run somewhere in the neighborhood of $8,000 to $10,000," said Tryban.
Tryban says the recall won't be on the may ballot.
In a written statement provided to 7 and 4 News, Commissioner Lennox had this to say in response to the recall effort:
"A registered elector may initiate this costly process for any reason they wish, including not liking the color of underwear I wear. It's ironic because I have never received a single complaint from constituents. This is an inside baseball stunt by political opponents at a time when we must be focused on ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
My record of working to improve our community, reforming government and cutting taxes, protecting our Great Lakes from diversions, stopping pollution and fighting the DNR is clear."
If it does make it through the recall process, she expects it to be placed on either the August or November ballot.
One thing to note; in a situation where an elected official is being recalled, the county will not pay lawyer fees.
To read about Michigan's Recall Procedures, CLICK HERE.
