This past Tuesday night a bill was on the Council agenda for introduction setting an April date for Dottie Greer’s recall election. The sponsor of the bill is Dottie Greer. This comes after the defeat of a bill
sponsored by Councilmen Weller, Kneemiller, Reese, Muench and Hoepfner who were determined to have the recall election held in February. The five other Council members voted against that bill, many citing the Charter and the fact that the next legally available election according to the St. Charles City Charter and ordinances would be in April.
Many speculated that the Weller group of Council members wanted to have the election held in February because traditionally there is lower turnout for February elections. The weather is usually worse in February and the older voters find it difficult to turn our in numbers. It would also waste taxpayer’s money on a special election in February because those against Greer could disenfranchise many of the voters in Ward 7.
Councilman John Gieseke, Ward 8 told the First Capitol News, “The state makes elections dates available for the City to choose from. Under the charter, the voters picked April for City elections. It amazes me when those who claim to want to uphold the Charter only want to uphold the sections that serve their needs. I just wish more people would read the entire Charter. None of us ever voted not to allow for an election, we just want to make sure we uphold our oath of office and follow the Charter and laws of the City.”
When asked why she was sponsoring the bill calling for a vote on her recall Councilwomen Greer said, “This is what the Charter says has to happen and that is why I am sponsoring the bill. The Charter and City ordinance is clear on when our legally available elections can be held. If this would be the same year as a Mayoral election then a February election would be available. It isn’t. Those who sponsored the bill calling for a February election don’t want to see fair elections. They would rather disenfranchise many of the elderly voters who can’t brave the cold and inclement weather that occurs in February.”
SECTION 9.1 CITY ELECTIONS of the Charter reads as follows….
(a) Regular Elections. Regular city elections shall be held on the first Tuesday in April.
(b) Primary Election for Mayor. The city primary election, if needed, for the office of Mayor shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February.
(c) Special Elections. The council may by resolution order special elections, fix the time for such elections, and provide for holding such elections.
(d) Conduct of Elections. All city elections shall be governed by the provisions of the charter and applicable state law. The council by ordinance may further regulate elections, subject to the provisions of the charter and applicable state law.
(Approved by electorate, November 3, 1981; Amendment approved by electorate, April 7, 1992; Amendment approved by electorate, August 6, 1996)
Councilman Joe Koester, Ward 9 told the First Capitol News, “An April election will not disenfranchise the voters of the Ward. Our Charter allows for the April election to make sure that special interests can’t buy elections. I am confident that Dottie will win if the election is held in April, Special Interest money bought the recall and I hope the voters of Ward 7 keep money from buying the election.”
The bill will have its first reading at next Tuesdays City Council meeting.
