A group of Carbon residents has initiated a recall vote for the Village’s mayor and one councillor.
The Village of Carbon posted two Statements of Representatives of Petitioners received on April 24. These are signed by Marie Kooiman, declaring she represents the petitioners.
These statements read, “This is to advise that we are exercising our right to hold our municipal officials accountable and will be initiating a recall petition…”
These statements are for Councillor Trina Anderson and Mayor Bryan Peever.
According to correspondence from the village, the Notice of Recall petitions for the two names of elected officials has been verified and confirmed.
“From today's date, April 26, 2023, you will have 60 days to submit 200 valid signatures per submission. 60 days will be June 26, 2023.”
Since June 26 is a Sunday, the petitioners are given until Monday, June 27, adding an extra day.
The 200 signatures is indicative of 40 per cent of the electorate required to sign the petition.
The province passed an amendment to the Municipal Government Act in 2022 which allows electors to petition to recall an elected official. This includes MLAs, municipal officials and school board trustees. Recalls can be instigated 18 months after an election.
After a petition has been verified, the recall petitioner has 60 days to collect signatures. The recall petition must be signed by 40 per cent of the population of the municipality. A notice of recall can only be submitted once per member of council in a term.
If the petition is successful, the position is declared vacant at the next council meeting. If a member of the council is recalled, a by-election will be called to fill the vacant seat.
