MERRILL, WI (WSAU) -- Those on the Merrill Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday to set July 16th as Recall Election Day, and August 13th as a potential run-off date.
That's when voters in Alder Districts 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 will decide if Paul Russell, John VanLieshout, Dave Sukow, Rob Norton, and Tim Meehean will keep their seats on the Council.
The election will feature a different format from a standard Spring election. If there are three or more candidates on the ballot in a given district and none receive more than 50% of the vote on July 16th, that election will serve as the primary. The candidate with the lowest vote total will drop off and a general election would be held on August 13th. If there are three or more candidates and one does receive more than 50% of the vote, a second election will not be held. "It's considered a general election win," said City Clerk Bill Heideman. "It's a bit of a different quirk as far as recalls go." If just two names are on the ballot in a given district the candidate with the most votes will win the seat and there will not be a second election on August 13th.
The council tabled discussion about what method to use for the recall, either paper ballots or electronic means. Heideman didn't have hard numbers at the meeting but said that paper ballots would be the cheaper method because of the costs associated with coding the tablets. Under normal election circumstances, the coding costs are split between the city and the county. But, because this is a unique city-only election those costs could fall on the city entirely. The council is expected to make that decision during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 11th. Heideman says nominating packets will be available at City Hall beginning Wednesday morning. Those running will need between 20 and 40 signatures depending on which district they are running in.
The deadline to submit them will be Tuesday, June 18th.
All five current Alders will be placed on the ballot automatically and will not need to circulate petitions. 'ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE' Resident Ladonna Fermanich spoke on behalf of the group during the public input portion of the meeting and afterward said Tuesday's decision was in some ways a win for residents. "We got what we wanted," she said. "That was to restore the voice to the people." "Regardless of who gets elected and who doesn't get elected, we have seen change take place already, which is good. We will continue to push for that change regardless of who is in office," she added.
Fermanich confirmed that the group does have potential candidates in each district that will be circulating petitions ahead of the June 18th deadline. The group will not be involved with the individual candidate's campaigns, Fermanich says from here it's up to them to drum up support and get themselves elected. They will continue to be a "watchdog" for what's going on at city hall and remain active in government while informing residents about the election. "Being able to vote, being able to be involved in what goes on in your community is not only a privilege, it's something you should step up and do whenever you have the opportunity to." She adds that she understands the weight that comes with a job on the Common Council because pleasing everyone all the time is a nearly impossible task. "That's understandable, but it is an important job. Just because you have it, does not give you the right to walk all over the people you represent. "There needs to be transparency, there needs to be more open communication."
