Based on the huge number of petitioner signers it is apparent that Mission Viejo councilman Lance MacLean will be recalled prior to next year’s general election.
I am told that the number of signatures being collected may exceed a 50% cushion in case there are duplications or invalid signatures. In fact they have obtained more signatures than Lance received in his 2006 election.
Article 2, Section 13 of the CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION states that “recall is the power of the electors to remove an elected officer.”
Some background: The recall process became available to Californians in 1911 by the Progressive Era reforms that spread across the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The ability to recall elected officials came along with the initiative and referendum processes. The movement in California was spearheaded by Republican then-Governor Hiram Johnson, a reformist, who called the recall process a “precautionary measure by which a recalcitrant official can be removed.” No illegality has to be committed by politicians in order them to be recalled.
While the 2003 RECALL election involving former governor Gray Davis had 153 candidates ranging from Arianna Huffington, Cruz Bustamente and Tom McClintock to Gary Coleman, Larry Flynt and porn star Mary Carey, this recall will not have nearly as many high profile contenders.
Preliminary (alphabetic) listing of potential contenders:
Barb Anderson, former member CIG, Realtor/Broker
Rich Atkinson, planning commissioner
Bill Barker, former council candidate and city commissioner
Bill Craycraft, former MV mayor, three times
Mark Dobrilovic, chairman Investment Advisory Committee
Dr. Michael Ferrall, former council candidate, former SRA president
Diane Greenwood, former council candidate
Joe Holtzman, Member of the MV Heritage Committee, former MVEA Board Member
Nancy Howell, former council candidate
Dan Joseph, former city manager and council candidate
Neil Lonsinger, former planning commission chairman and former council candidate
Max McDougal, former member CIG
Brad Morton, former council candidate, planning commissioner, Editor MV Dispatch
Judy Rackauckas, former council candidate
Gail Reavis, former MV mayor
Norm Rosenkrantz, president Casta Dem Club
Rick Sandzimer, planning commissioner
Richard Schweinberg, planning commissioner
Dale Tyler, editor Mission Viejoca.org blog
Susan Wilson, member LAFCO, former planning commissioner
Mark “Ziggy” Wilczynski, MV “man of the year”, member MV Heritage Committee
Over the next few months I will provide some bio info on each of these potential candidates who will have a “fast track” to the winners circle due to a quick election cycle.
Please cast your votes.
It’s good to know the recall group is going all out to remove MacLean. Too bad we don’t see this kind of outrage at bad officials at the state and national levels. It’s encouraging to see that someone gives a rip about improving government.
As for the laundry list of candidates … well, it is an open election. Almost anyone would be better than MacLean, but may the best candidate win.
Sign me up! Oh wait, I already signed. Bring on the recall election and get him out.
When is the election going to be, has the papers been turned in yet?
cook.
The recall group continues to collect signatures.
The date of any recall election is in the hands of the city clerk or registrar of voters who control the verification of petition signatures. That is somewhat open ended. I will contact someone in the know and respond.
If Lance truly wanted to save taxpayer funds, and seieng the handwriting on the wall, should simply resign for the good of the city. However, he can surely resist the inevitable and become the first elected official in our city to be recalled.
There is a process and he is letting it play out.
Lance MacLean should resign. This council majority already caused unnecessary expense when they didn’t enact the Right To Vote Initiative into law. It was ridiculous that MacLean, Ury and Kelley dug in their heels instead of doing what voters wanted with the initiative. It’s over for MacLean, and he should not make residents pay to shove him out the door.
I am voting for Holtzman.
He loves Montana, likes to fish, rides a horse, and takes no B.S. from the political crowd of phonies.
Of course I think you would make a great councilman Larry. Throw that grubby ball cap I see you where into the ring !!
It’s too bad we couldn’t have included Ury and Kelly’s names on the recall petition too. With all those new potential replacement candidates, we might have possibly got a city council to properly ride herd on the out of control city management, and reign in the pattern of unreasonable, frivolous and wasteful city spending. I can see a half dozen of good, fiscally conservative candidates. But I wonder, have all these on the list expressed an interest, or is this list just someone’s invention?
Interested MV Property Owner
Actually there are two other former MV residents who were active in fighting on behalf of the community who were not included as they moved to neighboring cities. One a high profile Democratic activist on cell tower sites and the other, a former member of CIG.
Stay tuned. Watching and following these individuals, readers wil be surprised at the final and official list of candidates.
I would prefer Idaho, a 4 wheeler, and Hunting…. But Montana a Horse and Fishing is good enough for me! Go get’em Joe!
I second the vote for Holtman.
Forget the horse and fishing stuff.
If you really want to know what he is made of ask him for a copy of his resume. He would make MacLean, Ury and Kelly’s life a living hell and MV would become a model of efficiency and cost containment.
Thank you Larry- I would have been honored to join the list.
But I agree with Helena.
I’d like to see your name on there; and watch Dennis really begin to sweat.
Mr. Gilbert I would be most honored to serve with the present City Council Members but three reasons preclude me throwing my wig into the ring.
#1 Albertsons and the Judicial system robbed me of $50+k and my job. #2 I would have to scrounge a loan from my “Sweetie”. #3 I am biased. Joyce.
I will rule with a gentle hand, yet a firm fist.
I would like to throw my name into the hat for city council replacement. What do I need to do to add my name to the list? I see a lot of past names on the list and other good names of people that I know. I feel that we need some new faces and fresh ideas and someone who will continue to work for the people for the full term.
It would be nice to have someone who is humble on our city council. Those positions seem to ‘change’ people. Ever see the movie, Dave? I would vote for anyone out there that can live up to Dave’s character qualities. I know that it is not the money that draws people into city government so let’s concentrate on the 3 c’s: consistency, commitment and common sense. Obviously whoever runs has a life other than city government so the person to choose would be someone who hasn’t been there, but who is committed and consistent in their real life and thinks straight weighing all options. A tall order, but can be done.
YOU ARE ALL A BUNCH OF BABBLING SELF PROMOTING WANNABE VIGILANTE MAKE BELIEVE COWBOY POWER HUNGRY OLD GRIP’IN REDNECK FOOLS!! Go change your depends and GET A LIFE!! Felicia seems to be the only one with a brain,that said something of worthy, right, and sincere. THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST. HEY HELENA MONTANA, YOU WIN THE AWARD FOR BIGGEST DUMBEST FOOL IN TOWN. OH , AND PLEASE DON’T POLLUTE MY STATES OF IDAHO AND MONTANA WITH YOUR IDIOTIC STENCH AND WANNA BE COWGIRL CRAP. YOU BASE WHO YOU WANT ELECTED SOME “JOE BLOWHARD” ON FISHING, HORSES, AND GRUBBY OLD HATS. TO BAD STUPIDITY IS NOT PAINFUL, YOU MIGHT HAVE A CHANCE OF WISING UP OLD MARE.
The Cleaner
If you do not have any valid comments about the Dave Leckness interview [related to the recall of Mission Viejo councilman Lance MacLean] stay off this thread.
Thank you for your cooperation.