Recall language approved for four on Ypsi Council

(June 27, 2007) The recall of four Ypsilanti City Council members moved a step closer today. The Board of County Election Commissioners met on Wednesday and approved petition language for a recall. City Council members targeted by the recall are Mayor Pro Tem S.A. Trudy Swanson (Dem, Ward 1), John Gawlas (Dem, Ward 2), William “Bill” Nickels (Dem, Ward 2), and Brian Filipiak (Dem, Ward 3). Both Gawlas and Filipiak attended the Election Commission meeting today.

Filipiak said after the meeting, “The results were not unexpected.”

According to Washtenaw County Chief Deputy Clerk Derrick Jackson, to put a recall of Swanson on the ballot, petitioners would need 420 valid signatures from Ward 1. They would need 561 to force a recall of Nickels and Gawlas from Ward 2 and 397 signatures to recall Filipiak from Ward 3. Registered voters can sign petitions starting Thursday. Valid signatures must be turned in to the County Clerk within 180 days.