Effort to recall Sen. Rebekah Warren stalls as Election Commission rules petition language is unclear
An effort to recall state Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, stalled today as the Washtenaw County Election Commission rejected the proposed recall petition language.
The commission voted 2-1, deciding the language was unclear, with County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum casting the lone dissenting vote. The other two members of the commission are County Treasurer Catherine McClary and Judge Donald Shelton.
Rebekah_Warren
Ypsilanti Township resident Steven E. Wallis filed the recall language with the county clerk's office earlier this month, citing Warren's vote against the repeal of the "job-killing Michigan Business Tax" as the reason for wanting to recall the first-term senator.
AnnArbor.com has been unable to reach Wallis, who was not present for today's clarity hearing. Warren had an attorney present who argued the recall language was unclear.
Kestenbaum said Wallis still could revise the petition language and resubmit it. After that, another clarity hearing could be held within 10 to 20 days.
Getting petition language approved is the first step in a recall process. If approved, Wallis would have 180 days to collect about 25,000 signatures from voters in Washtenaw County. However, none of the signatures can be more than 90 days old on the date they're turned in.
Warren issued a statement today following the commission's decision, saying she understands Wallis' concerns and shares his desire to create jobs in Michigan.
However, she said she wouldn't hesitate to cast the same ‘no’ vote again on the GOP-backed legislation because she believes there were more responsible ways of reforming Michigan’s tax structure.
“The truth is the legislation in question did not eliminate the Michigan Business Tax, but rather shifted a tremendous tax burden onto Michigan’s working families and seniors — gutting the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, eliminating critical tax incentives for our homeless shelters and food banks, and implementing a three-tiered pension tax that many retirees are struggling to adjust to," Warren said. "Quite simply, this vote balanced the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens in order to fund a $2 billion tax break for businesses."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Roadman
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
I would support a recall effort against her husband Conan Smith for not reimbursing not properly payable per diems.
godsbreath64
Wed, Jul 20, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.
Sure, Road'. Make it all the way into Michigan and you can "recall" all your little heart desires. Until then, we'll look forward to you commenting on the road!
David Cahill
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:04 p.m.
So Wallis didn't appear? Bizarre. The result illustrates the "Woody Allen Rule": Eighty percent of success is just showing up. Quite a pratfall for the Tea Partiers!
treetowncartel
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
Go to class and you get a B
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
I would not recall her for the MBT vote. But I would recall her for her votes in support of passing the service tax a few years ago as a representative. Remember that one? They taxed bowling alleys but not golf courses. And it was all negotiated in secret and the contents of the legislation were not revealed until it was a done deal. Corporate interests had early access to the "secret" legislation, and that is how they were able to exclude certain businesses, while sticking it to others. The other thing the legislation did was add a new tax on consultants - on top of their already heavy income taxes. It was a really dirty piece of legislation and Rebekah Warren was all for it. I'll vote against her every change I get. Truly, she never met a tax she didn't like.
Tex Treeder
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.
Has Ms Warren violated some law? Has she been charged or convicted of some crime? If not, then a recall petition is inappropriate. Recalls should be used for recalling those who have violated the public trust. Trying to recall an official simply because your preferred candidate lost the election and you don't like the winner is an abuse of the system. You don't like the office holder? Then vote him/her out at the next election.
Huron74
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.
Too bad. I was looking forward to voting against her again twice in one year. Oh well, thank God for term limits.
Bogie
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:35 p.m.
@league. I cannot count how many times, I heard (then) candidate Snyder say, that he was going to eliminate the MBT. It's hillarious, how opponents of conservative politicians use the argument of ignorance, when addressing conservative constitutients. Well, that argument works about as well as it did, when my 8 year old sister called me stupid, when I was 10. Concerning the story. It is sad how hard politically driven government officials will try, to stop any type of recall. It is our right, and everyone's voice should be heard- NO MATTER, THE POLITICAL POSITION.
Ignatz
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 8:49 a.m.
I didn't like her voting the way she did, but I'm glad this knee-jerk reaction is not succeeding.
Roadman
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 4:57 a.m.
The Ann Arbor Chronicle reported that Warren retained legal counsel, one Jack Dolan, to appear at the hearing to argue that the language is unclear. Wallis did not apear at the hearing - either in person or via legal counsel. Senator Waren's retention of Dolan illustrates to me she is taking the recall effort very seriously. Mr. Wallis is a member of the Willow Run Tea Party Caucus, according to the same article.
godsbreath64
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 8:40 a.m.
Her Honor never fails to take our community and her responsibilities very seriously. This is why we are so grateful to her and our choice to have her represent us -again so well. It may be time for the road, man.
Roadman
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 4:43 a.m.
My congratulations to Larry Kestenbaum for exalting the rule of law above politics by voting to approve the language of the recall petition. My further encouragement to Steven Wallis for keeping up the good fight in pursuing the recall. Ann Arborites need better quality leadership in Lansing than Rebekah Warren. Senator Randy Richardville is an elected official that Washtenaw County residents can be proud of. Let us hope Mr. Wallis revises the petition language so his noble effort can go forward.
Mick52
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 4:22 a.m.
I do not agree with her position either but an elected official has every right to vote as they believe appropriate. If this get to a ballot I will not vote to remove her. I did receive an email from her asking for funds to fight this and if it is not refiled I hope she returns any money given to her to address a recall.
godsbreath64
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:57 a.m.
Sorry all. Here is the link to the story <a href="http://washingtonindependent.com/113118/northville-mich-school-system-might-ask-for-emergency-manager" rel='nofollow'>http://washingtonindependent.com/113118/northville-mich-school-system-might-ask-for-emergency-manager</a>
godsbreath64
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:38 a.m.
Great comment League. I wanted a forum to say what you did, but the commission made it moot. Has anyone else seen the national article on Northville school administrators turning to Snyd' for Emergency(c) Financial Manager even though they do not really have an Emergency(c). Just last week they were named Top 10 cities to raise a family. They don't have any leverage with the union. What an Emergency(c).
leaguebus
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:55 a.m.
I voted for Rebecca on her statements about the issues facing the state. On the other hand people voted for Rick on a few soundbites on the issues. He ducked any debates, and hid his real agenda of cutting taxes for business, cutting education to the bone, raising taxes on those least able to afford it, using the emergency powers bill to fire elected officials and dumping unions. This is a reason to recall a politician, not because they voted a certain way on an issue.
godsbreath64
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 7:21 a.m.
Richard Dale Snyder is over, at least in the public sector. Move on. He would have been clear if he had anything to do with that campaign, but it was a product solely of the party of deceit. Taxation without representation could never be discussed in an america, so it must never be jammed on the vulnerable now. Americans have a zero tolerance on taxation without representation. GOP campaign for causes after elections. Some others in history have too. Most all are despised. Their time and credulity is up. Make you way accordingly.
Mick52
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 4:19 a.m.
Not sure why you missed out on the tax issue. It was perfectly clear during the campaign that the business tax had to change.
Adam Jaskiewicz
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:38 a.m.
All these recall petitions are silly. I can't say I agree with Sen. Warren, but I'll be out there voting "no" on any of these recall elections that happen, no matter what special interest is calling for them.
Roadman
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.
"All these recall petitions are silly." Tell that to State Senators Philip Mastin and David Serotkin who got recalled in 1983 over an income tax increase.
Left is Right
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.
Agree. I don't agree with elected officials on every issue but money for recalls? In my opinion it's best spent on other things. I too will be voting "no" on any recall.
godsbreath64
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 12:26 a.m.
We have to find small victories where we can. Her Honor has done a fabulous job representing our community through this mindless politi of late. Keep up the outstanding work, Senator.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
Her Honor? Is or was she a judge??? This is as inappropriate as "Her Excellency"