February 12, 2019
Michigan

Kawkawlin Township supervisor faces recall election in May

By Chris Ehrmann | February 11, 2019 | www.mlive.com

KAWKAWLIN, MI – Kawkawlin Township’s supervisor faces a recall election May 5 after he voted against a moratorium on wind energy turbines in the township.

Dennis Bragiel, the township’s supervisor for 10 years, faces Samuel Davidson, running as an independent, who filed a petition to run against Bragiel. Both of their names will appear on the special election ballot.

Shawn Starkey, a spokesman for Michigan Secretary of State’s office, said in 2012 the legislature changed the way recalls happen and there is no longer “yes” or “no” process of somebody being recalled.

If a petition is certified, the incumbent faces off in a special election against another candidate or candidates.

Bay County Clerk Cynthia Luczak notified Bragiel that there was a recall election against him and he had the chance to dispute the validity of the signatures.

Luczak confirmed 530 valid signatures were on the recall petition though only 455 were needed. Bragiel said he challenged about 69 signatures, but it wasn’t enough to pass below the 455 threshold.

According to the recall petition, the language reads: “At the July 9, 2018, township board meeting, Dennis Bragiel voted ‘no’ on a motion being considered by the Board to put a 120 day moratorium on further implementation of the township’s wind energy ordinance.”

Bragiel said following advice from the township attorney he voted no, arguing it could potentially open the township up to lawsuits since they already have an ordinance on the books.

Bragiel said he doesn’t plan to resign or retire.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2019/02/12/kawkawlin-township-supervisor-faces-recall-election-in-may/