A campaign to oust Flint’s mayor from office reached a milestone today.
This afternoon, recall campaign organizers dropped off nearly nine thousand petition signatures with the Genesee County clerk’s office. If there are enough valid signatures, Flint residents could vote as early as November on the recall.
The recall focuses on Mayor Weaver’s support for a new company to pick up Flint’s trash. Last year, trucks from two companies rolled down Flint streets emptying trash cans, while the mayor and city council fought over which should have the contract. In the end, Weaver dropped her support for her pick, after that company was linked to a federal corruption probe in southeast Michigan.
Organizer Arthur Woodson says it’s up to Flint residents to find a replacement for Mayor Karen Weaver.
“If we’re not successful, then Lord have mercy on Flint, because at the rate and what’s going on right now, it’s not going to be anything nice,” says Weaver.
Flint’s mayor has been dismissive of the recall campaign.
Weaver has accused her political opponents of backing the recall campaign.
She tried and failed to scuttle the campaign before a single signature was signed.
The mayor may also attempt to challenge the validity of the signatures appearing on the petitition.
Under a state law passed in 2012, Flint voters won’t have a simple yes or no vote on a recall. Weaver will have the chance to run against any would-be opponents.
