‘Close but no cigar,? was the message sent to activists seeking to recall Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner.
The County Election Commission denied the recall petition language for the second time, at a Jan. 4 hearing in Pontiac.
‘When we went in the first time they said it wasn’t specific enough, so we were more specific the second time, and then they say it’s too specific,? said Mike Powell, president of Citizens Against Independence Township Waste (CAITW). ‘There is such a fine line it’s almost ridiculous.?
Though relieved for the moment, Wagner questions the group’s true intentions.
‘I find it interesting that an attorney (Henry Woloson) who was instructed on the right way to present it and all the research he’s done looking at all these Supreme Court cases and everything else, can’t even write the language properly,? Wagner said. ‘I wonder what the real motive is here, just to strictly get his name on the front page of the newspaper six or seven times, or is he just that incompetent??
Woloson, treasurer of the group, said he perceives his involvement with the recall campaign as ‘community service.?
‘I do not decide what is newsworthy so if something is written in the newspapers, it is beyond my control,? he said. ‘I look forward to again becoming a less visible investment advisor and estate planningattorney as soon as this recall is concluded.?
Woloson said they are petitioning Wagner on three counts: ‘bonus payments,? ‘car allowance increase,? and a ‘proposed new police substation.? The commission voted 2-1 to reject language regarding the proposed substation.
‘They suggested that I change the wording to make it clearer that the projected cost of the new sheriff substation was $800,000,? he said. ‘Two of the Commission members felt the public might think that the costs of the architectural fees directed by Mr. Wagner were projected to be $800,000.?
Though he disagrees with the commission, Woloson said they are amending and resubmitting rather than appealing to the circuit court.
‘I have already submitted one revised petition with clarifying language concerning the $800,000 cost. I submitted a second revised petition with reference to just the $6,000 in architectural fees directed by Mr. Wagner for the new substation and no mention of the $800,000 projected cost,? he said. ‘The commission can now decide which one they prefer.?
Powell called it ‘a learning process.?
‘None of us have ever done this before. I’m sure it’s not going to be the only bump we run into, but it’s not going to set us back any,? Powell said. “If it takes us 20 times, we’ll go 20 times that’s how strongly I feel about it. I think Wagner has mismanaged the township beyond repair and it’s time to replace him.?