STANTON : Recall Campaigners to Be Taking Names

Residents who are organizing an effort to recall Councilmen Joe V. Harris and Sal Sapien will soon be taking to the streets to collect the signatures necessary to force an election.

City Clerk Darleen Cordova gave final approval Wednesday to the recall petition against Harris. The petition, which must be used for all signatures, must adhere to strict guidelines. The petition against Sapien was approved Tuesday.

The two councilmen are being targeted because of their support of the recently approved 6% utility tax, said former Councilman Edward L. Allen, who is helping to gather signatures.

The recall petitions also criticize the councilmen for supporting the failed attempt to bring card clubs to Stanton. But while Harris actively supported card clubs, Sapien never publicly stated his views on the issue.

Measure A, which would have allowed card clubs in Stanton, was rejected by a 4-1 margin by city voters in June.

Cordova said the residents have 120 days to gather at least 2,144 signatures from registered voters to call a recall election.

An election would cost the city about $30,000, Cordova said. If either councilman were recalled, another election would have to be held to fill his seat.

About 30 people have volunteered so far to circulate the recall petitions, Allen said. They will begin seeking signatures this weekend.