By Jeremy Ratliff
Editor
If all goes as planned for a seemingly growing number of city residents, a recall election may soon be on the horizon; targeting five common council members.
A loosely organized 14-member recall committee has gained recent attention for it’s efforts to unseat 1st District Alderman Paul Russell, 5th District Alderman John VanLieshout, 6th District Alderman Dave Sukow, 7th District Alderman and current Council President Rob Norton, and 8th District Alderman Tim Meehean.
“This is our city, and we do have a voice,” said Mark Bares, owner of Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes, and one of a few spokespersons for the committee.
On Tuesday March 19, Bares and committee members held a recall rally at Les & Jim’s.
“A lot of people contacted us with questions. They wanted to know what was going on, why we wanted a recall,” Bares adds. “We saw the rally as our chance to make our reasoning public. I want to emphasize our efforts for a recall election is nothing personal. We have nothing against the aldermen targeted for the recall, but we feel there are some things that have been happening in the city, that are leading us down a dangerous road,”
Examples of the “dangerous road” Bares alludes to, include concerns of the upcoming city budget. “The expenses our city is proposing are scary,” Bares said.
According to Bares, included in the budget is an estimated $3 million cost of installing sewer and water service in the new industrial park near CTH G and 17.
“That’s in addition to the estimated $500,000 spent to purchase land for the park. The city also spent another $275,000 on lights at Athletic Park. I agree that’s a good thing, but we only have 11 night games there every year. I question if that investment is necessary, compared to other needs we have. It seems to us the city budgets for expenditures, but the money isn’t being spent where it’s supposed to be. It seems like some of our city aldermen rubber stamp decisions proposed by city administration, and community members aren’t included in the local government process. That has to change.”
Although Bares declined to give exact numbers, he indicated enough signatures have been secured in three of the five aldermanic districts, targeted for the recall. “When I first got involved with speaking out about how things are being done, I never imagined it would go this far. I never imagined it would come down to a recall election. People have asked if I am concerned my involvement will affect my business, and yes I am concerned! “
“But I am more afraid if nothing is done, and the city keeps accumulating debt, the City of Merrill will be bankrupt 5-10 years from now. Then there will be nobody left to visit my business. I don’t want to take that risk.”