2/19/13 - A local woman has failed to gather the needed signatures that would have prompted a recall election for a longtime Howell City Councilman. Howell resident Jane Thierfeldt was spearheading the effort and needed to collect 674 signatures of registered city voters to put the recall of Councilman Steve Manor onto the ballot, which would have required a special election. Today marked the deadline for signatures. Manor told WHMI heâs happy to put the matter behind him, which was a distraction that really didnât serve any purpose. He thanked citizens for refusing to support the effort and will continue to serve the city in a very positive and productive way. A statement released to the media by Thierfeldt says she was successful in implementing a recall petition but it turned out to be very difficult and alleged her team was harassed and potential petition signers were worried about recrimination. It further alleged Manor took political favors and created fear in the community but went on to read âit has to be said that he was never maligned as a person or a citizenâ. Thierfeldt filed two recall petitions against Councilman Manor. The first was rejected for being too vague but she then filed a second petition with more specific allegations, including that Manor used his influence to have a parking ticket dismissed and to improperly have a concrete approach to his driveway installed during the cityâs street reconstruction project. City officials have said Manorâs $10 ticket was one of several that were issued improperly by an officer who mistook Chestnut Street for a swale street. All of the tickets issued on the street that day were voided after the discovery was made. (JM)
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