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07/31/2008 08:18 AM

 

Recalling Elected Officials July 31, 2008 ECO Staff -- Laure Cioffi, senior journalist ELLWOOD CITY – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons of Ellwood City plans to ask his fellow lawmakers to consider measures that will allow voters to recall elected officials. Gibbons said his work on the legislation is in its early stages, but he hopes to introduce a bill this fall to the state house of representatives. Gibbons said the matter was brought to his attention by Lawrence County Treasurer Richard Rapone. “I think it grew out of public concerns over why was there no mechanism for recall in place,” Gibbons said. Rapone’s predecessor Gary Felasco remained as county treasurer for several months after being charged with theft from his own office. He was eventually convicted and formally removed from office. Residents at that time started questioning why they could not have Felasco removed from office earlier through a recall vote. Gibbons said his proposed legislation will allow voters to ask an official be removed for malfeasance or nonfeasance. While the Felasco matter is the most extreme example of why voters want a recall provision, Gibbons said there have been other problems in the region including one in Butler where a township supervisor refused to attend meetings. Gibbons said he has been working with Rapone and the Lawrence County commissioners to put together the legislation. (Laure Cioffi can be reached at LaureCioffi@EllwoodCity.org)