Alatorre Recall Drive Announced by Critics

A group of East Los Angeles residents have begun a petition drive to recall Councilman Richard Alatorre, claiming that he has brought too much development to the community--especially an overabundance of low- and moderate-cost housing projects.

The Committee to Recall Richard Alatorre has 120 days to collect 9,484 signatures of registered voters living in Alatorre’s 14th District in order to force a recall election, according to the city clerk’s office.

Alatorre suggested that those leading the recall attempt may have political aspirations. “Look, you’re always going to have people who are not going to be happy, who have their own political agenda,” Alatorre said.

If the recall drive qualifies for the ballot, the timetable would require a special election between Feb. 26 and March 28, 1991, shortly before the regular April city election in which seven council seats--including Alatorre’s--will be contested.