SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Recall Drive Targets Mayor, Councilman
A threatened recall drive against a longtime city councilman and the mayor officially began this week when a group filed a notice of intent with the city clerk.
Targeted are City Councilman Gary L. Hausdorfer, a council member for 13 years, and Mayor Kenneth E. Friess, a member for 15 years. The recall organizers claim that the pair have placed the city in a “fiscal crisis” and have pushed for the approval of the San Joaquin Hills toll road against the wishes of the citizens of San Juan Capistrano.
Hausdorfer and Friess now have a week to file a response to the recall attempt with City Clerk Cheryl Johnson. Hausdorfer, who has remained silent while the group has threatened recall in the past, said he now intends to fight and will file an answer.
“I fully intend to respond,” Hausdorfer said Wednesday. “I personally think it is time that there be an answer to the innuendoes and lies.”
Friess could not be reached for comment.
The recall proponents were listed as Carlos F. Negrete, a local attorney, and Robert P. King, president of Save Our San Juan, a recently organized group that is fighting the toll road.
After the deadline for an answer to the recall campaign, the group will have 120 days to collect at least 2,500 signatures representing 20% of the city’s registered voters, Johnson said.
If those signatures are verified, a recall election will be held, Johnson said.
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