ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The recall of one Delta County commissioner is a step closer to appearing on the ballot in May of 2024.
The Delta County Citizens for Ethical Leadership have been collecting signatures in support of the recall of Commissioners David Moyle, Bob Barron, and Robert Petersen.
On Monday, the group turned in the completed petition for District 4, which is Moyle’s district. A total of 666 signatures were required. Just over 800 people signed the petition.
“District 4 moved quite quickly, which is excellent,” said group member Kelli Van Ginhoven, who plans to run for Moyle’s position if the recall is successful. “We’re also more compact than the other two districts, who have to deal with townships, so we anticipated that we would get done before then. I have high hopes that everybody’s going to complete on time.”
According to Delta County Clerk Nancy Przewrocki, the petition will now go through a review process to verify that at least 666 signatures are valid. The signers must be registered in District 4 in order for their signatures to count. The verification process must be completed by October 17.
Moyle will have up to 30 days to challenge any of the signatures. Moyle told WZMQ 19 News he will be engaging in a review process of the petition with a team of people, looking at each signature and the circulators of the petition.
“I was put in office by the same people who put me in office for the last seven terms,” Moyle said. “They have created some situations that they’re trying to capitalize on. I have done nothing wrong or corrupt.”
Moyle continued, “My main focus has always been on the County of Delta, not personal gain. I believe when it’s all said and done, I should be alright.”
The recall effort began following a decision by the Delta County Board of Commissioners to fire former County Administrator Emily DeSalvo in February. The Citizens for Ethical Leadership believe that decision was “unethical.” The recall petition states that “on February 7, 2023,” Moyle “voted to terminate administrator Emily DeSalvo’s employment contract.”
“Delta County Citizens for Ethical Leadership wants leaders in our county that are ethical, transparent, and of integrity,” said Van Ginhoven. “Right now, we don’t feel like we’re getting that from the three commissioners we’re attempting to recall. By doing this, we’re hoping to make our community a better place.”
The Delta County Citizens for Ethical Leadership have collected 85% of the needed signatures for Barron’s district and more than 50% for Petersen’s District.
Click here for more background information on the recall effort.
