AUBURN – The Nemaha County elections office is verifying signatures after circulators of a recall petition for Auburn Mayor Chris Erickson met the Sept. 9 deadline.

Principal circulator Amanda Powell turned in signatures on 23 pages of petitions. At least 301 signatures must be verified as coming from a registered voter living in the Auburn city limits to force a recall election. The petition must have 35 percent of the 858 votes cast for mayor.

If 301 signatures are verified, the clerk has 21 days to notify the Auburn City Council about the expenses of an all-mail election, which are expected to be around $7,000.

Once the city provides an ordinance recognizing the expense of the election, the clerk has 50 days to schedule an election.

Johnson said she does not know if there will be an election, but if a recall election is held it should be before Jan. 1, when people can begin filing for election to mayor prior to the May primary.

Recalled officials are not eligible to file for election in the subsequent term.

 

Mayor Erickson filed a response to the petition claims referencing the appointment of Brian Lavigne, a life-long Auburn resident and owner of Lavigne Construction, to fill a seat after the resignation of Katy Billings. Lavigne Construction is currently building homes under a city contract.

Erickson’s response says the appointment received unanimous approval by the city council and said it is not unusual for conflicts to arise among city council members.  Erickson also said he has properly received public comments at meetings.

Circulator Powell said he has a dictatorial approach that shuts down community questions.

Mayor Erickson's response

The City Council unanimously approved the nominated councilperson without any concerns. All their payment claims have been unanimously approved. It is hard to have all council members without a conflict of interest in a city of Auburn's size. I have followed the Open Meetings Act, Robert's Rules and relevant ordinances when receiving public comments at meetings.

 

 

https://rivercountry.newschannelnebraska.com/story/52172046/lavigne-appointed-to-auburn-city-council

https://rivercountry.newschannelnebraska.com/story/51973510/newlyelected-curtright-to-auburns-housing-committee