The petition was received by City Clerk Rhonda Jones. Next, the clerk will present the petition to the city commission during Monday’s meeting asking the commission to authorize her to certify the petition by verifying the signatures.

According to state statutes, in order to request a recall election, citizens must gather signatures from more than 20 percent of the number of voters in District 3 who voted in the previous regular municipal election.

“I’m glad to see Lovington citizens exercising their democratic rights,” Granath said. “They have the right to hold their city officials accountable. That’s always been my argument. That’s always what’s been lacking in our form of government.

If the petition is certified, the clerk will then ask the commission to set a date for the recall election. The timeline for the election must allow enough time for Lovington citizens who live in District 3 to register to vote and vote by absentee ballot.

“I’ve been working on so many changes and more accountability in our city government, and there will always be a select few against change of any kind,” Granath said. “At least there’s less apathy.

“I’ve had so many calls of support from my constituents who were asked to sign the petition but refused,” Granath said. “I really appreciate their support.

Granath said none of the citizens gathering the signatures have spoken to him directly about their reasons for the request for a recall election. But through others, he’s heard that the main reason the petition has been started is because they say he is trying to get rid of City Manager Pat Wise.

“That’s ridiculous,” Granath said. “I’m trying to hold the position of our city manager accountable to the citizens of Lovington, no matter who holds the job. I’m trying to give our city back to the citizens – all the citizens – and not just a select few who have controlled our city government for decades. Because our city manager is not elected by the public, the state statutes clearly state that the city commissioners have the responsibility to hold him accountable. And apparently, that increased accountability is rubbing some people the wrong way.

“I poll my constituents all the time, and I feel confident my work represents the majority opinion of those I represent,” Granath said. “If the petition is certified, ultimately, it’s the voters who will get to decide, as it should be.

Granath encourages all of his constituents to come by his house, call him at home, or email him with their questions or concerns: 718 W. Avenue I, 396-1802, neil@lovingtononline.com.

Granath was elected to a four-year term in March, 2006.