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Shady Cove recall attempt fails More than 61 percent of votes were against recalling two City Council members who were targeted by the petitioner By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune SHADY COVE - Voters have rebuffed recall efforts against City Council members Lois Holland and Jack Henson. A clear majority of more than 61 percent of those who returned ballots chose to keep the two council members in the first of a pair of city recall elections, according to Tuesday's unofficial final count. The elections are part of a campaign led by Citizens for Affordable Government to recall the entire City Council. Chief petitioner Bob Hawkins said he is concerned that the residents of Shady Cove have no voice with the current council, especially involving the city's attempts to deal with its water and sewer systems. Allegations also include claims that the council used public funds illegally as well as complaints that the council discriminated against senior citizens. Council members have said that all the allegations are based on incorrect assumptions, not facts. "I'm happy with the results," said Henson, who is in his last year on the council. "It reaffirms what we've done for the last six years." Holland said she's relieved, especially after talking with many residents who told her they thought the recall was so foolish that they weren't going to vote. "I'm going sleep tonight," she said. Jackson County Clerk Kathy Beckett said Tuesday that, based on what's been happening in the last few years with recalls, she's not surprised by the results. "People have not been successful with recall votes," she said. The mail-in election resulted in votes from 743 Shady Cove residents. Holland, who has served eight years on the council, received 459 votes or 61.78 per cent in her favor and Henson, who has served six years, survived recall by receiving 468 votes against the recall, or 62.99 per cent. With 1,670 ballots mailed to residents Dec. 18, this election cost the city approximately $1,600. Hawkins said he wasn't really surprised by the results. "I think they ran a real big campaign," he said. But he's not discouraged. "It's not the results I would like, but it's not the end," he said. "We got three more (council members) and we're going to work on them all." Recall ballots targeting City Council members Fred Wendt and Allison Curtis and Mayor Tom Anderson will be mailed to residents Dec. 21 and are due by 8 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the elections office. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.