by Judy Reed

A petition to recall Village of Sand Lake trustee Rachel Gokey was approved Wednesday, and a special election called by Kent County Clerk Lisa Lyons for November 2.

Candidates who wish to challenge Gokey on the ballot, should file within the next week. According to Kent County Elections Director Gerrid Uzarski, any interested candidates for this position on the ballot will have until September 3^rd to file with the Nelson Township Clerk.

This seat will be for a partial term, ending in 2022.

The recall language, which was filed by Jack Christensen, reads: “Trustee Gokey refused to sign the social media policy that was passed by the Village Council on February 15, 2021 and is the only member of Council that has refused to sign and follow the policy; Trustee Gokey was censured by the Village Council on May 17, 2021.”

Gokey appealed but lost the decision. In June, she told the Post, “I am fine to appear on the ballot again and talk with voters about the steps I have taken to hold the Council accountable.”

New petitions were filed last Friday, January 10, with Kent County, to recall Cedar Springs City Councilors Patricia Troost and Ashley Bremmer.

Resident Mark Laws filed the new petitions after the language on two previous petitions was rejected at a clarity/factual hearing on December 31. Elections Director Susan deStiguer said that none of the three on the committee thought the petition held any facts.

A clarity/factual hearing has been set on the new petitions for January 29, at 8 a.m.

The new language (reason for recall) reads:

“1) On July 11, 2013 the city council motioned and supported to adjourn to a closed session and then adjourned. The Open Meetings Act 267, 15.267, 8A allows a closed session if the named person requests a closed hearing. No such request was made.

2) City council has a protocol in place requiring any change of import to be on agenda for public input and comment before it can be acted on by council in a following meeting. Former council member Merlington wrote this protocol. The new logo that was approved in November 2013 council meeting was not presented to the public for input or comments.”

The first reason applies to a council meeting where then Mayor Bob Truesdale was allegedly taken into closed session without asking for one and then verbally lambasted by other council members. The second reason has to do with the process of adopting the new logo.