CALDWELL, Idaho — Recall efforts against Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner and four city council members ended Monday after no signatures were submitted to the city by the Monday deadline. The recall efforts began earlier this year, rooted in public dissatisfaction with the city's spending.
RELATED: Residents in Caldwell launch recall efforts against Mayor and four city council members
Organizers had until 5 p.m. on Monday, June 2, to submit 25,000 signatures from registered voters — but county officials told Idaho News 6 just after 5 p.m. that nothing had been submitted. The lack of signatures effectively ends the recall effort, though organizers could potentially start the process again in the future.
"Tonight’s results of the recall effort show that our community knows better than a select few tried to portray," said Brad Doty, Caldwell City Council President. "On the Caldwell City Council, I truly strive to put the interests of my constituents first every day."
Doty added that he will be running for Caldwell Mayor in the next election. "I have a strong track record of public service, from the army to law enforcement, and then to our City Council," he said. "Now, I am proud to announce that yes, I am running for Caldwell Mayor on this strong track record of success and integrity.
"I am glad to see this recall process come to an end and I am anxious for our community to heal as we start looking forward to accomplishing great things. This type of contention, that played out almost entirely on social media, distracts from the hard work that is being done to make Caldwell the greatest city it can be. I would like to thank my counterparts on council who never wavered from their obligations during the signature gathering period and continued to work for best interest of all citizens of Caldwell. I also appreciated the kind words of support from many community members who reached out to me these last few weeks with words of encouragement. Caldwell is a great city with remarkable people and potential. I look forward to serving Caldwell and our community."
The recall organizers shared a statement in reaction to the outcome of the recall saying:
In March, Jim Hollis initiated a recall petition for the mayor and four councilors in Caldwell. Due to state laws, it required 4982 signatures for each candidate by June 2nd, 5:00 p.m. Unfortunately the total numbers fell short, but it’s not a complete failure.
In the mayoral election, Jarom Wagoner garnered 2236 votes for a runoff against John McGee. In the recall, Wagoner won the count with 4298 signatures. Nearly double. Even though he won’t be eligible for recall, more wanted him recalled than the citizens that voted him into office.
There is a similar message and count for the four Councilors. Brad Doty won Seat 1 with 1,432 votes and managed 4206 signatures. Geoff Williams was the victor for Seat 4 with 1,566 votes and amassed 4174 signatures. Chris Allgood captured Seat 5 with 1,879 votes and had the least amount of signers with 4,126 signatures. And, finally, Mike Dittenber won Seat 6 with 1,349 votes and yielded a whopping 4277 signatures.
Granted, the recall fell a few hundred short, but significantly more voters want them out compared to the ones that wanted them in. That should send a clear message to those who were on the docket for recall.
During the process there were some questionable tactics: cease and desist letter, pressure tactics, messages that employees weren’t “allowed” to sign, citizens being harassed by private investigators. Because of this, to protect those that bravely signed and spoke out, the recall committee opted not to turn in the signatures. By doing so, it won’t cause the County Elections undue time and effort to count and verify, since we know it fell short, AND, the petitions will not become public record for possible retaliation.
Even though the recall fell short, the citizens of Caldwell need to continue to press and push for more transparency, better decisions, less spending, and an informed look at the effects of massive developments on the infrastructure, schools, and community. This is a prime example of the need to spread the word and vote in November. Pass the word and keep fighting for a better government.
Mayor Wagoner also released a statement in response to the failed recall effort, writing:
I want to re-emphasize the importance to allow the democratic process to unfold and be respected. This is a founding principle of our democracy.
I am grateful for the support I received from this amazing community and look forward to continuing to serve as Mayor for hopefully many years to come.
I would invite all the citizens of Caldwell, regardless if they were part of the recall effort or not, to re-engage in building our future as a city together. Let’s get back to what makes Caldwell such a special place, its citizens respecting each other’s differences and working together to make our city better.