Mayor Recall Process Moves On

The City of Kimball mayoral recall process continues.

Mayor Keith Prunty issued a statement to the media in response to the petition to recall. And one person who filed a petition, Ashley Sisk, said she was looking to “withdraw my name” from the petition process.

Prunty said: “I have always carried out my duties as Mayor of the City of Kimball faithfully.  I am focused wholeheartedly on our community’s stability, growth, and future prosperity. I fully appreciate and support the democratic process, and I will continue to represent the citizens of Kimball who voted overwhelmingly in my support at the last election. 

“Disagreement is part of life, and I am disappointed that some citizens are unhappy with decisions that I have made as Mayor. Whatever the cause for disagreement, I will always have our community’s best interest in mind.  I will do everything I can to serve with honesty, integrity, and give every ounce of energy I have to keep Kimball moving forward.  

“There is tremendous opportunity on the horizon for Kimball. We are on the cusp of what could be major revitalization and investment in our community.  I believe that now, more than ever, our community needs to be looking forward – displaying our community’s pride and positivity -– to encourage future development and investment in our town.  I will continue to serve to the best of my ability, always carrying out my obligations and duties as Mayor with the citizens of Kimball and our collective future in mind.”

Nebraska statute 32-1303 states that Prunty has 20 days from the date the recall petition was initiated to file his “defense statement in concise language of 60 words or less for inclusion on the petition.”

The recall petition forms were signed by Mary M. Laughlin and Ashley Sisk on April 2 and Prunty, as the official mentioned in the petition, was notified on the same day. As of Tuesday, Prunty said he was working on his defensive statement.

Sisk said on Tuesday that “as far as the recall, I am calling the courthouse today to find out what I need to do to formally withdraw my name. The backlash was just too great and I need to focus on other things.”

After the 20 day defensive statement period, the filing clerk “shall prepare petition papers within five business days,” according to the statute.

The principal circulator has 20 days to gather the petition papers, then 30 days to gather signatures.

Finally, the clerk has 15 days to verify signatures.

If the signatures are verified, then an election will be ordered.