Recall election date set for Anna Maria Island commissioner

A petition for the recall of an Anna Maria Island city commissioner has been received and a date for a special election has been set.

A group calling itself Recall Harry Stoltzfus has collected enough signatures and a judge ordered a recall election to be held Sept. 7.

The group said, "Stoltzfus violated the Government-In-The-Sunshine Law by holding electronic meetings and using liaisons to discuss public business which has not been advertised to the public."

They also said, "Stoltzfus' email communications contained libelous and inflammatory remarks concerning city staff, citizens and professional consultants."

But Stoltzfus attorney, Richard Harrison, said the recall election may not happen if a judge rules the petition is too vague.

"They do have to allege with specificity, some detail, about the acts they are complaining about," Harrison said.

A judge will look at the validity of the recall petition in mid August. If the judge decides it's invalid there will be no special election in September.

A special election would cost the city about $2,500.

Next week is the deadline to be considered as a candidate to replace Stolzfus and be placed on the ballot.