PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Residents began collecting signatures this week as part of the first step in an effort to recall suspended Acting Mayor Terrence Rowe.
- Acting mayor Terrence Rowe was arrested last month
- Mayor says it's a positive that residents are energized about city government
- Movement could be slow because of state laws
- More Pasco County headlines
"This was a last resort for us," said Lisa Burke, one of the creators of the petition. "We had hoped, of course, that Terrence Rowe would resign himself or the matter would be taken up by the city council, because both of those options would've been a lot faster."
City Manager Vincent Lupo said the city hasn't had any communication with Rowe since he was arrested last month for allegedly trying to interfere in the investigation into former Mayor Dale Massad.
"I would have expected him to resign, my way of thinking. Evidently, he doesn't see it that way," said Lupo.
While Lupo declined to comment on the recall effort itself, he said it is a positive that citizens have become more engaged with city government.
"The people of the city of Port Richey are extremely energized at this point in time, and rightfully so," Lupo said.
Burke said the group has been going door-to-door, speaking with residents and asking them to sign.
"It goes both ways – more so for opening up that council seat," she said of fellow residents' response. "Everyone wants the city government to move forward."
But that movement could be slow. Per state law, the group has 30 days from the date of the first signature collected to get 10 percent of the total number of registered voters to sign.
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said in this case, 179 signatures are needed. His office then has to verify them – a process it has 30 days to complete. If the signatures are good, Rowe would be served with a copy of the petition.
He'd have five days to file a defensive statement.
Whether or not he does so, the city clerk would prepare a "Recall Petition and Defense" document. Burke's group would then have 60 days to collect signatures of 15 percent of the city's voters. The whole process could eventually lead to a recall election.
"Nothing else is happening right now. Our goal is just to open up that council seat to get back to city business," said Burke.
Lupo noted there is still the possibility that the city council could once again take up the issue of forfeiture when it comes to Rowe's seat. That process could lead to his removal from office. The motion did come up at the council's previous meeting but failed to get a second.