Menard recall moves forward

WASILLA — A petition seeking to recall Wasilla City Councilman Steve Menard has enough valid signatures to move forward to a special election.

Wasilla City Clerk Kristie Smithers said 201 valid signatures of registered city voters were required to put the recall to voters, and that of the 284 signatures turned in by petitioners, 203 were certified. The task of setting a special election will be put to the city council at its regular meeting on Monday. Smithers is recommending a special election be held Feb. 7, 2012.

The recall, spearheaded by the local Conservative Patriots Group, is in response to an August incident where Menard trashed a Sitka hotel room while on city business. Menard has apologized and reimbursed the city for damages and the expenses for the trip, and has maintained he can still be an effective member of the council.

See Friday’s Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman for more on this story.