(COLDWATER) - A recall effort targeting Coldwater Fourth Ward Councilman Scott Houtz has been rejected by the Branch County Election Commission.
The commission voted unanimously Thursday to reject the petition during a clarity hearing at the Branch County Courthouse.
The handwritten petition was submitted by Coldwater resident Kyle Wallace and centered on Houtz's March 9 vote to introduce Ordinance 885, a proposed update to the city's property maintenance standards. The ordinance was later tabled following public opposition.
Commission members determined the petition language did not meet Michigan's legal standards for clarity. The commission found the wording did not adequately explain the contents of the ordinance or specify the alleged misconduct.
Mayor Tom Kramer read a written statement from Houtz, who was not present for the hearing. City Attorney Amanda O'Boyle also addressed the commission on Houtz's behalf and argued the petition lacked sufficient clarity.
The commission cited a 2023 State Board of Canvassers precedent in support of its decision.
Petition sponsor Kyle Wallace was not present for the hearing. He has 10 days to appeal the commission's decision in Branch County Circuit Court.