Petitions seek recall of two McAlester councilmen

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- Recall petitions signed by dozens of McAlester residents seek to remove two City Council members from office.<br/><br/>The petitions filed Tuesday accuse Councilmen Louis Smitherman

Wednesday, January 19th 2005, 10:44 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- Recall petitions signed by dozens of McAlester residents seek to remove two City Council members from office.

The petitions filed Tuesday accuse Councilmen Louis Smitherman and Michael Dawkins of "gross mismanagement" of city money. Petition organizers specifically complain about a leave buyback plan for City Manager Randy Green.

Green has been paid $579,500 since 1999 for his unused vacation and sick leave. The FBI is now investigating Green's contracts with the city.

The City Council voted January 5th to suspend Green for 20 days, then fire him.

Mayor Dale Covington and Vice Mayor Charles Repass resigned last week as the recall effort gained momentum. Three other council members of approved Green's contracts are no longer in office.