Hearing on McAlester recall petitions is today

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) Trial begins today in Pittsburg County District Court on an effort to recall two McAlester city councilors. <br/><br/>Councilmen Michael Dawkins and Louis Smitherman are challenging

Tuesday, July 12th 2005, 6:26 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) Trial begins today in Pittsburg County District Court on an effort to recall two McAlester city councilors.

Councilmen Michael Dawkins and Louis Smitherman are challenging both the petitions asking for the recall election and the city clerk's certification of the petitions as valid.

Residents circulated the petitions after reports of former City Manager Randy Green being paid nearly $580,000.00 for unused vacation and leave time.

The recall vote is set for September 13th.

The case is not being tried before a jury and District Judge James Bland will hear testimony and decide whether the recall petitions should be dismissed and the election canceled.