Recall Committee got the signatures to get it on the ballot
SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTY -- When the 8,000 or so residents of Schoolcraft County head to the polls Tuesday, they'll be asked to control the destiny of Sheriff Grant Harris, who's facing a recall vote.
The recall vote is brought on by the efforts of the "Recall Committee," as they're calling themselves; an informal alliance of about 20 Schoolcraft County residents.
"We did the legwork. The people of the county get to be the voice," says Jean Anderson of the Recall Committee.
The committee claims that the sheriff is breaking campaign promises and breaking the bank. They put together a petition, got the 857 required signatures, and now Sheriff Harris is the target of a recall.
Here's what you'll see on the ballot:
"Sheriff Grant Harris has failed to mediate a budget in a timely manner. Lying to the County Board of Commissioners about the under-sheriff's schedule, which has created excessive overtime, resulting in the blatant misuse of taxpayers money."
Sheriff Harris released this written response:
"Citizens of Schoolcraft County, in November of 2008, you elected me Sheriff by an overwhelming margin. Since that time, I have performed my duties the best I can, the very best I know how. The County Boards' view of public safety differs from mine and it enacted nonsensical budget cuts that forced me to petition the courts to compel payment for the services required by the State's Law and Constitution. The fact is that since I took office, the Board has attempted to control every aspect of my Office. Let me assure you that I did not lie to the Commissioners about the Undersheriff's schedule or anything else. I did not fail to mediate a budget in a timely manner and I did not overspend the budget I was given. There are many reasons for overtime. They do involve jury trials, inmates' health care appointments, picking up and transporting inmates, serving the county courts, providing law enforcement services, staff vacations and sick leave. Understaffing causes overtime and the Sheriff's Office is and continues to be understaffed."
Sheriff Harris says since he took office in January of 2009, he's done the best he can with what he has to work with. And following Tuesday's recall vote, he hopes to continue in his role as Sheriff of Schoolcraft County.
"I believe that the voters in Schoolcraft County are educated, well-learned people who will make the right decision. I think that decision will be to retain me in office, so I can finish what I started," says Sheriff Harris.
The Recall Committee says whether the sheriff is recalled or not, the members want what's best for Schoolcraft County.
"We want a future in Schoolcraft County for our children and grandchildren, the same as we want for his children and grandchildren. We want this over and done with," says Bonnie Garvin of the Recall Committee.
Polls open at 7 a.m. Eastern Time. A "Yes" vote recalls him. A "No" vote retains him.