Recall petition wording rejected
Recall petition wording rejected
By JOHN PEPIN, Journal Munising Bureau
MUNISING — The Alger County Election Commission failed to approve petition language this morning for a recall drive aimed at two Superior Central School board members.
Earlier this month, Eben Junction resident Tina Yost filed recall petitions against school board member Jon Seppanen and board President Tamera Shega.
Yost reportedly filed the paperwork—which included numerous allegations—on behalf of a larger group of local residents.
Today, the 3-member election commission — comprised of Probate Judge William Carmody, Alger County Clerk Mary Ann Froberg and Alger County Treasurer Howard Masters — voted 2 to 1 to deny the proposed recall language was clear enough for those signing petitions to understand. Froberg and Carmody voted to deny.
Members of the panel make no further judgments on the recall assertions, including whether or not the claims made against the board members are true.
Before the vote, Yost, Seppanen and Shega all made statements bolstering their positions for or against the recall. Petition accusations range from micro-managing the school as a school board member to promoting dissension and negativity within the school community.
After the vote, Yost declined to comment further other than to say she would be refiling the petition language, after making some alterations.
Overall, Carmody and Froberg had complaints about the precision of the language.
“I believe there’s open space for questions on them,” Froberg said, referring to the petitions. “I think it has to be more precise.”
“How have they done this? What has the micro-management been,” Carmody asked. “I believe the voters need more detail.”
Seppanen had limited reaction to the commission’s ruling, saying only that he was “pleased.”
Shega said she was relieved at this initial decision. She said she hopes those behind the recall drive realizes it is polarizing local residents.
“I hope the group that’s doing this understands the seriousness of what they
are doing to the school community,” Shega said.
The recall is being driven by a controversial decision made in April when
the board, inlcuding Shega and Seppanen, voted to send a letter to high
school Principal Loren Vannest, saying it would not renew his contract.
Vannest, who has been with the district for the past three years, has been
criticized by some for being too strict in his dealings with students. He also has had several grievances filed against him.
School Superintendent Mary Kay Wanska recommended the letter be sent during an April 10 personnel meeting. But two days later, she changed her mind, suggesting she would like another year to work with Vannest. The school district is now actively seeking a new principal to replace Vannest.
Shega was elected to the board in June 2003. Seppanen was a write-in candidate who narrowly won election to the board in June 2004.
The district includes voters in Limestone, Mathias, Rock River and AuTrain townships.
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