A petition seeking to recall Colorado Springs City Councilman Tom Bailey has gathered enough valid signatures to move the process forward. The ruling from the city clerk's office on Friday came after organizers originally fell short of the required number of signatures in January.
Bailey was elected to his northern Colorado Springs District 2 office last April in a race where he ran largely unopposed. Still, more than 7,000 residents of the district cast ballots for him. For the recall to move forward, organizers needed more than 1,700 signatures from registered voters in the district.
Backers of the recall cite Bailey's support for the controversial Ford Amphitheater as evidenced by his ownership of a season ticket fire-pit. They also said his support for a controversial apartment complex in his district designated as affordable housing demonstrates his lack of representation to his constituents.
In a statement, Bailey called the effort "misusing the recall process," and said the reasons for it do "not stem from new concerns or sudden revelations–their grievances predate last year's election."
City Council must now set a recall election within 30-60 days from now, unless Bailey resigns within five days.
Should Bailey resign, the choice to fill the vacancy rests with council.
