COLDWATER, MI — Branch County’s Election Commission quickly rejected a recall petition Thursday, June 25, finding the petition language too vague and unclear.
Kyle Wallace filed a recall petition against Fourth Ward Coldwater Councilman Scott Houtz, seeking an election to remove him from office.
The handwritten petition stated the proposed reason for recall: “Voted yes on March 9, 2026, to introduce Ordinance No. 885.” Wallace did not attend the hearing.
Mayor Tom Kramer and City Attorney Amanda O’Boyle represented Houtz, who was on vacation.
Both argued that stating Houtz “voted yes on March 9, 2026, to introduce Ordinance No. 885” did not explain the content of Ordinance 885 or the alleged conduct at issue.
The Election Commission, referencing Michigan election law and a similar 2023 State Board of Canvassers precedent, found that voters would not understand the basis for the recall.
Probate Judge Kirk Kashian, County Clerk Terry Kubasiak, and County Treasurer Steve Rutz, who comprised the commission, agreed with the city’s arguments in the 15-minute hearing.
State law requires recall language to be factual and clear, enabling officeholders and voters to understand the reason for the recall.
The commission unanimously found the petition’s wording failed the clarity test and rejected it.
Kubasiak noted that Wallace has 10 days to appeal the board’s decision in Branch County Circuit Court if he wishes to challenge it.
On March 9, O’Boyle presented a draft of Coldwater’s proposed Ordinance 885, which aimed to strengthen city housing and property maintenance rules.
The ordinance establishes a structured, one- to two-year process for bringing unsafe or nuisance buildings into compliance before any case reaches the City Council.
Supporters said it offered a clearer enforcement framework, while critics expressed concerns about government overreach, tenant displacement, and reduced judicial protections.
Following strong public feedback at the meeting and on social media, the city council and staff withdrew the revision proposal, with no set timeline for its return.
At the June 8 meeting, Kramer noted that neither council members nor the public requested that Ordinance 885 be brought back for action.
No explanation was provided for why Houtz or this ordinance was singled out.
Wallace did not respond to a request for comment.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater council recall language rejected
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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By Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter | USA TODAY Network
