Movement to recall Utica Mayor splinters into two groups
Story Created:
Jul 21, 2009 at 3:50 PM EST
Story Updated:
Jul 21, 2009 at 4:48 PM EST
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The movement to recall Utica Mayor David Roefaro has now splintered into two distinct, separate efforts, and if the websites of those in charge of the movements are any indication, it was not an amicable split.
Susan Arcuri refers to William Newell's new effort, Utica Freedom Fighters, as "Free-Dumb Fighters". Newell refers to Arcuri as "Loose-Screw Sue".
Arcuri says she didn't hand in any signatures Tuesday because the perceived 30-day deadline is really a 30-day look-back; that she can hand in signatures at any time, but only those collected within 30 days prior will be considered. But Newell says there is no reason not to hand in the signatures...if there were enough.
"These people signed these petitions wanting this mayor out of office and to drag this out these people are going to be discouraged and they didn't want this; they signed these petitions to have them turned in immediately," said Newell.
Arcuri says it makes more sense to wait until Summer is over and volunteers have more time to devote to the effort. She also feels that people will be in more of a political mindset once primaries and general elections draw near.
Newell says he will announce when he and his new group, Utica Freedom Fighters, plan to begin collecting signatures and vows to deliver them to city hall 30 days later.
A spokesperson for Utica Mayor David Roefaro says the mayor is not letting the recall efforts distract him from the daily business of running a city and working on behalf of all Uticans.
