Recall language approved for Hillsdale Mayor Stockford, Ward 1 Councilman Stuchell

HILLSDALE — On Monday, the Hillsdale County Election Commission approved recall language filed by Ted Jansen who is seeking a recall election for Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford and Ward 1 Councilman Greg Stuchell.

“Either party may challenge the commission’s decision through the circuit court by 5 p.m. on May 9 after which time signatures may be collected on recall petitions within the city,” said Chief Deputy Clerk Abe Dane.

Jansen filed recall language April 15 on the basis that Stockford and Stuchell both voted in support of granting the municipal waste service contract to LRS (formerly Modern Waste) on Jan. 16 and that LRS was the highest bidder, not the lowest.

Jansen’s recall effort came less than a week after Penny Swan rescinded her recall petition against Stockford in a five-day-long bid.

Council members Joshua Paladino, Cynthia Pratt, Bruce Sharp, Rob Socha, Will Morrisey and Gary Wolfram also supported granting the waste service contract to LRS over the slightly less expensive Granger Waste Services.

Jansen, a resident of Ward 1, could only file recall paperwork against his representatives, Stockford as the mayor and Stuchell as his councilman. Ward 1 Councilman Tony Vear was absent the night the vote was taken in January.

While LRS’ bid was $14.34 per month for weekly residential trash services with a 4.5% increase per year starting in year two. Granger’s bid was for $13.30 a month with a 4% increase starting in year two.

Jansen will need to secure 620 valid signatures in support of recalling Stockford and 135 valid signatures in support of recalling Stuchell and turn them in no later than Aug. 2 in order to trigger a November recall election for either official.

More: New recall effort underway for Hillsdale mayor, councilman also targeted

More: Recall effort against Hillsdale’s mayor ends five days after filing

Swan, a former ally of Stockford whose term ends in November 2026,  filed for a recall against Stockford April 5 stating that “Stockford voted no on every street project, the last one being Aug. 21, 2023.”

A review of city council meeting minutes showed that while Stockford largely voted no against special assessment districts, he had voted in favor of approving contracts to vendors to complete infrastructure work.

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Swan rescinded her recall petition April 10, just five days after launching her own efforts.

While Stockford and Swan used to be close, with Stockford having previously appointed Swan to city boards and commissions, their friendship ended with the growing rift in the Hillsdale County Republican Party when Swan sided with the Leininger faction of the split in 2022. Stockford serves as the vice chair of the America First Hillsdale Republicans.

The rift and infighting eventually made its way to the council chambers where Swan, during public comment, has often been critical of Stockford. Earlier this year, Stockford chose to not reappoint Swan to a city board.

— Contact Reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Recall language approved for Hillsdale’s mayor, Ward 1 councilman