Recall ordinance question OK'd for Lebanon referendum vote

LEBANON - For the first time ever, Lebanon voters will have the chance to enact a Recall Ordinance for elected officials at town voting in May.

The ordinance was brought forward by Budget Committee chair Jeri Basko, who told selectmen on Thursday that she had well over 100 signatures already and would likely have the 217 she needed by March 28, the deadline for submission of signatures for citizens' petitions.

Selectmen Chairman Ben Thompson commented on the logistical hardship it would place on the town to turn around a certifiable petition and asked fellow selectmen to approve outright the inclusion of the recall referendum on the ballot as he had earlier this month.

In a reversal of their earlier vote against so doing, selectmen Paul Nadeau and Royce Heath surprisingly approved inserting the referendum onto the ballot.

Details of the proposed recall ordinance were not immediately available.

Basko was not immediately available for comment.

The town's public hearing on the referendums is April 30 followed by voting on May 10.

Both the hearing and voting will take place as usual at Lebanon Elementary School.