FARGO (KFGO) - The North Dakota Secretary of State's office has approved the language of a petition calling for the recall of Fargo City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn.
Recall supporters are upset with Piepkorn's stance on what they call his anti-refugee message regarding resettlement.
Andrew Lenzmeier, chairman of the recall sponsoring committee, says Piepkorn has harmed Fargo's image and reputation by his comments that have even been heard all the way to Europe.
"The City Fargo can't afford to have him around another year, we're worried about the loss of business that Fargo may receive by him going on some media, slamming us as an unwelcome place like North Carolina," said Lenzmeier.
may receive by him going on some media, slamming us as an unwelcome place like North Carolina."
Lenzmeier says recall petitions should begin circulating Monday. He expects to collect at least 4,000 signatures. The names of 3,504 eligible voters are needed to trigger a recall of Piepkorn's seat which must be submitted to City Auditor Steve Sprague by May 15th. He has 30 days to verify signatures and then 95 to 100 days to set the election date.
Piepkorn said in an earlier interview on KFGO News and Views, if he is recalled, he'll run again. He's up for re-electon for another four-year term in June 2018.