Selectmen Pick Date To Set Recall Election Date

STOUGHTON, MA — The selectmen have picked the day to pick the day that the recall election will take place.

The board voted Tuesday night to set the date of the upcoming election at their Sept. 19 meeting. The targets of the recall, selectmen David Sousa, Robert Cohn, and Peter Brown have until Sept. 11 to decide whether to resign from their seats or run in the election.

The Sept. 5 meeting was the first time the board was together since the recall petition was certified by the town clerk’s office. Acting Town Manager Steve Anastos said the issue was brought up in his report rather than an agenda item because he viewed it as a mandatory administrative act.

“I think this was the simplest, transparent, and efficient way to deliver a message to 5 members,” Anastos said.

Selectman Robert O’Regan wanted to schedule the date-setting meeting for next week, but conflicts from Brown, Sousa, and O’Reagan prevented that.

“Every person should be at this meeting, especially the people being recalled. I’m going to vote no because especially the three being recalled should be present at this meeting,” Cohn said during a vote to hold a meeting next week.

According to state law, a recall election can take place no sooner than 64 days after certification.

So far, financial committee member Christine Howe and town meeting member Stephen Cavey have announced their intention to run as challengers.

Image: File Photo