Citizens’ group closer to recall of Brown

Adrienne Packer

Thursday, May 14, 1998 | 10:10 a.m.

NORTH LAS VEGAS -- A citizens' group trying to recall City Councilwoman Paula Brown came one step closer to success Wednesday when the secretary of state confirmed that 2,734 signatures were collected.

The Clark County Elections Department conducted a raw count of the signatures submitted late Tuesday by the "Citizens for Higher Ethics in Government."

That count was sent to Secretary of State Dean Heller early Wednesday.

The citizens' group must have 1,930 signatures from people who are registered voters and North Las Vegas residents to prompt a special election.

Heller directed the county office to take a random sample of 500 signatures from the 2,734 to determine what percentage is valid. Based on the secretary of state's formula, if 353 of the 500 signatures are valid, a recall election will be held.

The ballots issued during the election would give North Las Vegas voters the option to oust Brown or keep her in office.

Brown said earlier this week that she believes her constituents feel she is doing a good job as a city councilwoman and she intends to aggressively campaign for the special election should one be necessary.

Brown's husband, James, pleaded guilty in February to two counts of filing false tax returns for his chemical sales business, Lab-Kem Supplies, which closed in 1997.

Police said James Brown sold chemicals that were later used to manufacture methamphetamine. The drug charges were dropped after he pleaded guilty to the tax charges.

Although police said Paula Brown was not involved in the crimes, the citizens' group started a recall drive, collecting signatures and posting signs throughout North Las Vegas that read, "Say No to Drugs. Recall Paula Brown."

The county elections office has nine days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, to complete its random verification.