Mapes becomes banner for recall group

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000 | 10:33 a.m.

Armed with pictures of the crumbling Mapes Hotel and maps of the city's council wards, the group of about 60 people decided any council candidates should support the recall of Griffin.

The group agreed at a gathering Wednesday night that their candidates also should oppose secret meetings and support the ouster of City Manager Charles McNeely.

The members also want candidates who favor a public vote on the proposal to lower the railroad tracks through downtown.

Griffin said the recall group is trying to erase the council's accomplishments.

"They represent what has held this community back and they are trying to do this again," he said.

The recall group will seek to oust councilmen Dave Aiazzi, Pierre Hascheff and Tom Herndon, who all face re-election in November. Councilman Bill Newberg is not seeking a second term.

Recall supporters need to collect 11,316 signatures or 25 percent of the 45,264 people who voted in November 1998 in order to force a recall election for Griffin. They have 60 days to collect the signatures after officially notifying the city clerk and other government bodies.