LAUREL, Mont. – Residents in Laurel are taking action against Mayor Dave Waggoner due to his support for a proposed forensic mental health center. A formal recall petition has been approved, marking a significant step in the process.
The effort began when concerned citizens contacted the Yellowstone County elections office to learn about initiating a recall. Dayna Causby, the Yellowstone County Elections Administrator, explained that her office guided them through the Montana Code. After several revisions, the petition form received approval.
“Typically, there’s been some form of stoppage before we get to the part where we’re collecting signatures. So right now, actively, they’re collecting signatures and we are – the elections office is waiting on those submittals so that we can verify them,” Causby said.
Organizers have until June 11 to gather signatures from registered voters within Laurel’s city limits. If they collect enough, Causby stated that Mayor Waggoner could submit a rebuttal, and potentially the issue could be placed on a special ballot.
“The mayor has the opportunity to submit that 200-word rebuttal. If he chooses not to resign, then this would go to…a ballot, most likely a special ballot for the registered voters within the city of Laurel, as to whether or not he should be removed,” Causby said.
NonStop Local reached out to Mayor Waggoner for his comments and plans to share those when available.
Once the signatures are submitted, the elections office has until July 10 to verify them. If the process leads to a ballot, voters will decide whether Mayor Waggoner remains in office.