Frequently Asked Questions

These questions have been asked of us while gathering petitions and talking with the citizens of Ironwood Township.  We will add to the list as they are asked of us:

Q.  Why did we wait so long to start a petition?
A.  Michigan Law clearly states that a recall effort cannot begin until after the elected official has been in office for a minimum of six months.  After the six month timeframe, there are a series of events that have to take place.  These include; clarity hearing & petition language approval, signature collection, ballot language, etc.

Q.  If the signatures are turned in quickly, can there be a recall election sooner?
A.  The answer is no.  Even if the signatures were gathered in one day, the earliest the election could happen under Michigan Law is November according to the Gogebic County Clerk.  This allows for fairness to both parties; the group seeking recall and to the subject of the recall.  However, to make it on the November ballot, the petitions need to be turned in by July 31, 2009.

Q.  Why weren’t all three (Supervisor, Clerk, and Treasurer) targeted for recall at this time?
A.  Good question!  We believe everything starts with the leader.  This is clearly a leadership/direction and character issue.  It is our belief that we can change the tone and direction of the township, with minimal impact, once the voter makes it clear that the township belongs to us.  An elected office is a privilege, not a birthright!  As the leader, Kim Mattson put the “accelerator to the floor” the moment she got into office as demonstrated by the “proposed budget” when she asked for large pay increases (15% and above) for the treasurer, clerk, and herself.

Q.  Wasn’t there a policy against an employee of the township running for elective office?
A.  This has come up many times.  The answer is THERE WAS!  Prior to this last election, this was the case.  The wisdom behind the previous board policy was not to create an opportunity for “electioneering” or give the person an unfair advantage by using the government work environment as an edge over other candidates.  On Monday morning, March 31, 2008, at 9:00am, there was a special meeting held that changed the policy (see minutes) that would end up allowing Mattson to run for Ironwood Township Supervisor while keeping her job as secretary.  According to the board minutes, no one else from the public were in attendance other than the township attorney.  We do not believe this special meeting was announced in the Globe.    

Q.  If Kim Mattson is recalled, who will replace her?
A.  Another good question!  This will come down to the will of the citizen through the voting booth.  Potential candidates will have the opportunity to express interest and hope will be thoroughly “vetted” through the process.  There is one thing for certain; Michael Rooni, James Simmons Jr., and Chris Winchowski are not seeking the supervisor position and would not serve under any circumstance!

Q.  Are you going to be putting out a brochure?
A.  Yes.  All of this will happen in the near future.  We are in the process of compiling relevant information to make it the best bang for the buck.

Q.  Kim Mattson has stated the election will cost the township money; is this true?
A.  She is correct.  We haven’t addressed the cost issue yet (approximately $1500) but it pales in comparison to the “proposed budget” at the start of her term last year.  God only knows what things would have been going on if she was left “unchecked.”  We will continue to give an honest assessment of the costs as they become known.  By law, Kim Mattson is not allowed to use township funds to stop recall efforts or her own interests.  This is not a special election in November because other issues are on the same ballot.  There would be costs associated with the election to fill the vacancy if the recall is successful.  Mattson should not be allowed to hold the cost issue over the citizen as a sword.  Her greed started the fire!

Q.  Would Kim Mattson be able to see my signature on the Recall Petition?
A.  The answer is yes.  We know some have expressed fear about having her know who signed the petition.  In fairness to Mattson, a person subject to recall has the right to challenge any signature.  This is only right!  However, she does not have the right to use her office to retaliate against anyone who signs the petition.  We have the right to challenge the actions of our government.