It's the second day of a campaign to end another man's public service career. In Grand Island, Mayor Jay Vavricek finds himself at the wrong end of a recall effort. Although there was only one person leading the fight, it's now turning public with hundreds of residents supporting the petition.
Jeb Wolsleben said he's surprised at the number of signatures he's receiving so quickly, but not shocked at the level of support. The signatures he has already collected proves he's not alone in his opinions of the mayor.
"The mayor keeps screwing up everything," said one man signing the petition. "I can't afford him, I can't afford to live in this town," he said.
One by one, residents come to the Grand Island library, signing the petition and saying the same thing. "Enough is enough," said a woman. The likelihood of Mayor Jay Vavricek facing a recall election is looking more likely by the hour said Wolsleben.
"People are really encouraging," said Wolsleben. He's collecting roughly 20 signatures an hour, chipping away at the 3,200 needed by sitting and waiting. "They say it's time for him to go," he said. "The whole thing is a joke, people are upset with his handling of things he's done."
"It's making Grand Island have a really raunchy name," said Letha Brooks, another woman who signed that day. Brooks is willing to sign her name to change the reputation she says Grand Island is gaining. "Everyone's getting physically and emotionally tired, it's like a war without substance," she said.
A war, with soldiers you might not expect to see. The Council President's husband Dale Gilbert signed and the wife of the Assistant Utilities Director Lynn Mayhew. But, their support doesn't mean all city servants are on board.
"When an individual has been elected for four years by the electorate they should be able to serve their term," said Councilman Larry Carney. "I am not for the recall petition unless there's a serious breaking of the law and we haven't seen that with this mayor," he said. Carney said he won't be signing the petition because it wouldn't be ‘appropriate,' which leaves room for others who will.
"I just feel it's something that needs to be done," said an elderly woman signing.
Wolsleben will be outside of the library for the next ten days. His schedule is as follows: Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun. 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
He needs 3,200 signatures by October 14th, but said he's shooting for 3,600. If he gets it done, a special recall election will be held, costing tax payers upwards of $10,000. Many people signing said they're willing to pay to see the mayor ousted.
