Judge ruled on Mexico Beach recall petition

MEXICO BEACH, Fl. ( WMBB ) – Mexico Beach voters recalled Michele Miller from the mayor’s office during a special election on Tuesday.

The vote was 348 or 63% in favor of the recall, and 207, or 37% in favor of allowing Miller to stay in office. Bay County Supervisor of Elections Mark Andersen scheduled the special election after a recall committee turned in a petition on December 4th, with the required number of voter signatures.

The petition accused Miller of malfeasance in office.

In January, Miller sued the recall committee chairman and Andersen saying the petition accusations were false.

After voters recalled Miller Tuesday night, she still had a chance to keep her office, providing the judge ruled in her favor on her lawsuit.

On Wednesday, Judge James Goodman ruled that the recall petition was legal. So, Miller lost her lawsuit and her recall from office stands.

Besides removing Miller from office, voters also elected Richard Wolff to complete Miller’s 2-year term and serve as Mexico Beach’s mayor for the next year.

Miller could still appeal Judge Goodman’s ruling, but there is a big question mark about this vote.

A judge still hasn’t decided if the recall effort was legal. When the recall committee launched its petition against Mexico Beach Michele Miller, she sued saying it was false and illegal.

Wednesday’s judge ruled the recall petition was legal and will stand.

Voters went to the polls Tuesday and recalled Miller.

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