681 signatures were filed Wednesday with the Leelanau County Clerk's office for the recall of Elmwood Supervisor Deri Smith. Mr. John Stanek, who narrowly escaped recall himself two years ago, filed for the recall in late November, 2005.

There are eighteen circulators for the petitions - Reuben Barnes (brother of Elmwood Clerk Connie Preston), Donald Barrows, Carla Burns, Douglas A Cole, Noel J Flohe (former Elmwood Supervisor, who was defeated by Smith in the 2004 election), Stanley Kouchnerkavich, Theodore Kramer, Joseph Krellwitz (son of Elmwood Treasurer Debbie Street, a political foe of Smith's), Catheryn Lautner (wife of Elmwood Trustee Terry Lautner, another foe of Smith's), Elna Lessard (wife of fired Harbor Master Chuck Lessard), Joan Maule, John McGuffin, Robert Roxburgh, Thomas A Rumbach (former member of the Elmwood Township Planning Commission under the Flohe administration), Debra Rushton, Nancy Scott, Fred Sorenson (Elmwood Township developer and political contributor to the former board) and Stanek. Ms. Smith can challenge the validity of the signatures in writing by 5:00 pm on February 24th, 2006. If enough signatures are verified, the recall election will be scheduled for May.

There were three reasons listed on the recall petition for Ms. Smith.
One count challenges Ms. Smith for filing a lawsuit last year against a group who circulated an anonymous document containing false allegations against her. The case will not go on trial until late this year.

A second count claimed by the petitioners claims the wrongful dismissal of the ex-harbor master of the Elmwood township Marina. An insurance company investigation into the case was terminated by Smith's opponents on the Elmwood Board, some of whom are parties to the recall. Finally, a third count blames Ms. Smith for a botched TimberLee road project that was begun several years before she took office.

One resident, who declined to be named, told the Post that one of the circulators sat in her living room for two hours and refused to leave unless she signed the petition (she didn't sign).

County Clerk Michelle Crocker stated that she has not begun the validation process.