Presque Isle Township Supervisor Patrick Pokorski, who also is a candidate for the 106th State House, vowed to continue to fight through a local recall effort that has sparked a large public display of support. Even though he could be removed from his post locally, he still intends to follow through on his quest to serve in Lansing.
On Wednesday a clarity review hearing for a recall petition took place in Rogers City. The Presque Isle County Election Commission determined the language in the recall petition was acceptable and 239 signatures from registered voters from the district are needed to put the issue on the November ballot.
Thirty-one supporters showed up to defend Pokorski, and they attempted to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the petition's claims. Probate Court Don McLennan said the hearing was not about finding guilt or innocence but to determine if the claims are easily understood for Pokorski to respond.
"This isn't to determine if an allegation is true or false, but to make sure the language is clear so the accused can make a defense," McLennan said. "Government can't get in the way of the people for this. The only thing it is used for is to allow it to go through if it can enable defense."
The complaint was filed by Barry Schatz of Grand Lake, who wasn't at the proceeding. Schatz listed seven reasons for the recall, including accusations about over spending budget money, unprofessional behavior and failing to provide leadership and management to the township.
Commission members had concerns that more than a few of the claims were vague in description and their clarity. County Treasurer Beth Heinzel said because there is a limit on how many words can be used on the document, it is often hard for the filer to include a lot of detail.
"When you are limited to 200 words and you have seven reasons on the petition you're almost forced to be a little more general," Heinzel said. "Overall I think it was pretty well written considering the restrictions. I think the voters will be able to understand it, but it is important to remember that we were not here to decide if what he allegedly did was right or wrong or if he did anything at all. That will be left up to the voters to decide."
McLennan said it is very important to educate the voters about the ballot language and to make them aware that the hearing was only to determine if the wording is clear. He said some things on the petition may not be accurate, but that in the case of a recall it is up to the voters to decide what is fact and what is fiction.
Pokorski said he appreciates the support he has gotten from his supporters and it is because of them he is going to move forward and serve them the way he always has.
"I have always done everything with input and with the best intent and it shows by the amount of people who showed up today to support me," Pokorski said. "They took time out of their day to be here because they care. I'm going to continue to do my job for all the residents, not just the ones that are supporting me now."
He said other candidates for the 106th have been using the possible recall to garner support for themselves. Pokorski said he has no intent of backing away from running in the primary in August. He said the mudslinging needs to stop and that each party must take a close look in the mirror, because both the Republicans and the Democrats have been making mistakes.
"My opponents are using this against me for the 106th seat, but I will continue to campaign because I feel I can serve the people in the district as well as I have the people of Presque Isle Township. This recall is purely political driven." Pokorski said. "I am running as a Democrat, but both sides are guilty of making poor choices. All the bickering and grandstanding needs to stop. I am going to continue to fight for what my constituents and I believe is right."
Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.