Effort to recall Laura Nauser comes up short

The effort to recall Columbia Councilwoman Laura Nauser came up short. The people pushing for her recall failed to get enough signatures to get the recall on the ballot.

“It’s a shame that Columbia politics has come to this. You disagree with a certain vote and now we seem to have recall petitions. This certainly isn’t the first and I contend it probably won’t be the last,” said Laura Nauser, who represents the 5th Ward.

A letter sent by the city clerk to the resident heading the recall effort states the recall petition submitted “does not contain the signatures of a sufficient number.”

Those wanting the recall would need signatures from 30 percent of residents that voted in the last election for the 5th Ward council member. They needed to gather 408 signatures, but only submitted 348 to the city clerk.

The recall effort stems from Columbia’s transmission line project, which was voted on and passed by the City Council in 2013. Out of the three options for a transmission line route, the council passed option A, which Nauser voted against it.

“My position has never changed. I certainly made my intentions clear over these years that I was not in favor of option A,” said Nauser.

Nauser has said she’s in favor option B2, but after resident blow back, the ones who live along the option A route, Nasser voted to reopen the discussion; consequently, upsetting those living along the other two transmission line route options.

“There’s just no way to put these lines in and not impact anyone. So, I have always contended that we need to impact the fewest people and fewest properties to accomplish our goals,” said Nauser.

The city charter states recall petitions may be amended, meaning those wanting the recall have 14 days to gather more signatures. ABC 17 News contacted the resident heading the recall, but has yet to receive a response.

The City Council will take up the transmission line project in mid May.