A recall petition has been filed against a Lubbock City Councilman.

Former Lubbock County Commissioner Ysidro Gutierrez turned in the petition to recall District One Lubbock City Councilman Victor Hernandez Friday afternoon.

The petition was submitted to Lubbock City Secretary Becky Garza’s office with around 580 signatures, and the City will begin the verification process on Tuesday, May 28th.

In order to trigger a recall, the group must have gathered at least 448 valid signatures from District One, and ten percent of those must certify that they voted for the councilperson in the election in which they were elected. Their signature on the petition is the same as having signed an affidavit.

The councilperson is then given five days after the petition is verified, and if the officeholder does not resign, the City will order a recall election.

The political action committee behind the recall election says they headed up the recall efforts “due to the long train of grievous breaches of duty, trust, and conduct unbecoming an elected officer.”

Hernandez issued a press release Friday afternoon, weighing in on the situation.

“Should enough signatures be verified to trigger a recall election then, we will calmly and respectfully move forward, toward the next step, a November election,” Hernandez said. “Should the required number of verified signatures not be reached then, we will move forward, toward healing the fracture which exists in the community.”

Hernandez has said that he will not resign his position.

The complete press release from Hernandez is included below.

Former Lubbock County Commissioner Ysidro Gutierrez, Republican, has initiated a recall petition effort against City Councilman Victor Hernandez. Others joining in the effort are Frank Gutierrez, Armando Gonzales and Beatrice Perez (Ysidro Gutierrez’ daughter).

This afternoon, Ysidro Gutierrez submitted the recall petition to the City Secretary’s Office.

City Councilman Victor Hernandez stated, “As an attorney, I’ve learned that generally speaking, people are afraid of the courtroom and especially afraid of Judges. In summary, what people really fear, is the unknown.

Some of my supporters are upset with me because I have not shown disdain for my detractors but rather have encouraged all to remain calm and respectful, both of the people and of the process.

Should enough signatures be verified to trigger a recall election then, we will calmly and respectfully move forward, toward the next step, a November election. Should the required number of verified signatures not be reached then, we will move forward, toward healing the fracture which exists in the community.”

Councilman Hernandez has previously stated that he will not resign his position.

Councilman Hernandez continued, I have full confidence in The People, which is not said in arrogance, but rather, acknowledging that The People of District 1 and in the City of Lubbock know what is best for the District and for the City. I also realize that The People’s choice could very well be someone else, someone other than Victor Hernandez. I am not afraid of The People because we are one and the same.

One last thought, “I love being a public servant, doing my best to help the people of District 1 and the City as a whole. I would again encourage all not to be fearful of the unknown but rather, have confidence in The Process and in The People.”

 

Ysidro Gutierrez co-hosts a Sunday afternoon talk show from noon until 1 p.m. on KFYO.

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