The Navajo County Recorder’s Office completed the final verification of signatures last month on the recall petitions initiated against Holbrook’s Mayor Bobby Tyler and Councilman C.J. Wischmann by Holbrook resident and city employee, Kathleen Smith.

Of the signatures verified, there were 135 for each Tyler and Wischmann, which met the required 109 valid signatures for Tyler and 126 for Wischmann.

A special election has been set for Tuesday, Nov. 6, as both men declined their option to step down, submitting instead the required 200 word rebuttal, which will be included with the petition claims as part of the special elections for the public.

In his rebuttal Tyler wrote, “I stand firmly opposed to the accusations set forth in the petition to recall me as mayor of the great City of Holbrook. It is my belief that this petition is the product of a political vendetta and does not, as it so claims, act in the interest of the people of Holbrook.

“In fact, the nature of this petition represents a gross threat to the people of Holbrook. Its mischaracterization of my medical absences and the claims made in regard to my behavior during city council meetings amounts to nothing but hearsay and the testimony of those who have a vested political interest in my dismissal from office.

“Each and every one of my absences were accounted for by the city clerk, to whom I notified of said absences in advance, as evidenced by the prior arrangements made with Vice Mayor (Wade) Carlisle to facilitate the meetings. I believe this issue should be a matter for independent review by the county as I have serious standing concerns in regard to the fairness and transparency of certain city employees and their actions while supposedly operating within the guidelines of the City of Holbrook’s handbook.”

In Wischmann’s rebuttal, he wrote, “I am a humble public servant in our community and a proud citizen/champion of Holbrook, Arizona. I have lived happily in Holbrook for nearly all my life raising my three daughters who are my proudest achievements. Each one of them public servants in the cities where they reside. I love the people and Town of Holbrook.

“I served our town and county in the police department and in Child Protective Services helping all citizens and at-risk children live safe and healthy lives.

“My greatest desire is to see this town grow and thrive; be a place for equal opportunity among all the citizens of Holbrook. A few did not like how I sought to defend the integrity of our town’s governance. However, my lifetime service to Holbrook speaks for itself. I will fearlessly protect Holbrook and the rights of all our citizens to live happy and healthy lives and will not be swayed from the commitment I made to Holbrook when I ran for office.”

With the November date set for the election, other candidates for those positions will be needed for replacement consideration. Anyone wishing to run in the upcoming election should contact City Clerk Cher Reyes at Holbrook City Hall, located at 465 North First Ave., or by calling (928) 524-6225 or emailing holbrookcity@ci.holbrook.az.us.