It is official. Richwood mayor Gerald Brown will soon face a recall vote in effort to remove him as mayor. The recall election with take place on November 13, giving Richwood voters the final word on whether Brown stays or goes. Most Richwood observers say that Brown has had a bumpy ride as he is in his second term facing voter dissatisfaction from a variety of issues. One of the most threatening challenges is his relationship with other town leaders. Brown has said that the recall effort is being spearheaded by at least two alderpersons, Wysinger Cleveland and Leola Keyes, who are the leaders of the recall effort. Wysinger Cleveland has been critical of how Brown has handled town business and has let his thoughts be known recently. Mayor Brown and Alderman Cleveland have been at odds over several town issues during meetings at the town's multi-purpose center. Cleveland said that the relationship between him and the mayor is nothing personal, but he has serious concerns over Brown's tenure as mayor and thinks the town needs to move in a new direction. One of the concerns that Cleveland wants to be fixed is the handling of the town's debt and its ability to bill its bills. Cleveland gave the example of the multi-purpose building and the $48,000 debt owed to the construction company that built the multi-purpose center that also serves as the mayor's office. That has been a sticking point when the budget is brought up and how monies are spent to pay down the town debt. Brown acknowledged that the debt is still outstanding, but his administration "is working on it," and he expects that a settlement will be reached. The town's budget has been the main subject of many tense discussions when presented before the board by the mayor. Alderman Cleveland has been among those asking questions to the mayor, seeking answers that he believes concerned citizens that attend board meetings want to hear. Cleveland contends that town funds go to salaries while nothing is budgeted to help the people of Richwood. Brown asserted that he has asked for input and only gets it after submitting something to the board. Perhaps, what is most concerning for Cleveland and many Richwood residents, is the lack of adequate police protection. One of the reasons for Brown's recall is that many citizens do not feel safe when night comes. Many, including Alderman Cleveland, want to see the town's police chief relieved of his duties for insufficient patrol and security. Police Chief Cleveland lives in Delhi and takes the town's police unit home with him at the close of his shift. Brown has long been aware of those concerns, and he recently said Chief Cleveland would no longer take the police unit home with him unless he is on call on the mayor's orders. Residents say they fear for their safety, which is why the board voted to fire Chief Cleveland. Adding more strain to a strapped budget, Brown believes that the recall effort, which is already in motion, will "put a strain" on the town's budget because of the cost to conduct it. More to come, more to go.

Richwood Alderman Wysinger Cleveland