Measure would extend recall to more officeholders

Constitutional officers and some board members would be subject to recall from office under a proposal heard March 4 by the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

LR45CA, introduced by Omaha Sen. Pete Pirsch, would place a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2012 general election ballot that would authorize the recall of an individual holding state elective office.

The measure defines a state elective office as governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor of public accounts, state treasurer, attorney general, member of the legislature and member of a board or commission established by the constitution with one or more election district in more than one county.

Nebraska law currently allows for recall of local level officials, Pirsch said, adding that his measure would provide uniformity and accountability by including statewide elected offices.

“The more that the law permits the insulation of elected officials from the people they represent … the more dissatisfied the people will be with their government,” he said.

No testimony was given and the committee took no immediate action on the measure.