Commissioner Atkins-Grad Tries to Stop Recall by Filing Appeal

Recall Volunteer Kevin Muscolino of Tamarac

By: Sharon Aron Baron

Tamarac Commissioner Patte Atkins-Grad is not stepping down without a fight. Although her suit was denied by Judge Michael Gates this week, she has filed a notice of appeal Thursday to the 4th District Court of Appeal.

The actual brief will be filed within 30 days and then it will be set for a hearing, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

With only two weeks left for the Recall Committee to gather the 1,800 signatures needed in order for the city to hold a special election, volunteers met on Wednesday night and will be canvassing the district as well as holding petition drives at various locations.

Despite the notice of appeal, recall volunteers say they aren’t deterred.

“No rain, sleet or hail will stop me from getting signatures,” said Woodlands resident Kevin Muscolino. “I plan on going out and getting a many signatures as I can to oust Patte Atkins-Grad from office.”

In 2010, Atkins-Grad was charged with accepting illegal payments from father and son developers Bruce and Sean Chait to lease a BMW and pay for her election victory party in exchange for voting for their project. Although she was acquitted by a jury last December, many residents felt that her “stupid” defense didn’t add up, and no longer wanted her to represent them.  The recall committee was formed by a group of bipartisan residents and if successful on July 22, will be the first city in Broward County to successfully recall an elected official.

Residents who would like to sign the petition can go to the Tamarac Public Library on Thursday evening July 18 at 5-7pm or Saturday July 20 from 10 am – 1pm.