Petition Efforts to Remove Commissioner Successful

Volunteers turn in stacks of signatures to the Tamarac City Clerk’s office in July

By: Sharon Aron Baron

The people have legally recalled Tamarac City Commissioner Patte Atkins-Grad through legal means of petition. If Atkins-Grad does not resign, a judge will set an election.

It was announced on Wednesday, that the recall efforts were successful in the final round of the petition process.  The Supervisor of Elections office verified 2,296 signatures to recall Atkins-Grad, which was 421 more than the 1,875 needed.  Out of that amount, 527 signatures were from Woodlands residents.

“The success of the recall to remove Patte Atkins-Grad from office gives one a sense of immense accomplishment and pride that democracy, the hard work of so many dedicated and bold people, can put right before wrong.  We should all be proud that this system still works,” said Woodlands resident George Stroker.  “The people have spoken Patte Atkins-Grad, so do the right thing and resign.”

The organizers of the recall effort have requested that Circuit Judge Peter Weinstein set a date to be held for the removal of Tamarac Commissioner Patte Atkins-Grad.If Atkins-Grad does not resign, Florida Statues mandates that the judge set a day for a recall election for her removal.  This would be no less than 30 days and not more than 60 days from the five day time period.