Barich recall petitions go to Cotati council

<p>Cotati Councilman George Barich, a maverick who single-handedly killed efforts to put a tax measure before voters this November, likely will be the only issue on the city special election ballot.</p><p>Barich and his fellow council members are set to certify a citizens’ petition tonight that would put a Barich recall on a special Nov. 3 election ballot.</p><p>Barich, only 10 months into his term, has been accused of violation of campaign sign laws, of unauthorized use of city stationary to write to President Obama and of racism when a photo of him wearing black makeup and an Afro wig appeared on his Web site. City officials have said more than $28,000 in staff time has been devoted to dealing with those issues.</p><p>Barich’s behavior sparked outrage among some residents, including former supporters, who over the past two months collected signatures of 1,138 registered city voters calling for an election to oust him.</p><p>Signatures from 25 percent of the city’s 4,078 voters — 1,020 — are needed to force the election.</p><p>Deputy City Clerk Tami Taylor said if the recall election is set for election Nov. 3, a list of candidates willing to replace Barich should he be recalled also will be on the ballot.</p><p>The deadline to file candidacy papers will be from Thursday (Aug. 6) to 5 p.m. Aug. 20 if the council schedules the election tonight.</p><p>There cost of the election will be between $18,350 and $20,400, officials said..</p><p>Two weeks ago Barich cast the lone “no” vote to declare a “fiscal crisis” to allow placement of a half-cent sales tax increase before voters on Nov. 3.</p><p>City Manager Dianne Thompson said the tax would have raised up to $900,000 a year, money that would help offset an expected shortfall in the city’s $3.8 million general fund budget.</p><p>Unanimous council support was needed to place the tax measure on the ballot.</p>