The inauguration of the six residents who were elected Tuesday to replace six Old Orchard Beach town councilors has been rescheduled to June 24.

The new councilors will be sworn in immediately after the final meeting of the current seven-member council, which must meet to certify the results of the election that removed six members from office.

Bob Quinn was the only councilor to survive the recall vote, which followed months of political turmoil prompted by the town manager’s ouster in March.

Assistant Town Manager V. Louise Reid said the final meeting and inauguration were rescheduled from Monday because of a possible recount of recall election results.

Councilor Michael Coleman, who was recalled by a margin of 11 votes, said he will ask for a recount but has not yet made an official request.

Town Clerk Kim McLaughlin said recalled councilors and the candidates who ran to replace them have until 6 p.m. Tuesday to request recounts.

A replacement candidate must simply ask for a recount. The process for a recalled councilor is more involved because the questions were put on the ballot by a citizens initiative.

To force a recount, any recalled councilor must collect at least 100 signatures of people who voted in the election, McLaughlin said.

She said recounts are scheduled as soon as possible after an official request is received.

 

Gilliam Graham can be contacted at 791-6315 or at:

ggraham@pressherald.com

 

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