The effort to recall Mono County Assessor Jim Lovett took a conclusive leap prior to year’s end.

December 26th was the deadline for petitioners to hand in signatures to the Mono Elections Department. According to spokesmen there, recall petitions came in with roughly 2,000 unverified signatures. 1,630 valid voter signatures are required to trigger the recall election of Lovett.

The Elections’ Department now has 30 days in which to verify signatures. If the required number of signatures have been submitted, the issue next goes to the Mono Supervisors to set an election. If the recall of Lovett does move forward, the election would likely take place June 3rd.

Mono Supervisors themselves forced the issue of Lovett’s performance in office to the forefront with contentious public comments flying between board members and Lovett, who has shown no apology for his habits.

Supervisors Bill Reid and Hap Hazard have been particularly vocal, criticizing Lovett’s drinking habits and work schedule. Officials have said Lovett works 6 to 12 hours per week. Supervisors arranged for Lovett to enter alcohol rehab some time back but seem unconvinced that the Assessor has conquered his problems.

Lovett did not return any of our phone calls for his side of these allegations, but at a Mammoth Town Council meeting Tom Woods publicly asked Lovett to respond to critiques on his drinking and working.

Assessor Lovett responded that “no one in Bridgeport had ever seen him intoxicated.” He also said that he’s “meeting his constitutional obligations as Assessor.”

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