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Bush orders election in fractious Yankeetown
The town must hold an election in 60 days to elect council members after Gov. Jeb Bush steps in to restore order.
By MOISES MENDOZA
Published July 13, 2006
YANKEETOWN - Gov. Jeb Bush declared a state of emergency in Yankeetown on Wednesday, granting emergency powers to the town's mayor and the remaining two Town Council members and directing the town to hold a special election within 60 days to fill vacant council spots. According to the governor's executive order, Mayor Joanne Johannesson and the two council members will run the city but won't have authority to approve development proposals or appoint council members. They will answer to a temporary financial board to be appointed by the governor. "That's great news. Now we can move on with business," said Johannesson, who hadn't yet seen the order late Wednesday afternoon. The executive order noted several reasons for the declaration, including: * The Town Council's inability to hire key staff members after three of the five council members resigned. * The volunteer fire department's unpaid fuel bills. * Overdue and uncontested claims from creditors. * Threats against public officials, "reportedly creating or threatening to create an atmosphere of lawlessness, civil unrest and mob violence."
[Last modified July 13, 2006, 06:00:26]
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