Local News in Brief : Recall Petitions Are Turned In

Proponents of the recall of veteran Rolling Hills Estates City Councilman Jerome Belsky submitted their petition to the city Thursday. City Manager Ray Taylor has 10 days to determine whether it meets requirements of the state Election Code and may be circulated.

Five residents contend that Belsky is “progressively destroying the respect and harmony” between city government and residents. There are five specific allegations against the councilman relating to such things as improper business activities and abusive behavior toward citizens. In denying the charges, Belsky said he has “continuously volunteered time and energy to the city” during four years on the Planning Commission and 12 on the council.

Mayor Warren Schwarzmann in a press release last week said Belsky is supported by the mayor, council members Nell Mirels and Hugh Muller, and members of the Planning and Parks and Activities commissions. He called the recall “an unjustifiable attack on the entire council.”