COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – For now, the clock has run out for backers of a recall effort against Branch County Prosecutor Ralph Kimble.
A recall petition that was filed by Alexia and Stephen Rish of Coldwater with the Michigan State Board of Canvassers did not get enough valid signatures from Branch County registered voters over a 60 day period in order to get the recall on the ballot.
Over 2,800 valid signatures had to be collected. That figure represented 25 percent of the ballots cast in Branch County during the 2014 gubernatorial election.
According to state law, a county prosecutor can only be removed from office by the governor or by a recall election.
Kimble’s conduct in office has been investigated by the State Attorney General’s Office and the Michigan State Police. He has also denied accusations made in a sexual harassment lawsuit that named him and Branch County as defendants which was filed last October by former county employee Evon Staley. A jury trial in that case has been scheduled for next January.
Although there was another 60 day window to do a second recall, Alexia Rish said in a post on her Facebook page and in an ad published in the Shopper’s Guide that they will not pursue it. She said “the victims of Ralph Kimble and many, many others didn’t want to sign the petition because they say they’re afraid of repercussions.”
Rish went on to say they opted not to spend their time helping those who don’t want to help themselves. But if anyone wanted to try a second recall, Rish said they will show them how.
Rish is running against Branch County Commissioner Randal Hazelbaker in the August G.O.P. Primary.
The petition stated, “In consideration of the recent consensus/News Release of ALL of the local judges of Branch County in their combined request for the necessity of an official Investigation of Ralph W. Kimble II by the Michigan Attorney General and the Michigan State Police concerning alleged improprieties engaged in by the Chief County Prosecutor in the discharge of his official duties; and in consideration that Ralph W. Kimble II has been named as a Defendant in an ongoing lawsuit alleging sexual Harassment in the Branch County Courthouse by a former employee of the Branch County Prosecutor’s office: We, the undersigned, request a RECALL of Ralph W. Kimble II as Branch County Prosecutor.”
