Recall: SOS agrees with city

The city of Coeur d'Alene's interpretation of the recall election law has gotten the nod from Ben Ysursa, Idaho Secretary of State.

In a letter sent today by Ysursa to Coeur d'Alene City Clerk Susan Weathers and Kootenai County Clerk Cliff Hayes,

Ysursa writes that the 75-day time frame noted in the law includes the 15 days the county clerk has to certify the signatures on the petition.

The Coeur d'Alene city clerk and the county clerk have been in disagreement on the timing issue.

Last week, Kootenai County Clerk Hayes filed a court petition asking for a judge to clarify the issue.

The city has asked the county to withdraw the suit, and alleged that Hayes has violated Idaho Code by failing to follow the directions of the Secretary of State's office.

Deputy Secretary of State Tim Hurst sent a letter to the city last week advising that his office agrees with the city's stance that the 15 days falls within the 75 days.

Ysursa wrote that his letter affirms Hurst's letter.

Ysursa also notes that "reasonable minds" could differ with his interpretation of the law.