The city council is expected to vote next week on whether to proceed with a proposal to remove Hartford’s three registrars of voters from office. A resolution to be presented at Monday’s council meeting alleges that the registrars, entangled in a web of dysfunction, neglected their basic duties and made a series of errors that led to “the disenfranchisement of Hartford voters” in last fall’s general election. The meeting agenda and the resolution, which calls for their ouster, were released Wednesday afternoon. “A determination has been made that there’s a sufficient basis to move forward with formal charges,” said Council President Shawn Wooden, who is co-sponsoring the resolution along with seven other council members.
The Hartford registrars — Democrat Olga Vazquez, Urania Petit of the Working Families Party and Republican Sheila Hall — have said they would fight their removal. They each make about $80,000 a year.
Allan B. Taylor, a legal adviser to the council, said in a recent written opinion that the council has the power under Hartford’s charter to oust elected officials for reasons such as neglect or incompetence.
Full Article: Council May Vote Next Week On Ousting Hartford Registrars – Hartford Courant.