CROFTON, Neb. -- Amidst controversy around a northeast Nebraska police department, at least one Crofton public official is facing a recall.

Crofton City Council member James Murphy will officially face a recall vote, according to Knox County Clerk Joann Fischer.

Fischer said the petition needed 63 valid signatures and received 67.

Carissa Christensen is listed as the principal circulator of the petition dated May 23, 2023. In the recall petition, Christensen said, “Murphy has been consistently inconsistent.”

She said Murphy did not vote in 2022 to fix the roads and alleges he did not have opinions on important topics or show up for meetings. She noted how Murphy also supported the firing of John Carter, former chief of Crofton police.

In defense, Murphy said the allegations brought against him are false and he did not support the hiring of a special CPA firm.

Murphy also stated he has only missed two meetings in two and a half years and voted to spend all the street funds to improve Crofton's roadways.

“If you have any questions, please call me at 605-760-4105 before you decide to sign this petition," Murphy said.

According to Fischer, the date for the election is tentative and the city council will hold a meeting on July 10 to discuss the date for the public vote. A sales tax election could also be on the same ballot as the recall election for Murphy.

With the exception of a resignation, the election would require a majority vote of the nearly 800 residents of Crofton.  

In addition, a petition has been put forward by John Carter for a recall on Mayor Bob Evans and council member Larry Peitz. 

Carter was recently informed of the non-renewal of his contract by Evans. In the recall petition filing form, Carter said Peitz consistently violates public meeting laws of Nebraska and disposes of public property without notice.

“Peitz lacks the integrity to hold public office due to his implicit biases," Carter said.

He also cited what he called a lack of transparency and Peitz’s hostility towards law enforcement in Crofton. Peitz’s recall petition requires the same number of signatures as Murphy’s - 63. 

In the recall petition of the mayor, Carter said Evans does not represent Crofton citizens because of "implicit biases."

He also states his disregard of Crofton citizens to speak or get on the agenda for city council meetings. 

“He operates in secret and is not transparent," Carter said. "He uses his office to conduct personal attacks.”

According to Fischer, since the mayoral race was a one-person race, 127 signatures are needed.

Peitz and Evans have until July 17 to write their defense statements and, if they are recalled, the statements would appear on the ballot.