20091208

Frankford recall election set today

December 8, 2009

By CHRISTINA TATU

FRANKFORD -- Township residents today will have the first recall election for a government official in Sussex County's history.

The first question on the special election ballot will ask voters if they wish to recall Mayor Paul Sutphen from the Township Committee. A second question will ask voters to choose a replacement if Sutphen is recalled.

New Jersey's election law allows Sutphen to run on the ballot as a candidate for his own seat.

Sutphen, 72, and local veterinarian and recall activist Emery "Sam" Castimore, 59, will appear on the ballot as candidates for the seat.

The special election will take place during regular election hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Frankford's four voting districts are located at the municipal building, 151 state Route 206, Augusta; at the Frankford Township School, 2 Pines Road; at the Frankford Township Firehouse 2, 34 Pelletown Road; and at the American Legion, 157 state Route 206.

To have the recall election, petitioners needed to gather the signatures of at least 25 percent of the municipality's voters registered during the last general election.

The special election will cost township taxpayers about $15,500.

Sutphen, an opponent of the proposed Sussex Commons outlet mall, entered office in 2008, with his first term set to expire December 2010.

He also has served as a member of the land use board and plan endorsement advisory committee since 2008.

Castimore ran against committeeman Robert McDowell in 2006. Castimore has been one of the main supporters of the recall election. If Sutphen is recalled and Castimore is elected, it would be his first time serving on the Township Committee.