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November 9, 2005Signature goal reachedTwo officials face recall in Feb. 28 electionTRAVERSE CITY - Two East Bay Township officials targeted in a criminal investigation also face recall after petitioners submitted enough signatures to schedule an election.Petitioners needed 908 signatures each against township clerk Janice Gee, 59, and treasurer Debora Watson, 45. Election officials validated 1,311 signatures to recall Gee and 1,239 signatures to oust Watson. "Now we vote them out of office and I don't think that will be much trouble," said petitioner Dave Winans. Watson and Gee have until Nov. 26 to challenge the signatures' certification, but county clerk Linda Coburn said a challenge would surprise her. "There's just too many signatures," she said. The recall election will be held Feb. 28. "I wish it were today but there's not anything we can do now," Winans said. Gee faces multiple counts of felony embezzlement for allegedly manipulating payroll records to benefit herself and her daughter, former township assessor Tammi Simerson. A jury trial for Gee is scheduled to begin Jan. 10. Simerson has not been charged and told the township she will repay funds she received, township supervisor Glen Lile said. Watson also is targeted in a criminal investigation for misuse of township funds, nonfeasance and malfeasance in office. Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Alan Schneider named her, Simerson, 32, and former township supervisor Joseph Bartko, 74, as among those targeted in a probe that initially netted Gee. Record-Eagle stories - based on township documents obtained through the state Freedom of Information Act - detailed township credit card use and possible double-dipping of travel expenses by Bartko, Gee, and Simerson for questionable trips, meals and other purchases. See Related Stories: East Bay Township probe widens - October 27, 2005 Bid for state's assistance in removing Gee falls short - October 12, 2005 East Bay recall petition drive thriving - October 11, 2005 Gee trial delayed as prosecution continues to build case - October 1, 2005 Audit: East Bay Township clerk took $62K - September 28, 2005 Residents demand answers from East Bay board - September 16, 2005 Audit may result in more charges - September 14, 2005 East Bay residents to circulate petitions - September 3, 2005 East Bay finances: 'Little stuff' totals thousands - August 28, 2005 Prosecutor says East Bay probe may widen - August 26, 2005 Former supervisor likely purchased personal items - August 21, 2005 East Bay Township clerk is back to work - August 21, 2005 More money may be missing in East Bay - August 16, 2005 Lile suggests shutting down East Bay government - July 22, 2005 East Bay Township supervisor expects 'real ugly' meeting - July 22, 2005 East Bay assessor to be paid as fate is determined - July 12, 2005 Errors pile up in review of East Bay records - July 10, 2005 Public backs East Bay probe leading to arrest of clerk - June 28, 2005 East Bay Township clerk charged with embezzlement - June 23, 2005 Township officials pushed for audit leading to Gee's arrest - June 23, 2005
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