Portsmouth, Ohio mayoral recall election, 2010

The 2010 Portsmouth, Ohio mayoral recall election was a special election permitted under Ohio state law. It resulted in the removal of incumbent Mayor Jane Murray from office. After legal and procedural efforts to halt the recall effort by Murray and her attorneys failed, a city-wide recall election was held on December 7. The results of the election were 1,978 in favor of the recall and 1,145 against. Voter turnout was 26 percent.

Mayor Murray was succeeded by Portsmouth President of City Council David Malone on December 20.

Background

Jane Murray won a municipal election for mayor in November 2009, and took office on January 4, 2010. On her first day in office, Murray terminated three city department heads (City Service Director Chris Murphy, Water Works Director Sam Sutherland, and Wastewater Director Rick Duncan). Explaining her actions, she stated, "I have seen the lack of judgment. I have seen there not being a real interest in driving forward with protecting people and their property."