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Recall Petition Targeting Huron County Commissioner Joe Murphy Fails Thursday
Russ Survance
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:16:18 EDT
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In Huron County, a recall petition targeting Commissioner Joe Murphy has been rejected. The Huron County Election Commission, consisting of Huron County District Court Judge Julienne Ferris, County Treasurer Sheryl Jahn and County Clerk Lori Neal, found the petition's language insufficiently clear and factual for voters.
Petitioner Robert Gaffke sought to recall Murphy over his vote on a resolution allowing up to 15,000 acres for industrial solar facilities, claiming it violated the county's master plan to preserve farmland.
Commissioner Murphy defended his actions, stating the master plan is a non-binding guide, and that state laws permit solar development on agricultural land. He also noted the specific acreage limit cited in the petition was a minor part of the resolution and is currently under a 3 month moratorium for review.
Commission Chair, Probate Court Judge Julian Ferris, explained the petition's statement about the master plan was 'conclusive' rather than a factual allegation. Gaffke now has the option to appeal the decision or resubmit a revised petition.
