By Katie Knapp Schubert
Omaha, NE – A hearing on alleged fraud and misrepresentation in the recall petition signature-gathering process wrapped up Wednesday.
Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle's attorney, Vince Powers, called several witnesses during the three-day hearing, in Douglas County District Court. Powers alleged that recall petition circulators misrepresented the intent of the recall and committed fraud during the signature-gathering process. The Mayor Suttle Recall Committee denies those allegations. Judge Peter Bataillon is expected to rule Thursday afternoon as to whether the recall election will move forward.
Meanwhile, the Omaha City Council voted Tuesday to set a recall election for January 25th. The Mayor's office issued a statement Tuesday afternoon saying Suttle will prepare for a recall election unless Judge Bataillon rules it won't happen.