November recall election set for Poway councilmember Tony Blain

POWAY (FOX 5/KUSI) — The city if Poway is proceeding with a recall election against embattled District 2 Councilmember Tony Blain.

During Tuesday night's meeting, Blain abstained while the rest of council voted to adopt a resolution to accept the "certification of the San Diego County Registrar of Voters as to the sufficiency of signatures on the recall petition."

On Nov.4, District 2 voters will decide whether Blain should continue serving. 

“This is democracy in its rawest form -- 2,500 plus people from District 2 order us to have an election and we’re going to have an election," said District 1 Councilmember Christopher Pikus.

Former Poway Councilmember John Mullin is at the forefront of the recall push launched in late March and pointed to Blain’s actions. 

“It's kind of a laundry list and it goes on and on. He still continues to violate the Brown Act and continues to email the council as a whole," said Mullin, who is also co-chair of the Committee to Recall Tony Blain.

In July, Blain was censured a second time for allegedly bullying and harassing the city manager and city attorney, claims that were verified by an independent investigator.

Blain declined an interview with FOX 5/KUSI Tuesday and continued to refute the claims against him. 

“This recall is not about wrongdoing. Instead, this recall is about disagreements, about willingness to challenge decisions, to speak up, when I believe something doesn’t serve the public and to take a different approach than some have grown used to. That’s not misconduct. That’s democracy," said Blain, who represents District 2.  

Blain was first censured in February after he was accused of attempted vote trading and bribery, threatening recalls against his colleagues, and attempting to use law enforcement to silence critics. 

“I hold no personal anger toward my colleagues or political opponents. We simply see things differently," said Blain.

The city is willing to spend up to $305,000 for the special election and directing the San Diego County Registrar of Voters to oversee it.

The Poway city attorney said even if Blain resigns, elections code requires the city to hold a special election.