McGregor resident launches mayor recall effort over water, transparency concerns
A McGregor resident has launched a petition drive to recall the city's mayor, citing concerns over water management, transparency, and the recent approval of a new data center project. Residents worry about aquifer overpumping and the community's long-term water supply, feeling they lacked input on major decisions.
A McGregor resident is spearheading a petition drive to recall the city's mayor, citing concerns over water management practices, a lack of public transparency in decision-making, and the recent approval of a data center project. Dennis Fehler, who is leading the recall effort, declined to be interviewed about the initiative.
The petition claims the city has experienced three consecutive years of aquifer overpumping and that residents have been excluded from major decisions. Resident Thomas voiced widespread community concern, stating, "it's gonna take too much water... we don't have much water right now anyways." Thomas added that many are upset that city leaders proceeded with the data center approval without public consultation.
However, not all residents support the recall. Longtime McGregor resident and high school English teacher Lorna Hering, whose husband served as mayor for 24 years, believes the community should focus on collaboration rather than blame, emphasizing that mayors strive to do their best for the city. The city has yet to confirm the number of signatures required to trigger a re-vote.