Effort to remove Lowell Township officials from office advances amid Microsoft data center debate

The Kent County Elections Commission has unanimously approved seven recall petitions against three Lowell Township officials: Supervisor Jerry Hale and Trustees Mark Anderson and William Thompson. The petitions were submitted by the "Lowell Township Recall" organization, which accuses the officials of disregarding community concerns and favoring Microsoft's interests regarding a proposed data center at Covenant Business Park.

Jennifer Stewart Dodgson, co-chair of Lowell Township Recall, expressed satisfaction with the commission's decision, emphasizing that the wording of the petitions was clear and factual. She stated that this outcome allows Lowell Township residents to decide if these officials have lost their trust and confidence.

The recall effort stems from ongoing intense debate over Microsoft's proposed data center campus. A recent nearly 6.5-hour commission meeting where Microsoft presented details of the project was met with audible opposition from attendees. The three township officials now have up to 10 days to appeal the approved petitions. If the petitions survive the appeal process, volunteers will begin collecting the required 894 signatures per official by July 31, aiming to place the recall question on the November ballot.