Ritzville Recall Won’t Make November Ballot

A recall election of Adams County Prosecutor David Sandhaus will not appear on the November ballot.

That’s because no election can be held until the state Supreme Court makes a decision on Sandhaus’ appeal. The court won’t even consider the case until after the election, according to the court clerk’s office in Olympia.

County Commissioner Shawn Logan, Assessor Jerry Crossler and Public Works Director Leon Long jointly filed the recall charges against Sandhaus in August. They contend Sandhaus had failed to perform his duties, overspent his budget and neglected to obtain a required bond.

Asotin County Superior Judge John Lyden ruled Sept. 3 that the charges were sufficient to justify a recall election. But on Sept. 10, Sandhaus notified the Supreme Court of his intent to appeal Lyden’s decision.

Attorney Roger Reed, representing those who want to oust Sandhaus, said he doesn’t expect the court to make a decision until January or February. If the Supreme Court denies Sandhaus’ appeal, it’s likely the petitioners will try for a special election, Reed said.