Posted on: Friday, April 20, 2001

Mansho constituents have a right to recall

Mayor Jeremy Harris has a right to his opinion, in this case that Councilwoman Rene Mansho should be allowed to finish the remaining 18 months of her City Council term. His arguments about continuity make some sense.

But ultimately, it is not his call. It's up to the voters of Mililani, Wahiawa and the North Shore whom Mansho represents on the council. They have the right to see her removed from office, if that's their desire. And they'd be acting within reason if they did:

Mansho has been ordered to pay $80,000 in fines and reimbursement for misuse of her city staff and resources. As a result, her colleagues on the council have severely circumscribed her powers and perks. She no longer chairs any committees, for instance.

It can be argued that Mansho no longer can perform an adequate job of representing her constituents under those circumstances. If they so decide, they can vote to have her recalled.

They also can decide to agree with Harris, that recalling Mansho would be "kicking her when she's down."

We can't resist pointing out that Mansho got herself in her unenviable situation by herself.

Still, her political future, assuming she declines to resign, is up to her constituents — and no one else.