Whitehall Councilmember Amy Harcar Reacts to Recall Effort

Ohio, Whitehall City Councilmember Amy Harcar, and one of the three petitioned to be recalled has described the effort by the petitioners as “concerning because it seeks to overturn the decision of the voters who elected us.” The other two elected members include Mayor Michael Bivens and Councilmember Lori Elmore.

Amy Harcar

“What is most troubling about this situation is what it says about the priorities of our community. I stand on the values of accountability, fairness and the well-being of all residents of Whitehall,” said Amy Harcar, Council At Large Representative and Chairperson, Community and Elder Advocacy Subcommittee.

“This recall effort sends a disturbing message that Whitehall is not for all people, and it undermines the values that embrace everyone and protect the most vulnerable. This community must decide whether we will stand with those who speak out for accountability, fairness and the well-being of all residents.”

Whitehall city spokesperson told NBC4 that there was a petition of 472 residents submitted to recall Mayor Michael Bivens and two members of city council.

According to social media posts, the recall petitions were submitted before 9 a.m. Wednesday. The petitions seek to remove Bivens and Councilmembers Lori Elmore and Amy Harcar from office, brought forth by a coalition of citizens who said they are frustrated and think the trio is not properly fulfilling their duties to the city.

To be eligible for the recall, organizers must have successfully submitted 425 valid signatures from Whitehall residents on each of three petitions, one per public official. Although organizers said 600 signatures were filed for each petition, a city spokesperson said there were 472 signatures filed.

“The citizens of Whitehall, I enjoyed talking to you and listening to your concerns about the leadership in Whitehall,” petition organizer Patricia Balser said on social media. “Our voices will be heard and action will be taken.”

If the signatures are found to be sufficient, Bivens, Harcar and Elmore will each have five days to choose whether to resign or stay for a special election. If they choose to stay, an election will be scheduled between 30 and 60 days from the petitions’ verification. Voters will get to decide whether they believe Bivens, Harcar and Elmore should keep their roles.

Balser and her fellow organizers said the recall effort has been discussed for years. The petitions were launched in response to city decisions they thought went against residents’ wishes, including an override of a citizen-led ballot initiative last summer.

Bivens strongly disapproved of the recall effort and had previously asked residents not to participate in the petitions’ signings. Bivens said “Whitehall is thriving” under its current leadership, with strong finances and rising employment rates.

“Not only will the unwarranted recall effort cost Whitehall taxpayers, but the drive of the

political extremists in also supporting hateful and divisive agendas benefits no one,” Bivens said.

Meanwhile, a coalition of Whitehall citizens under the name of Whitehall United said, “we have three great leaders who continue to propel our city forward and who care about our residents. Mayor Bivens, Councilmember Elmore and Councilmember Harcar are the real deal. We want to keep them in office.”

“If you are a Whitehall resident or have family and friends who live in Whitehall who do not support the recall efforts, please make your voice heard. Your letters of support can be read during our city council voting meetings. Please write them so that they can be read in 3 minutes. The next city council voting meeting is on Tuesday March 17, 2026.”

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