Recall signatures submitted for Foster City’s Herb Perez

San Mateo County election officials will verify the signatures within the next 30 days. 

If the recall measure is part of a consolidated election, it will cost taxpayers between $71,900 and $86,280 plus additional costs associated with signature verification and the translation and publication of legal notices for the election, according to the city clerk. If the recall measure was part of a special election, then it would cost taxpayers as much as $309,486.

Candidates interested in running for Perez’s seat will need to file nomination papers 75 days before the election. The California primary is a consolidated election and is scheduled for March 3, 2020. Once the city receives a certificate of sufficiency, it can call an election at a regular meeting.

If a majority of residents vote in favor of the recall, Perez will be forced to leave office and will be replaced by the candidate with the most votes. If there are no candidates, then the City Council will appoint a new councilmember or hold a special election to fill the vacancy.

Perez’s critics want him recalled because of his “uncivil” treatment of residents and what they describe as a pro-housing development agenda. Perez has countered that he’s only approved one housing development during his two terms in office and that he’s only rude to those who spread misinformation, including false accusations of illegal activity by councilmembers. Members of the Foster City Council are limited to two four-year terms. Perez will be termed out in December 2020 and an election for his seat is scheduled for November 2020.

Note to readers: This story has been changed. While the signature gathering effort is aiming for the March election, there are several procedures including verifying signatures that must be followed before that is official. Perez is termed out in December 2020 and 3,314 signatures are required, not 3,313.