A group of St. Francis residents collected 757 signatures, enough to seek a recall vote against controversial City Council Member LeRoy Schaffer. They needed 741 signatures, 20 percent of the city's registered voters.

Because of a technical misunderstanding, the group did not meet its Sept. 8 deadline to have the question on the ballot for the general election in November. The City Council will vote on a resolution to approve a special election at its Oct.6 meeting.

The group has targeted Schaffer because of what members describe as a pattern of inappropriate and erratic behavior, and disregard for City Council rules and norms.

For his part, Schaffer argues that his actions have been misinterpreted and vilified by a city elite that resents his refusal to play according to its rules.

MARIA ELENA BACA