Local News in Brief : Anti-Farrell Drive Gains

Los Angeles City Clerk Elias Martinez has approved the wording of a recall petition that will be circulated against Councilman Robert Farrell.

Supporters of the recall drive have until Feb. 22 to gather at least 12,550 valid signatures of registered voters in Farrell’s 8th Councilmanic District, which includes most of South-Central Los Angeles.

If enough valid signatures are collected, the City Council must schedule a recall election within 60 to 90 days.

Farrell opponents have charged that the veteran councilman has failed to reduce crime or bolster the district’s economy. They are also angry over his support of an unsuccessful tax measure that would have paid for more police officers in the district.