Recall Petition Filed Against Victor Mayor Over...

VICTOR — A group of Victor residents is attempting to remove Mayor Will Frohlich from office, filing a recall petition with the Teton County Clerk on March 10.

The petition, signed by 23 residents and led by organizer Carol Nowakowski, cites three grounds for removal: that the city is bypassing a public vote by asking a judge to authorize $35 million in borrowing for a new wastewater treatment plant; that Frohlich showed a lack of leadership by suing neighboring Driggs rather than working toward a cooperative solution; and that the proposed plant site along Victor's northern gateway conflicts with the city's stated commitment to preserving open space and agricultural land.

Nowakowski, a retired ski instructor who volunteers in the valley, said the recall is a last resort. "We the people are not being heard, not being responded to," she said. "If we can't vote on the wastewater treatment plant, we can vote on our elected officials to make the right decision."

Organizers now have 75 days to collect signatures from roughly 230 registered voters — about 20% of Victor's 1,151-person electorate. If they reach that threshold, Frohlich would have five days to resign. If he doesn't, Idaho law triggers a special election. Because Frohlich ran unopposed in 2023, a simple majority would be sufficient to remove him.

Frohlich, who has served as mayor since 2019, pushed back on the effort. "Recall elections are intended for situations involving serious misconduct or abuse of office," he said in a written response.

The recall petition adds another layer to the most consequential local fight in the valley. Victor sued Driggs on March 5, alleging years of contract breaches, chronic pollution at the Driggs wastewater plant, and overbilling of Victor ratepayers. Driggs Mayor August Christensen called the lawsuit deeply disappointing and said it "almost certainly severs the long-term partnership" between the two cities.

What to watch: Signature collection runs through late May. The April 7 judicial hearing on Victor's borrowing authority (see below) could reshape the political dynamics of the recall effort.

Sources: Teton County Clerk petition filing; Victor and Driggs public statements; court records.