Recall Petition Against Peru Council President Westfall Certified and Moves to Resolution

Enough valid signatures have been collected to place a recall election for Peru City Council President Theresa Westfall on the ballot, Nemaha County Clerk Diane Johnson confirmed.
Johnson said recall organizers submitted 48 signatures on Feb. 9, of which 45 were verified as valid. The total exceeds the number required under state law. To be counted, each signature must be from a registered voter residing in the same political subdivision as the elected official named in the recall.
Cindy De La Cruz, the principal circulator of the petition, said the effort is intended to help the community move forward.
“I just want what’s best for Peru so the community can be successful,” De La Cruz said.
The recall petition alleges misconduct, exceeding authority, acting contrary to the city’s best interests, and conspiring with a former city employee to undermine the mayor’s ability to carry out the duties of the office.
Westfall denied the allegations in a written defense statement.
“The petition’s accusations are baseless,” Westfall wrote. “As a council member, I have utilized checks and balances to strive for fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency to protect Peru’s best interests. I will wholeheartedly support anything that betters the City of Peru and will continue to work hard for and listen to the concerns of the citizens of Peru.”
Next Steps
Johnson said the next step rests with the city council, which must adopt a resolution placing the recall question on the ballot by March 2, as outlined in Nebraska Revised Statutes §§ 32-1301 through 32-1309. If approved, the recall election would be held in conjunction with the May 12 primary. The matter is expected to be brought before the council at its Feb. 17 meeting. Should the council fail to pass the resolution, state statute requires the county attorney to file a lawsuit to enforce the measure.
Voters will be asked whether to retain or recall Westfall on the May 12 ballot, which is the next scheduled election. A vote to retain would allow her to serve the remainder of her term. A vote to recall would remove her from office and bar her from seeking election or appointment within the city until the term expires in 2028.
State statute also prohibits another recall attempt against the same official for at least 12 months if the current effort fails.
Westfall was appointed to the council in July 2023 by then-Mayor Dave Pease to fill a vacancy and was subsequently elected in November 2024.