Councilwoman Sandra Breymaier (D-4th Ward), the subject of recall petitions submitted to the city clerk Monday, said she thinks she knows who is behind the effort—and she isn’t referring to Christopher Granchie, the individual who circulated the petitions.

“It’s Mayor (Ken) Kline,” Breymaier claimed to 21 News during an interview this week. “He’s a Republican, I’m a Democrat and a swing vote, and he wants a Republican in my seat.”

Breymaier, 72, in the second year of her first term in office, accused the mayor of having a 'vendetta' against her. “Why am I being singled out,” she asked. “Is it because I’m a woman and a Democrat? I just don’t know.”

KIine’s response: “That’s silly and that’s the first I’ve heard of it. What comes first for me is my hometown (and) I don’t care what party they’re from.” Kline revealed to 21 News that he was asked to sign the recall petition since he lives in the Fourth Ward and wouldn’t do it. “I didn’t sign it,” he said.

Granchie, the petition circulator who is a civilian employee at Camp Garfield and a member of the Ohio National Guard, accused Breymaier of “unprofessionalism” such as what he described as “name-calling” against the mayor. He also took exception to her vote in favor of smart meters to be installed in the village. “Most of us in the ward do not feel represented by her at all,” he said.

Granchie, however, admitted that if the recall is successful and Breymaier is ousted, he will run for her seat.

The recall petitions contain 211 signatures, which Granchie says is well above the amount required by the Newton Falls Charter. The document states the required amount must be equal to 51-percent “number of the electors of such ward who voted at the last preceding regular municipal election.” Kathy King, city clerk who received the petitions, said she has to confer with the village law director about the exact figure.

The charter requires the clerk to certify if the petitions are “sufficient” within 20 days after they are filed, in this case before the end of this month. If they are, council must set a date for the recall elections within 90 days after the council member is notified meaning the recall, if it occurs, will not be scheduled until summer.

Breymaier said she will fight to keep her council seat. “I’m not a quitter and I won’t quit,” she said. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”