BUFFALO GAP, S.D. – A Buffalo Gap town trustee is asking a judge to block a recall effort against him, arguing the petition does not meet South Dakota legal requirements.
Trustee Travis Lasseter has filed a challenge in Custer County Circuit Court, claiming the recall petition contains procedural flaws and should not move forward. The petition was circulated by former Buffalo Gap Trustee Terry Kizer.
The dispute centers on a longstanding disagreement over property boundaries and municipal rights-of-way in the small town south of Rapid City. Critics accuse Lasseter of improperly using city property, while Lasseter says the disagreement has led to false accusations about his character and public service.
Attorneys representing Lasseter argue the recall petition was not properly formatted or notarized and are asking the court to review the petition before any recall proceedings continue.
Kizer disputes those claims and says the recall effort complies with state law.
The case comes after a turbulent period for Buffalo Gap government, including a state audit that uncovered more than 131-thousand dollars in unsupported or unapproved expenditures under a previous town administration.
A regular meeting of the Buffalo Gap Board of Trustees is scheduled for Monday evening, and the recall petition is listed on the agenda.
