York County Commissioner LeRoy Ott has been unofficially recalled

YORK -- York County District 2 Commissioner LeRoy Ott has been recalled – unofficially at this point.

​The unofficial results show 351 people voted yes for recall and 262 voted no.
While only about 30% of the registered voters in District 2 returned a ballot, in this all-mail election, the majority said yes to the recall.
The results remain unofficial until tomorrow, but due to the margin, it is highly likely the recall has happened.
The special election closed at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 9, with the clerk's office counting the ballots.
This special election was the result of a petition drive initiated by Julie Wellman who was seeking the recall of Ott.
Regarding the special election, Ott said earlier: “I have been the county commissioner for the Second District in York County since I was appointed in January of 2025, and was elected to the position in November of 2025. I currently serve on the Veterans Committee, the Region V/Apace Committee, the Aging and Transit Committee and the Legislative Committee. I communicate with our Nebraska State Senator Jana Hughes about issues concerning York County. I also attend meetings and have educational opportunities with the Nebraska Association of County Officials. The County Commissioners meet every other Tuesday at the York County Courthouse. I have attended Village Board and Planning Meetings in Waco and Gresham, and also have attended community meetings in York, McCool Junction, Henderson, Benedict, Gresham and Waco that were organized by Marvin Planning to generate community input and were open opportunities for people to share their opinions about what people want for York County. Part of the challenge of being a county commissioner is studying state policies and requirements, considering budget issues, and listening to the needs of the members of the community, while working with the other commissioners to pass policy that is good for all of York County.
“One of the topics that the county commissioners have been addressing is solar policy. My vote to continue to study the issue is why I am being recalled. My position on the topic has always been to compromise between those that want no solar and those who want solar everywhere in York County. I believe that land owners have rights to do what they want with their land, but it also must be tempered with the rights of their neighbors, as well as state, safety and environmental considerations.”
Regarding her reasons for seeking a recall, Wellman said: “My motivation behind this recall is not personal, I want to save the family farms, and this change in zoning would be bad for our farms and community. I am not typically a person who gets involved in politics, although I do keep up on current events. However, in the Spring of 2025, a very important issue came before the York County Board of Commissioners. On April 1, 2025, the York County Commissioners’ agenda included a discussion and vote regarding rezoning York County. It would mean solar farms would not have to comply with the current zoning laws. After nearly three years to study, discuss, debate and research this issue, the vote was taken with a final count of 2 no votes and 3 yes votes; with this outcome, the York County Commissioners decided against rezoning York County. However, because this vote was voted on as a motion instead of a resolution, there needed to be a revote exactly two weeks after the first vote. When I realized there would be a second vote, I called LeRoy personally on Saturday, April 12 at 11:20 a.m. During this call, we discussed the upcoming vote and the issue of rezoning York County. He assured me he would not change his vote because, as worded, this was wrong for York County at this time. But on Tuesday, April 15 (just three days after this phone conversation), LeRoy did change his vote from a yes to a no. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and thought he must have a good reason, I called him three times to find out an explanation – he never answered and never returned my calls; I am confident that I’m not the only person who attempted to reach out to LeRoy regarding his change of heart. We have five commissioners in York County: one lives in York, one lived in the city of York before moving to attend college in Lincoln where he currently resides in a dorm and one lives just outside of York city limits on a paved road, leaving just two commissioners who live and drive any county roads regularly. How can three of our county commissioners understand the needs and concerns of the rural residents of our county when they do not drive our roads, live in our neighborhoods or face the same issues we do living outside the city of York?”
As said previously, the canvassing board will convene on Wednesday, Dec. 10, to confirm the results.
It appears, at this time, Ott has been recalled.
This means he will no longer be a county commissioner, as of the declaration of confirmation.
When that happens, the county will begin gathering applications from interested persons who want to be considered for the position, from District 2.
Then, a committee made up of the county clerk, county treasurer and county attorney will determine who will fulfill this position on the county board.