(KLZA)--The effort to recall Peru, Nebraska Mayor Kathy Novak is continuing.

Novak issued a formal defense statement to the Nemaha County, Nebraska Clerk's Office prior to the deadline.

Novak said in her statement that she stands by her record of serving Peru with integrity and transparency and says claims of financial misappropriation are false.

Former Peru city employee Phillip Wemhoff is the primary circulator of the recall petition and cited concerns over misuse of funds and encouraged residents to attend council meetings to see the issues.

According to the Nemaha Valley Observer, Peru Council member and former Mayor Josh Whisler cited trust issues and teamwork along with high staff turnover and limited council input on hiring an spending decisions.

Council President and Finance committee member Theresa Westfall also signed the recall petiton, noting a lack of commnication from the mayors office.

 

The deadline to collect enough signatures to force a recall is December 5. If enough signature are collected, voters will decide whether or not to retain or recall Mayor Novak.