Mayor Avoids Recall

By Associated Press

Stillwater, OK – Stillwater mayor avoids recall in close vote

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) Stillwater Mayor Nathan Bates has avoided being recalled by four votes out of nearly 4,500 votes cast.

The unofficial vote in Tuesday's election is 2,230 to keep the 28-year-old Bates in office and 2,226 voting to remove him. The result is to be certified Friday.

Bates was accused of being drunk in public, asking a woman to expose her breasts and of using his office to steer money to a company he owns. He denied the allegations and says he'll ask those who led the recall effort to pay for the election that cost an estimated $10,000-$11,000.

The recall effort was led by City Councilor Darrell Dougherty who says members of his Vote Yes for Stillwater campaign will meet Wednesday to decide what to do next.