The Phoenix City Clerk's Office confirmed Thursday that enough valid signatures were submitted to force Councilman Michael Nowakowski into a recall election.

Nowakowski has until Jan. 10 to resign or he must fight to keep his seat in a May vote.

In December, the Urban Phoenix Project PAC submitted 2,361 signatures supporting a recall of the councilman. The group has said it is "devoted to electing urbanists to the Phoenix City Council.''

The group needed only 1,337 valid signatures for the recall to appear on the ballot. City Clerk Denise Archibald confirmed in a "certificate of sufficiency" that the number of valid signatures exceeded that requirement.

Why a recall?

In its recall filings, the PAC alleged Nowakowski "neglected the needs of constituents ... abused his City Council office by participating in a lucrative downtown land deal that involved his private employer and has voted against Phoenix's future by putting our vital South Central light rail project at risk."

The statement continued, "Furthermore, he has been caught on video expressing hateful comments about the LGBT community and keeps close associations with lobbyists who are or have been under investigation of corruption."

The group welcomed the clerk's announcement late Thursday.

“We are excited to be able to vote for new leadership in District 7,” Urban Phoenix Project PAC Chairman Sean Sweat said in a statement. “We deserve better here in District 7, and we are excited for the potential of a new councilor who cares about the people."

Nowakowski responds

Nowakowski has been critical of the motives of his critics, particularly Sweat, since the recall campaign was initiated.

In a statement late Thursday, Nowakowski said, "I am disappointed that a radical special interest group who's singular agenda (is) to suppress the voices of District 7 residents is leading this senseless and costly recall."

"I remain faithful and committed to the diversity and needs of our neighborhoods and families of District 7," he said.

Nowakowski said he was "reviewing all my options," when asked if he would challenge the verified signatures.

He did not respond when asked if he would consider resigning.

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