Opponents of Federal Heights Mayor Dale Sparks collected more than enough valid signatures from eligible voters to force a recall election of the mayor and the mayor pro tem, the city clerk said Tuesday.
Phyllis Schott said she was able to confirm 424 residents had signed the petition circulated by the Recall Committee for Dale Sparks. At least 379 signatures are needed to prompt a mayoral recall.
Also, a recall election for Mayor Pro Tem Joyce Thomas appears likely, after opponents gathered 69 valid signatures, one signature above the minimum required, Schott said.
Thomas is a staunch supporter of Sparks, who has been under investigation and under political fire over his activities while working as a doorman at the strip club Bare Essence. Sparks was working April 15, when the club was raided by police on allegations of prostitution.
A police report alleges Sparks was employed by the owners of Bare Essence, in part, to protect the club. Sparks also compromised the identity of undercover officers, police said.
Still, no criminal charges were filed against Sparks related to the strip-club raid. He said he will not resign as mayor.
“I’m not a wife beater, I didn’t get arrested for drunk driving and I’m not a child molester,” Sparks said. “If I’m guilty of anything, it’s of bad judgment for working (at the club).”
A separate report by an outside attorney said Sparks was guilty of several ethical violations through his association with the club.
At least three members of the City Council have called for his resignation.
The council will have to set an election to be conducted within 90 days after Schott submits the recall petition.
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
