ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Bernalillo County Treasurer Manny Ortiz is facing a recall petition.
Ortiz's office has been the subject of a state audit, and the county commission recently voted no confidence in Ortiz.
The petition filed last week in state court accuses Ortiz of mismanaging county investments and other malfeasance warranting his removal from office.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the petition was delivered to Ortiz on Friday. It seeks court approval to circulate a petition that could force the treasurer into a recall election.
Some 45,000 signatures would be needed to trigger an election.
Ortiz has repeatedly defended his work. He has said he sees no grounds for recall.
A hearing to decide whether the petition can move forward for signature-gathering is scheduled Jan. 9 before Judge Beatrice Brickhouse.