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RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho City Council has made good on its promise to force Mayor Kevin Jackson to start talking.

The council unanimously approved a resolution on July 11 to subpoena Jackson to a special meeting July 20 where he will be asked to answer questions about his use of a city credit card and his silence on allegations of its misuse.

If he does not attend or refuses to answer the council's inquiry, he could face misdemeanor charges.

"This is a difficult thing to do," Councilor Larry Naranjo said before voting in favor of the subpoena. "He has not responded to the public that elected him."

With little discussion, the council voted 6-0 to issue the subpoena.

Jackson did not attend the July 11 meeting.

The mayor also faces recall efforts from Rio Rancho citizens.

Duke Stripling, who filed the paperwork required to start the recall process on July 11, said Jackson has lost the trust of the city.

"I'm sure he's a very nice man," Stripling said. "But it's time for him to find a new job. This one is over."

Jim Blazskowski, a member of Advocates for Wildlife and the Environment, said he will file an intent to circulate a petition on July 12.

The 10-member environmental group seeking a recall was formed in response to bird and duck deaths reported at Chamisa Hills Golf and Country Club last year and again earlier this month, but Blazskowski said the recall is about more than Jackson's handling of the waterfowl deaths.

"The city has lost trust in him," Blazskowski said.

A recall election will be scheduled if organizers gather signatures from about 2,000 registered voters in Rio Rancho — 5 percent of the total registered.

Blazskowski and Stripling said they will discuss joining forces to gather signatures.

If Jackson is recalled or resigns, the City Council is responsible for selecting a mayor. That mayor would serve until the next regular election in March 2008.