Here we go again. The recall process is being used to try to oust three Marquette city commissioners over the boathouse flap.

Let us say right up front that we are not in favor of this type of recall. We didn’t support the recall several years ago when city commissioners were turned away over the handling of the termination of a previous city attorney and we don’t support this latest one.

We oppose this recall because, among other things, it is much too early in the process to even determine what may happen with the proposed building for boat storage in Founder’s Landing for the rowing club, which is what prompted the recall effort.

It is our understanding that no definite plans have been approved at this time to build the boat storage house. The city commission has been listening to the public about the concern over the first location that was suggested for the building. It appears the commission will be more than happy to consider those concerns and, in turn, other recommended locations. We believe that a compromise can be reached that will satisfy all stakeholders.

We are happy that people in Marquette are paying close attention to keeping the lakeshore accessible to the public. One trip along hotel row in Traverse City will show you what can happen if private entities are allowed to buy all the lakefront property. There is a large part of the beach where you can’t get on the lake without staying at one of the hotels that have been built on the lake.

The access to Lake Superior in front of the Hampton Inn in Marquette is a good example of allowing a business to locate close to the lake without restricting public access to the lake.

The current recall petition for three commissioners seems to be an over reaction. The reason they are being recalled may not even be relevant when a final decision is made about the location.

There also seems to be confusion over the language of the recall. Recall language says that commissioners Sarah Reynolds, Mike Coyne and Dave Campana “voted yes March 10 to allow the Upper Peninsula community Rowing club to construct a permanent club boathouse at Founders Landing.” Mike Coyne said in a story in Friday’s Mining Journal that the “March 10 vote was simply to authorize the city attorney to work to develop a lease and license agreement for the boathouse, not to actually build it as stated in the recall language.”

Because of state law Coyne would be the only commissioner who’s name could appear on the November ballot. The two other commissioners could not be placed on a recall ballot until May 2015.

We implore anyone who would consider signing a petition for recall of Mike Coyne to make sure they are clear on all the facts before they consider signing the petition.

A total of 1,396 signatures are needed to put the recall question before the voters. We believe that if all the facts are known, organizers will not find anywhere close to 1,396 people willing to sign the petitions.

Coyne has been an excellent representative for the city of Marquette as commissioner and previously as mayor of Marquette. We are lucky to have Coyne serving as a city commissioner because he is always willing to listen to both sides of an issue and then make an educated decision based on the facts put in front of him.

Coyne has said he has listened to community members concerned about the original proposed location for the boat house on Founder’s Landing and is happy to discuss other alternative locations that may satisfy all involved.

We believe that if everyone takes a deep breath and waits until some more definite plans are given to us, there will be a workable solution that keeps everyone happy.

If a recall petition was successful in removing a quality commissioner like Mike Coyne, that would be a troubling statement for the future of the city of Marquette.