American Notes NEBRASKA

When Democrat Michael Boyle, 43, won his second term as mayor of Omaha in 1985, some supporters touted him as a candidate for Governor of Nebraska. In the past year, however, Boyle's erratic behavior convinced most Omahans that he was unfit even for city hall. Among other embarrassing incidents, the mayor fired the police chief in a feud over traffic tickets issued to his family, and was seen tossing a pat of butter at a county official during a dinner meeting. Last October a citizens' committee charged Boyle with abuse of power, denounced him as "irresponsible, petty and at times downright childish" and called for his ouster.

Although Boyle promised to reform, Omaha voters went to the polls in record numbers last week for a recall election. By a convincing tally of 55,275 votes to 42,832, they turned Boyle out. The city council will appoint a new mayor.