NASHUA, N.H. (AP) – Mayor Bernie Streeter has filed a lawsuit trying to block efforts to remove him from office, The Telegraph reported Tuesday.

Streeter’s lawsuit claims a recall provision in the 1913 city charter is invalid and not allowed by state law. The suit names Claire McGrath, the former alderman who led the recall effort, as well as City Clerk Paul Bergeron and the board of alderman.

McGrath has accused Streeter of being fiscally irresponsible and hurting the city with a hands-off management style. She turned in a petition Monday with more than 3,400 signatures, or about 2,000 more than needed to force a special election.

Hillsborough County Superior court Judge Gary Hicks denied Streeter’s request to stop Bergeron from certifying the recall petition and the alderman from scheduling a special election. Instead, Hicks scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, the day after alderman are expected to set the date of a special election.